The Natal Royal Rifles were raised in 1861 as the Pietermaritzburg Volunteer Rifles Corps and during the Boer War had a strength of four Officers and 146 men. They received their orders to proceed on active service on 26.9.1899 and served in the field in Natal until October 1900. Having taken part in the battle at Willow Grange they were placed under General Hildyard's command on 26.11.1899 and took part in a successful reconnaissance towards Chieveley. As Buller's force pushed forward the Regiment was given the task of guarding the lines of communication.