Boer War Memoir, [19--]

ArchivalResource

Viney, G. S. Boer War Memoir, [19--]

Boer War Memoir, [19--]

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/64428465

Collection mainly comprises a memoir in two manuscript volumes (229 pgs), featuring events dating from 1899 December-1901 May; however, the narrative was composed at a later date not identified. The memoir has been attributed by an unknown source to G.S. Viney, although the author's name does not appear on either volume. The soldier provides lengthy descriptions of his experiences, including enlistment, embarkation, ship-board life, and military service. He outlines the military, environmental, physical, and social conditions in South Africa, particularly those in and around Ladysmith and Pretoria, taking care to describe his interactions with native populations, as well as contact with the Boers. The military campaigns he describes focus on the battles of Belfast and Natal; however, he provides an account of all aspects of military life, describing in great detail food and rations, clothing, bathing, water availability and sources, supplies, pastimes, diseases (including dysentery, jaundice, and malaria), conditions in field hospitals, as well as giving accounts of patrols, actions, engagements, concentration camps, and prisoners of war. The collection also contains the metal shoulder title he wore to identify his unit and the medal he received for his service.

4 items (.4 lin. ft.)

Duke University Libraries, Duke University Library; Perkins Library