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In 1905, two nearly identical memorials were erected to commemorate the Scottish Horse Regiment, a unit that served with distinction during the South African War (Anglo-Boer War). These monuments, located on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle in Scotland and atop Caledonia Koppie in Johannesburg, South Africa, honour the officers and men who lost their lives during the war.
Scottish Horse Memorials in Edinburgh (left) and Johannesburg (right)
Plaque on the Edinburgh memorial (The Heritage Portal)
The Scottish Horse was established in late 1900 when Lord Kitchener asked the Marquess of Tullibardine to raise a regiment of Scotsmen in South Africa. The regiment grew quickly, expanding into two regiments, and saw active service in the Western Transvaal. After the war ended in 1902, the regiments were disbanded at Edinburgh Castle following the repatriation of Australian volunteers and discharge of South African members.
Edinburgh Castle from below (The Heritage Portal)
Located on Caledonia Koppie in Kensington, the Johannesburg memorial stands as one of the city's earliest war monuments. The inventory form compiled by the City of Johannesburg reveals that its location was most likely chosen as it overlooked the former site of the Scottish Horse camp in Bezuidenhout Valley where the Regiment guarded one of the largest remount camps during the war.
The view from Caledonia Koppie
The memorial takes the form of a monumental Celtic cross, standing 26 feet (7.9m) high, crafted from red Scottish granite. Its base is 12 feet (3.6m) wide and surrounded by a rough cairn-like pile of quarry-dressed stones rising 6 feet (1.8m) from the ground. The most significant difference between the Edinburgh and Johannesburg memorials is that the Johannesburg version features a hollow metal die instead of the solid granite die used in Edinburgh, a modification made to facilitate transport to and erection in South Africa.
The monument originally featured bronze plaques bearing the names of the fallen, including Zulu scouts who served with the regiment. A two-handed sword (claymore) measuring 10 feet (3m) is carved into the front of the cross, with a shield bearing the Scottish Arms in relief at its base. The regimental motto "Nemo me impune lacessit" ("No one attacks me with impunity") and the date "1900" were also originally displayed. Click here for full details from the City of Johannesburg.
Looking up from behind Caledonia Hill towards the Scottish Horse Memorial (The Heritage Portal)
While the Edinburgh memorial remains largely intact, the Johannesburg monument has faced significant challenges. Since 1961, it has endured multiple instances of vandalism (and restoration). Despite these challenges, the memorial continues to serve as both a historical landmark and a reminder of the Scottish contribution to South African military history, including its connection to the subsequent Transvaal Scottish Regiment formed in 1902.
Today, the Johannesburg memorial stands not only as a war monument but has also become a popular viewpoint. Tour, school and religious groups are often seen making their way to the top to take in the spectacular views across the valley towards the Joburg skyline.
Students taking in the view from Caledonia Koppie
In Edinburgh, thousands of tourists pass the memorial on their way to and from Edinburgh Castle. There is a small interepretation board that mentions Johannesburg.
Interpretation board mentioning Joburg on the bottom right (The Heritage Portal)
Enjoying a moment at the memorial (The Heritage Portal)
About the author: James Ball is the founder and editor of The Heritage Portal.
Sources
- Inventory form compiled by Eric Itzkin, City of Johannesburg.
- The Scottish Horse Memorial - The story behind one of Johannesburg's earliest war memorials, Eric Itzkin, The Heritage Portal
- A journey into the rich history of the vandalised Scottish Horse Memorial Kensington, Kathy Munro, The Heritage Portal
- Scottish Horse War Memorial entry on Wikipedia
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