TOPIC:

Good afternoon all.


I am a third year History undergraduate at the University of Manchester. I am currently carrying out research for my dissertation, in which I am studying the effects of the South African War 1899-1902 and working-class reaction towards it, with focus on Mafeking Night, and also the nature of recruitment into the British army in the Manchester area. Because I am researching the attitudes of the working class, I am inquiring as to whether anyone would know any specific archives or other establishments where I could find working class testimonies or records regarding this area.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Armo,

Good luck with your dissertation - I also did mine on the Boer War (South African Mounted Irregular Forces) but some 20 years ago now!

I presume you're familiar with "Volunteers on the Veld - Britain's Citizen Soldiers and the South African War 1899-1902" by Stephen Miller? He has a good list of primary and secondary sources.

The National Army Museum archives are also a good starting point.

If you're concentrating on Manchester then you could do worse than look up the Imperial Yeomanry papers for the working class volunteers in the 77th (Manchester) Company. The contemporary local papers will have good accounts of the surge in volunteering, Mafeking night etc.

Best wishes,

Justin

Thank you very much Justin, some really helpful starters there.

I have briefly scanned through Millers book, and am also heavily referencing Richard Price's Imperial War & the British Working Class.

Do you know where I would be able to gain access to these Imperial Yeomanry papers for the 77th Manchester Company. I have inquired into the Archive centre in Tameside, and was wondering if you would have an idea how to view these.

Many thanks again

Armo

The very quaint term "Having a Mafeking" was and still is, used in my family, to describe a good night out!
Regards Frank

Armo12 wrote: Good afternoon all.


I am a third year History undergraduate at the University of Manchester. I am currently carrying out research for my dissertation, in which I am studying the effects of the South African War 1899-1902 and working-class reaction towards it, with focus on Mafeking Night, and also the nature of recruitment into the British army in the Manchester area. Because I am researching the attitudes of the working class, I am inquiring as to whether anyone would know any specific archives or other establishments where I could find working class testimonies or records regarding this area.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.