The long-delayed podcast on The Jameson Raid is up. You can access it here or on most podcast listening platforms.
The Raid, which took place at the turn of the year 1895/96, in the Transvaal in Southern Africa, was one of the most spectacular military cock-ups of all time. The Raiders, who had the backing of the imperialist diamonds-and-gold magnate Cecil Rhodes, and the tacit support of British Colonial Secretary Joseph Chamberlain, was supposed to be in support of a rising of aggrieved Uitlanders in the gold boomtown of Johannesburg, who were expected to fight for their civil rights. But the Rising fizzled, leaving the Raiders on their own hook. Boer Commandos surrounded and shot up Jameson’s column and forced them into a humiliating surrender.
The episode had all the characteristics of the classic filibustering disaster: Overestimation of support from the population the filibusters sought to “liberate”; underestimation of the fighting capabilities of the state being invaded; excessive faith that pluck and determination could win the day.
The spectacular failure of the Raid had significant consequences — creating an opportunity for the Ndebele to rise in what would become Rhodesia in a bloody bid to throw off white rule; exacerbating Anglo-German tensions as the Germans supported the Boers; and setting the stage for the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902.
The Raid politically damaged Cecil Rhodes, and should have finished off its leader, Leander Starr Jameson, but the charismatic and well-loved Dr. Jim landed on his feet. He would die a Baronet, and his inspiration led to the creation of Rudyard Kipling’s immortal poem “If.”
It’s a weird and wild piece of Frontier Partisans history. Hope you enjoy it.
The estimable Redcoat: British Military History channel offers a great tour of the key sites of the Raid:
Matthew says
Great podcast! I wonder if Jameson was really deserving of having the wonderful poem If written about him. I mean I generally don’t know since I don’t know that much about him.
Stanley Wheeler says
I got started on this podcast while I was mowing, but got rained out a short way in. I look forward to finishing the adventure.
JimC says
Sounds like conditions in our neck-o-the-woods. My lawn keeps screaming: “Do you know where you are? You in the jungle, baby. You gonna DIE!”
Quixotic Mainer says
Great rendition of the tale! The way the Raid flowed it reminded me a lot of the Johnson County War played out on a more epic scale. Though the Boers gave the raiders more of a hiding than the gunfighters the cattle barons trained up to Montana got, more’s the pity.
JimC says
Never made that. connection, but there are some parallels. I know a family that has Nate Champion’s line shack door in Buffalo, WY. That history ain’t too remote.
Quixotic Mainer says
That’s awesome!
Christian says
If you want to see many of the sites today then you may enjoy my video on the Raid posted to my Redcoat History YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78gPwNJU0IQ&t=471s
JimC says
Gonna kick this up into the body copy. Your channel is fantastic. Posted on the Shangani Patrol episode here: https://frontierpartisans.com/26404/working-the-trapline-outlaw-ballads-shangani-patrol/
Christian says
That’s great – thanks so much for sharing. I am a massive fan of your blog and podcast.
JimC says
Well, that makes my day.