Over 7000 Canadian soldiers were involved in the Boer war conflict between 1899 and 1902, including St. Catharines soldier John Gare. Gare kept a detailed diary of his trip overseas as a member of the artillery who was responsible for the care of horses. His journals recount some interesting adventures, but it’s his earliest entries, in the winter of 1900 that draw a picture of the public’s response to the war.

Many Francophone-Canadians were not supportive of Canada’s involvement in what was seen as a minor imperial conflict.
Anglophone-Canadians, however, were vocal in their support.

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