NAM.2000-04-2-1

Bound typescript of letters written during the Boer War, 1900, by George Watson, a Canadian Volunteer refers to himself as ‘a wondering Canadian’. serving with Kitchener’s Horse, to his sister Kitty; the letters describe: the Battle of Paardeberg, 18 Feb 1900; Cronje’s surrender at Paardeberg and the march to Bloemfontein, 2 Mar 1900; the early stages of the march to Pretoria, 2 Apr 1900; the conditions at Wyberg Hospital, described as ‘a horrible hole’, 30 May 1900; Cape Town, 24 Jun 1900; an engagement at Klip Drift on the Modder River, nd; gathering hut tax in Rhodesia, nd; he bemoans the lack of chivalry in modern warfare and criticises Lord Roberts, nd; ‘Little Charlie’ is Kitty’s son, ‘Old Charley’ their elder brother and some of the letters are signed ‘Pat’ which is believed to be George Watson’s nickname.

Paardeberg, Battle of, 1900 (Boer War 1899-1902), Cronje’s Commando, Capture of, 1900 (Boer War 1899-1902), Bloemfontein, Battle of, 1900 (Boer War 1899-1902), Pretoria, Capture of, 1900 (Boer War 1899-1902)