The total cost of the War was approximately £ 210 million.  It is not possible to give an exact figure because the costs were borne from many sources.  For example, the colonial units were initially funded by their source governments.  However, the figures that follow give a reasonable estimation.

 

1899 - 1900

£ 23,000,000

 

1900 - 1901

£ 63,737,000

 

1901 - 1902

£ 67,670,000

 

1902 - 1903

£ 47,500,000

 

 

£ 201,907,000

 

Interest

£ 9,249,000

 

 

£ 211,156,000

The breakdown of the cost shows how the money was spent:

 

Supplies

£ 47,600,000

 

Ships and transport

£ 30.500,000

 

Other stores

£ 17,470,000

 

Horses, mules & oxen

£ 16,525,000

 

Railway costs

£ 15,700,000

 

Pay for regular forces

£ 14,500,000

 

Clothing

£ 9,400,000

 

Wages for transportation staff

£ 7,670,000

 

Pay for South African forces

£ 7,500,000

 

Pay for Imperial Yeomanry

£ 5,150,000

 

Works, telegraph and engineering works

£ 4,700,000

 

Compensation

£ 4,580,000

 

Ammunition

£ 4,315,000

 

Pay for Militia

£ 4,000,000

 

Concentration camp maintenance

£ 3,540,000

 

Gratuities for troops

£ 3,500,000

 

Pay for overseas colonials

£ 2,700,000

 

Pay for medical establishments

£ 2,270,000

 

Pensions (to 31 Mar 03)

£ 1,660,000

 

Miscellaneous costs

£ 1,270,000

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