Boer War Memorial, Dorchester Square

The Boer War Memorial, sculpted by George W. Hill (1862-1934) was unveiled at the Dominion Square on May 24, 1907. It is dedicated to the Montréalers who fought alongside the British during the Boer War.

It is the only equestrian statue in Montréal, and atypically, is not mounted, but restrained. The Boer War Memorial faces north, towards Mount Royal Cross, which would have been visible from the square up until 1929. Around the base of the statue are copper reliefs and the names of each battle.

The Boer War was widely unpopular in Quebec society, viewed as an imperial war. Prime Minister of Canada Wilfrid Laurier opposed the war, but ultimately compromised with the proposal for militia and volunteers en lieu of conscription.

The four principal monuments — the others being the Robert Burns Memorial, Wilfrid Laurier Memorial, and Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Fountain — in the square are arranged to form a five equilateral cross with the kiosk towards the Dominion Square Building.

Photo 837, June 2010

Boer War Memorial, Dorchester Square

Photo 839, June 2010

Boer War Memorial, one of the 4 copper reliefs

Photo 841, June 2010