The South African Constabulary was set up in October 1900 by Baden-Powell and was envisaged as the Police Force for the newly conquered Transvaal and Orange Free State. In the event, it found itself employed in the Guerilla War as a mounted force and their use by Kitchener as fighting soldiers was the cause of a bitter struggle with Lord Milner. They became policemen proper after the signing of peace and by that stage had had several Baden-Powell foibles hoisted upon them such as stetson hats and navy-style rank badges. It was a cosmopolitan force and many were recruited in Canada.

Lieutenant-Colonel Herbert Pulteney Dalzell-Walton was one of the first Officers to be recruited to the South African Constabulary. He joined direct from the Burma Police and was appointed a Captain on 23.10.1900. He served until 1904 and his career details are contained in his obituary in the periodical South Africa:

'Born in Karachi in 1866 and after serving in Methuen's Horse in the Bechuanaland Expedition he joined the Burma Police. He was seconded for service in the S.A.C. on the outbreak of war in 1900 [sic] and served with distinction through that campaign receiving the Queen's and King's Medal with five clasps and the thanks of the High Commissioner. Though over military age he applied for a commission and was gazetted to a service battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers as a Major on 7.10.1914 and obtained promotion as Lieutenant-Colonel on 2.4.1916.'

Dalzell-Walton was killed in action on 9.9.1916 while commanding the 8th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.