This film is part of Free
C.I.V.'s Marching aboard S.S. "Garth Castle"
Volunteers prepare for the long journey to South Africa
Overview
The title of this film dates it around January 1900 - when the first of two contingents of the City of London Imperial Volunteers boarded the SS Garth Castle bound for South Africa. These men would probably have volunteered less than a month before these images were shot for the Hepworth Film Company. A few weeks later they would see their first active service in the successful attempt to relieve the town of Kimberley from its Boer siege on 15 February.
The past tense of the opening intertitle points to the BFI National Archive's print being a reissued copy, perhaps from a few years later.
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
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
Train Load of C.I.V.s Leaving Southampton Train Load of C.I.V.s Leaving Southampton
Non-Fiction 1900 1 mins Location: Southampton
Back in Blighty - after fighting in the Boer War, these volunteer soldiers are heading home to London and Middlesex
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.
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
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
New Perspectives: Fish Tank New Perspectives: Fish Tank
Short documentary 2025 4 mins
Adam Smith of Northumbria University explains why Andrea Arnold's coming-of-age story, about a girl who uses dance to escape, is his favourite film on BFI Player.
New Perspectives: Pusher New Perspectives: Pusher
Short documentary 2025 5 mins
Noah Ball of Northumbria University explains why you should seize the chance to watch Nicolas Winding Refn's debut.
Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan on working with David Lynch - Q&A Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan on working with David Lynch - Q&A
Inside Film 2025 38 mins
Kyle MacLachlan talks to BFI CEO Ben Roberts about working with David Lynch on the legendary series Twin Peaks.
On Falling - Exclusive Q&A On Falling - Exclusive Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
Writer-director Laura Carreira talks to Nia Childs about her debut feature, On Falling.
Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.
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.