Original British Boer War Railway Pioneer Regiment 3rd Battalion Officer Field Service Tunic Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. During the Second Boer War (11 October 1899 – 31 May 1902) the Railway Pioneer Regiment was a large unit and played a vital role in support of the field operations. The four battalions of the RPR were involved in repairing and protecting the railways, culverts and bridges and assisted the Corps of Royal Engineers in that task. Stirling’s “Our Regiments in South Africa” contains a brief digest of the services of the RPR as a whole.

This is a rare field service tunic, made of light khaki wool material. This example features a box pleat to the back. Another early feature tailored for rank and buttons that are removable characteristic of foreign service tunics. Shoulder straps matching Lieutenant rank badge with 3 RPR brass insignia. The interior is nicely lined in satin but regretfully no tailor’s label or name. Superb condition with no moth damage, but scattered light staining throughout.

Approximate Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 9”
Shoulder to sleeve: 23”
Shoulder to shoulder: 15”
Chest width: 18”
Waist width: 17”
Hip width: 22”
Front length: 28″

The Second Boer War (11 October 1899 – 31 May 1902) was fought between the British Empire and two independent Boer states, the South African Republic (Republic of Transvaal) and the Orange Free State, over the Empire’s influence in South Africa. The trigger of the war was the discovery of diamonds and gold in the Boer states. The war is also known as the Boer War, Anglo-Boer War, or South African War. Initial Boer attacks were successful, and although British reinforcements later reversed these, the war continued for years with Boer guerrilla warfare, until harsh British counter-measures including a scorched earth policy brought the Boers to terms.