Stephanus Petrus Erasmus Trichard[1] (23 January 1847, Ohrigstad[2] - October 1907, Kenya)[3] was a field cornet and Commander for the South African Republic (Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek, ZAR) in the First and Second Boer War.

[6] Initially, he was commander for Middelburg, and played an active role during military expeditions against Mapoch (1882–1883), Rain Queen Modjadji (Lobedu War, 1890), Malaboch (April - July 1894), and Chief Makgoba (1894–1895).

At the Battle of Dalmanutha (Bergendal, 21 – 27 August 1900), he successfully demonstrated the State Artillery's capabilities,[6] but it would also ring their unit's death bell.

The corps was divided into different units, and in October 1900 the Transvaal Uitvoerende Raad (Executive Board) had to declare Trichard's post redundant.

[6] As a previously wealthy farmer from the Middelburg district, Colonel Trichard submitted a claim for damages after the Treaty of Vereeniging on 31 May 1902.

They visited Tamatave (Toamasina) and Tananariwe (Antananarivo), and were received by Governor General Joseph Gallieni, who authorised them to undertake a fact-finding journey.

After exploring the east coast, they however decided against settling because of three reasons, namely the official status of the Catholic Church, endemic malaria and the strong oriental influences.