British Surrenders and the South African War, 1899-1902

Based on primary research, this article examines more than 1000 cases of surrender in the British Army during the South African War, 1899-1902. It concludes that the majority of surrenders were caused by five conditions: faulty leadership, the removal of effective leadership through injury or death, lack of necessary supplies, decisive disadvantage in terms of numbers and the use of questionable tactics by the enemy. An examination of surrender gives insight into morale, resource allocation, discipline, decision-making and military law.