TOPIC:

Hoping to find out what things were like for the Privates in the war in South Africa. Most books are general information or events seen by Officers. I believe my grandfather was at Magersfontein, I believe this is where he was wounded and captured. When he was sent to South Africa he had been in the final weeks of his finishing his time with the Seaforth's who he had joined in December of 1892. He had been wounded in Sudan. He remained a Private his whole time both in the Seaforths and HLI in WWI. And in the RAF as well. What were the daily lives like for the men in the Boer war ?

Hello Moose46
Welcome to the forum
See attached link, a brief insight from a Highlanders diary for you. I will have a look for further information on your Grandfather later.

www.thehighlandersmuseum.com/?p=28623


Dave.......

www.helion.co.uk/military-history-books/...7476ffa365056c66ca07

This might be worth a read?

Thank you, had a quick read thru John Winning diary. The name seemed familiar. He was with my grandfather in Afghanistan. Winning was #4156 by grandfather #4440 both Seaforths

Moose46 wrote: Thank you, had a quick read thru John Winning diary. The name seemed familiar. He was with my grandfather in Afghanistan. Winning was #4156 by grandfather #4440 both Seaforths

Happy to help, what a coincidence. Both served in the 1st Battalion in Afghanistan and possibly Sudan?
Your Grandfather John was awarded the QSA with 4 clasps, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Cape Colony and Transvaal. Also a KSA x date clasps. Serving in the 2nd Battalion in South Africa.

You mentioned in your original post about John being wounded and taken prisoner at Magersfontein? Have you got any written documentation or papers on that occurrence? On 1st trawl of the South Africa Field Force casualty list I couldn't find John documented. I'll have another look just in case I missed 4440.

I found or my son found a Daily Mail list of wounded with John on it from 1899. My Uncle the oldest son mentions him being held prisoner and having to eat Mealie bread, although my uncle never mentioned being wounded. Although he was wounded in Sudan at Omdurman. I have a copy of the newspaper but cannot see how to show it here.