BOERS
Officers were elected
Used modern mauser rifles purchased from Germany
Skilled marksmen
Local knowledge
Excellent horsemen
Relied on reservists who could be called up
Citizen army of 50,000
Soldiers could have a say in strategy and decisions.
As war progressed used guerrilla tactics – using environment to their advantage
Used natural colours
Understanding of field craft
BRITISH
Complacent after earlier successes e.g. Zulu Wars
Believed in use of sheer numbers
Difficult climate and terrain
Used line formations
Small army compared to territory controlled
Khaki uniforms but with white cross belts
Initially only 14,000 troops in the region
Officers could not survive on pay alone
Officers more interested in sport or busy form filling than soldiering
Relied on railways for supplies
Many soldiers from poorest backgrounds
Clear focus on discipline rather than soldiering
Initially lack enough cavalry
Sir Redvers Buller initially in command
I don't believe the soldiers from poorest background was an 'excuse' - the British had experience in fighting many other wars before the Boer War. The Boers didn't have an army at all. They were inexperienced and farmers. I'm not even sure if your 50 000 is correct.
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