Memory of Russian volunteers who had participated in the Anglo-Boer War honoured in Midrand
Memory of Russian volunteers who had participated in the Anglo-Boer War honoured in Midrand
Ambassador of Russia to South Africa H.E.Mr. Ilya Rogachev took part in the event in Midrand commemorating Russian volunteers who had fought in the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902).
The ceremony, timed to the 119th anniversary of the signing of the Vereeniging peace treaty, was organized at the venue of the St.Sergius Russian orthodox church by Midvaal municipality (Gauteng province) in cooperation with “Vaal Triangle Cultural Network” with the support of South African public organizations “AfriForum” and “Solidarity.”
Rector of the church priest Danil Lugovoy served a lity followed by the participants’ laying wreaths to the chapel of Saint Prince Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles.
Head of the “AfriForum” organization Mr. Kallie Kriel recalled the support provided by Russian nationals to the Boer republics in their independence struggle. He emphasized the importance of passing on to future generations the memory of the heroes. Ambassador I.Rogachev extended his gratitude for the preservation of memory of the deceased Russians.
During the Anglo-Boer War in 1899-1902, some 270 Russian volunteers fought in the ranks of Boer armies. In 1900, Russian Red Cross group and Russian-Dutch ambulance unit were deployed in South Africa, which provided medical assistance to both combatants and civilians.
The war concluded with absorption of the Boer republics by the British colonial empire. It claimed over 70,000 lives from both sides, including 40,000 who perished in British concentration camps.
