This film is part of Free
Train Load of C.I.V.s Leaving Southampton
Back in Blighty - after fighting in the Boer War, these volunteer soldiers are heading home to London and Middlesex
Overview
Cheerful faces emerge from the windows of a train decked with flags. The City of London Imperial Volunteers have finished their tour of duty in the Boer War and are on their way home to see their families. Cecil Hepworth had filmed these men shipping out for South Africa earlier in the year, and he returned months later to see their homecoming. Hepworth considered the Boer War a turning point in cinema history, demonstrating "the value of news to the films; the importance of films to the news".
After the Second Boer War broke out in 1899, volunteer corps were established across the country. There was no forced conscription in Britain until the later stages of WWI. Most of the City of London Imperial Volunteers left to assist with the relief of Kimberley in January and February 1900 and were back in October that year - with the unit disbanded in December. Films of trains leaving and entering stations were famously popular in the early years of cinema. It's obvious why when you see how many people and how much movement a static camera can catch from the train platform.
Related
Vistafjord Exclusive Cruises Vistafjord Exclusive Cruises
Advert 1975 21 mins Location: Southampton
Enjoy this kaleidoscope of images taken aboard the MS Vistafjord - for an exclusive holiday cruise setting sail from Southampton
C.I.V.'s Marching aboard S.S. "Garth Castle" C.I.V.'s Marching aboard S.S. "Garth Castle"
1900 1 mins Silent Location: Southampton
Volunteers prepare for the long journey to South Africa
Embarkation of the C.I.V. For South Africa Embarkation of the C.I.V. For South Africa
Non-Fiction 1900 1 mins Silent Location: Southampton
City Imperial Volunteers head for the Boer War battleground
Coldstream Guards Embarking on Troopship Gascon Coldstream Guards Embarking on Troopship Gascon
Non-Fiction 1899 1 mins Silent Location: Southampton
This close view of departing troops gets up close and personal with soldiers off to the Boer War.
The 'Roslin Castle' (Troopship) Leaving for South Africa The 'Roslin Castle' (Troopship) Leaving for South Africa
Non-Fiction 1899 2 mins Location: Southampton
The 2nd Battalion West Yorkshires head off to join the Boer War
Lord Roberts Leaving for South Africa Lord Roberts Leaving for South Africa
Documentary 1899 1 mins Silent Location: Southampton
With grim news from the Boer War, a popular military commander is given a fond farewell as he leaves to take command
All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 28 mins
Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
Documentary 2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.
China O'Brien: The Reunion China O'Brien: The Reunion
Documentary 2024 60 mins
Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton and Keith Cooke reunite three decades on from the groundbreaking martial arts classic.