TOPIC:

I came across these pictures from the same source as referenced earlier; it reminded me of EFV's comment about what a happy bunch they looked despite all the standing orders.

D Coy; North Stafford Regiment:



The fences served a dual purpose....also doubled-up as a washing line...

More clothes on lines.

This aerial shot illustrates compliance/non-compliance with three of the standing orders posted by Everhard earlier in this thread. See: Standing Orders.

7. Cooking and Messing.
No cooking or eating of meals is permitted within the work. This must be carried outside, at least 30 yds from the work.

The cookhouse, stove and mess table can be seen on the right. Although they are outside the actual blockhouse, they certainly aren't 30 yards away from it.

8. Native Line Watchers.
If line watchers (natives) are attached to this post, they will be allowed to live in a shelter near the post (a part worn tent, if available).

A tent can be seen just outside the perimeter fence, on the right. Is this native accommodation?

15. Hanging of Clothes and Blankets.
Men are not to hang blankets or clothes on [missing text; possibly "perimeter fences"]

This rule (if the missing text refers to perimeter fences) is clearly being violated here.




.Courtesy of the McGregor Museum, Kimberley



..

Hi Neville,

When I read the standing orders and looked at the pictures I could imagine an NCO or Officer running around Monty Python style loosing his [bad word]......over the non-compliance!

I bet the officers also wanted to add another one that said....."and do not light up your blockhouse like a Christmas Tree"...but then they must have thought...no one would ever do that

Regards,
Sturgy

Was that aerial photo of the Frankfort blockhouse taken from a balloon?

If anyone was wondering where the bright idea came from....


Virtual image of a Roman watch post along the Danube, 2000 years ago.

I am concerned about the lifeless looking nature of some of these men and the very unnatural stance of second from the right - are some of them Private O'Hara's? (see my previous post).

Alternatively did Lieut C H Lyon bat in a style similar to Geoffrey Boycott and they were still traumatised from having to sit through his latest innings?



Above from the Uttoxeter Advertiser of 8th January 1902.