The Western Province Mounted Rifles were raised in December 1900 and had a strength during the Guerilla War of about 500. According to Tylden, one Troop was composed almost entirely of amateur cricketers. They were heavily engaged in the extreme south-west of Cape Colony and patrols were frequently attacked and often captured by marauding Boer Commandos. So much so that the W.P.M.R. earned the nickname of "Will Provide Maritz with Rifles".