NAM.2009-07-17-1

Letter written by Tpr Jack Collinson, 15th (The King’s) Hussars from Newcastle, South Africa, 5 Apr 1881. The letter is addressed to his friend Dvr Harry Partridge, Royal Artillery, who he hopes is still stationed in Woolwich. The letter, written in pencil, talks of Collinson’s relief that the battle seems to be over. He is camped on a hill 10 miles from Laing’s Nek. The weather is now getting very cold and he hates the early morning drills they are being forced to do! His unit were fortunate during the fighting at Laing’s Nek, losing only two killed, one wounded and one taken prisoner - the horses and the infantry regiments were not so lucky. He is looking forward to getting back to England and hopes that Harry has found a house that he can come and visit him in. Associated with the Transvaal War (1880-1881).

Laing’s Nek, Battle of, 1881 (Transvaal War 1880-1881)