'Steinaecker's Horsemen' is a book relating the exploits of an irregular unit fighting on the British side during the Anglo–Boer War of 1899-1902. Steinaecker's Horse unit was made up of a unique mix of frontiersmen - hunters, pioneers, stock riders, miners, timbermen, transport operators, bush storekeepers and a host of others - good and bad. Most were South Africans but a great many were from Australia, while others came from the far flung corners of the British Empire and beyond.
Sometimes they roamed with a hundred or more men but more often they were in small groups of up to 4 men and held lonely picquet posts on the Lebombo range from which they patrolled the border with Portuguese East Africa. The maverick commander of this unit, Francis Christiaan Ludwig von Steinaecker, was a flamboyant and eccentric character; a former Prussian officer who rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was awarded the DSO for his service. He failed to adjust to civilian life after the war and committed suicide in 1917.
The 352 page book is illustrated with many maps and photos, and contains a biographical nominal roll of Steinaecker's Horse.
Contents:
List of Illustrations and Maps
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
1. The Eastern Line
2. The Black People
3. Espionage and Disruption
4. The Komati Poort Expedition
5. Steinaecker's Force Expands
6. Ibubezi - Man-Eating Lions
7. Influence and Mischief
8. Outposts, Picquets and Patrols
9. The Swaziland Outposts
10. Lowveld Health Hazards
11. Massacre at Hlatikulu
12. The Bremersdorp Affairs
13. Shikanikiso - The Attack on Fort Mpisane
14. Captain Wood Johns Steinaecker
15. The Special Squadron
16. Postwar Activities
Appendix 1. Biographical Notes: Men of Steinaecker's Horse
Appendix 2. Others Associated with the Steinaecker's Horse Story
Appendix 3. Honours and Awards: Roll of Honour
Appendix 4. Anglo-Boer War Campaign Medals and Clasps
Glossary
Select Bibliography
Index
