Boer Commando

Boer Commando History
In 1899, war was declared between the British Empire and the Afrikaans-speaking Boer republics in South Africa. Although the British had a larger, stronger army, the Boers formed groups of elite commandos, striking at British targets using guerrilla tactics. In manners reminiscent of the later Viet Cong and Taliban, the Boers would send out small squadrons of commandos to sabotage railroads or ambush British detachments.

Unused to such tactics, the British adopted harsher measures. Boer civilians were moved into concentration camps, while likely targets, such as railroads, were watched constantly. Still the commandos persisted, but problems with supply and discipline ultimately cost them the war.