The Kaffir War 1878

In 1851 the 2nd Battalion left home for South Africa, where it was engaged in the Kaffir War for nearly three years under Lieutenant Colonel C. L.Nesbitt. The Governor and Commander-in-Chief was General Sir Harry Smith of Aliwal, G.C.B. (late Rifle Brigade), until succeeded in 1852 by General Hon. Sir George Cathcart. Operations took place in a wide, roadless district of Cape Colony and the Battalion was chiefly engaged in small company columns. The Kaffirs were a numerous and warlike tribe, but ill-armed.

The two principal engagements were at Iron Mountain and Waterkloof, in March and May, 1852. This long war came to an end with the surrender of the Kaffirs in 1853.

3rd and 4th Battalions Re-Raised

The 3rd Battalion was re-raised at home in 1855 and the 4th Battalion in 1857. The Rifle Depot was established at Winchester in 1858.

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