On 24th April, the battalion embarked at Southampton on the transport Dunera for South Africa, and having disembarked at Durban on 24th May—strength 20 officers, 593 rank and file, 37 women, and 51 children—proceeded by rail to Ladysmith.
On 25th May the detachment under Lieutenant King-Harman rejoined head-quarters. This detachment had been employed on service for thirteen months with head-quarters at Fort Salisbury, and had had 1 man wounded. It received the thanks of the G.O.C. Natal and Zululand for “their soldierly qualities and good behaviour,” and subsequently received a medal for service in Rhodesia.
On 27th September, the battalion was put into khaki clothing.
1898.
On 10th August, a Maxim machine gun was issued to the battalion.
1899.
On 24th March, the battalion left Ladysmith for Durban, where it embarked on R.I.M.S. Clive for Calcutta, and arriving on 15th April, it proceeded to Dum Dum.
On 18th September, the head-quarters moved to Fort William, Calcutta.
War with the Boers in South Africa having broken out, Captain Fox-Strangways and Lieutenant Eckford were sent there for service on 18th September, and on 20th September, 1 sergeant and 14 men also went as trained transport drivers.
1900.