TOPIC:

Thank you Steve. I’m gathering material for my next book which will be a detailed account and analysis of the Colesberg Operations. I think we should talk.

Well done Ian.

Shame on certain military history publishers, their attitude has not changed in 25 years and more since they rejected The Gazetteer of the ABW in 1999.

Your book is much needed real detail to the high level accounts of politics and battles that do get mainstream publishing.

Get a review published in Soldiers of the Queen (Victorian Military Society) and journal of the Orders and Medals Research Society - especially with that roll you've got - company detail is super rare. And don't forget to spam the ABW groups on Facebook.

Is it ok for me to take text and images from here for my FB page? www.facebook.com/boerwarregister

Ian, concerning Colesberg:
I'm sure you'll visit the area, let me know if you want suggestions for visits around Bloemfontein, Magersfontein, et cetera. If you need recommendations of where to stay near Colesburg, let me know. I can make a couple of suggestions where I have enjoyed staying.
I have the map number 16 (operations around Colesberg) from volume 1 of maps from Maurice's "Official history of the war in South Africa", if you'd like me to scan it for you I shall do so with pleasure. Just get in touch
ROB.

Meurig,

Thank you. It was a disappointment at the time, but I was determined that the Wiltshire’s story must be told and in the end I think the Museum was the best publisher for this book, and of course the benefits of obtaining unrestricted access to the archive material was priceless and without the help I received from the Museum staff and volunteers this book would not have evolved into the finished result we have now.

It is interesting to hear that you also faced rejection. I emailed you some time ago via your website email address to thank you for producing the Gazetteer, which I have found priceless during my research. I used your book to help me describe the locations mentioned in my book, as I haven’t been to South Africa yet myself. It really is an indispensable reference.

I will follow your suggestions for further reviews. I don’t, however use Facebook.

I’m very happy for you to use text and images.

Kind regards

Ian

Thank you Rob.

Yes, I certainly do want to visit the whole of the Colesberg area sometime in the future, not least to walk where my Great Grandfather once walked. I will definitely remember that you will be a good person to seek advice from at the time.

Yes please do send me the map, I would be very grateful, you have my email address.

Kind regards

Ian

Thanks Ian. I've done FB and ordered my copy.

Good luck with sales.