TOPIC:

What, if any, connections and involvement did John Buchan have with the ABW and/or the Matabele Wars?

The character of Richard Hannay is supposedly based on Edmund Ironside, and, in The Thirty-nine Steps, Hannay mentions that "I did a bit at it myself once as intelligence-officer in Delagoa Bay during the Boer War." Also "I had seen men die violently before; indeed I had killed a few myself in the Matabele War."

Berenice,

It looks like he was in SA between 1901 and 1903 but his time there left a strong impression: www.thesouthafrican.com/of-spies-and-war...f-the-wwi-centenery/

I presume he missed the Matabele Wars altogether.

Apart from his novels, John Buchan is best remembered in South Africa as the author of 'The History of the South African Forces in France', which was written at the request of the Union Government. I have a copy of what I assume is the 1st Edition that has no date of publication. The publishers were Thomas Nelson and Sons, Ltd.

Brett

Thank you, David and Brett. Every time I've re-read 'The Thirty-nine Steps' I've wondered if he had any direct connection, but it seems not.

It is very likely to be a first edition circa 1920, Naval and Military press produced a fine reprint, complete with the gilt general service badge embossed into the cloth cover, some years ago now.

Brett Hendey wrote: Apart from his novels, John Buchan is best remembered in South Africa as the author of 'The History of the South African Forces in France', which was written at the request of the Union Government. I have a copy of what I assume is the 1st Edition that has no date of publication. The publishers were Thomas Nelson and Sons, Ltd.

Brett

Guess what is the afternoon Mystery Movie that is on the TV today.......

Mike