DK86 1 2 47
DK86 1 2 47
Image displayed may not be an exact representation of the image in the library. Colour and contrast may differ.
Image Details
| Title | Letter dated 26/12/1907 sheet 2 |
|---|---|
| Description |
I don’t know how they missed me & tried to get to another company, & I fell into a lot more Boers, they were swarming everywhere & then I found 4 more riding close behind me, and they got me all round then. Gretton [?] my adjutant I had sent on a message & he got caught the same way. We neither of us had a revolver on us. I suppose he will blame me, but it will be rather rough if he does. If only they had got the intelligence telegram a bit sooner it would never have happened. The men who were not surprised fought beautifully, but I lost 5 officers which is sickening – Brindley (Manchester Rgt.) was splendid. He, his subaltern & Co. Sgt. Major & 25 men fixed bayonets and tried to charge. The first 3 were killed or died that night & [?] of his men – chiefly Lancashire Fusiliers. I should like to write & tell Brindley’s people but I don’t know their address. I wonder if you could find out & tell them. He would have deserved anything if he had lived. I am thoroughly sick of this war. I do so wish I could get away for a bit. The Boers that I saw were all well clothed & looked well fed and well mounted. We are halting here a day or t wo and have got Xmas sports on this afternoon. This is my 3rd Xmas out here now. Young Sidney Hamilton is going home with enteric. He was awfully ill when I went up to Pretoria some time ago. I had no idea he was bad, but he will get home now & is much better & wants me to go & see him off. I hope I shall be able to. I will stop now. Give my love to them all. Your affectionate son. The tent arrived the day before the catastrophy, [sic], it is splendid. We all had our Xmas dinner in it last night. I had my new knife on me when I was caught. They took it and my boots & coat. My feet are so sore at present. I can hardly walk but am getting much better. It is rather like Gough’s?? disaster last October but I am thankful to say I had no guns to lose. The guns that were lost then belonged to the Battery I was attached to at Limerick 10 years ago now when I first saw Mary. The only consolation I have is the 14th did most awfully well after the first surprise & everybody tells me so. |
| Photographer / artist | Unknown |
| Publisher | Unknown |
| Contributor(s) | |
| Date | 1907 |
| Type | Manuscript |
| Format | Letter |
| Identifier | DK86 1-2-47 |
| Area | Herefordshire |
| Collection Holder | Herefordshire Archives |
