Transport vessels were engaged for unlimited service to convey troops, supplies and animals to and from South Africa.
Troops were carried in the fastest vessels available but it was found that large cargo boats were preferable to liners because they could be adapted more easily for military use. The size of vessel was also a factor. Experience showed that vessels of shorter length and lighter draught were more easily managed in South African waters and the accommodation on board roughly fitted a military unit.
The requirements for the transport of horses either meant that cattle ships were brought into service or other vessels were converted in a process that was both slow and costly.
The wide variety of supplies that were needed in South Africa necessitated that freight ships were often modified to suit the items to be carried.
Between 1899 and 1902 the transport vessels conveyed:
Nearly 400,000 troops to South Africa from many ports around the world
340,000 horses of which 13,000 died on the journey
103,000 mules of which 2,000 died on the journey
Over 1,000,000 tons of foodstuffs and forage
Wounded and sick were brought back to England
Of all the ships involved, only three were lost:
Carinthia. 400 mules lost
Denton. A freight ship that was carrying stores
Ismore. A transport ship which lost the guns of the 63rd Battery RFA and 315 horses
