TOPIC:

Ian

Thank you for showing an interesting collection of recruitment advertisements.

I have often wondered why there was so much unit-hopping amongst Colonial soldiers during the Boer War. Perhaps it was all down to advertising. They were certainly spoilt for choice when it came to regiments to choose for their next adventure.

Regards
Brett

That's a good point Brett. We usually see the result of the unit hopping in the list of units and dates of service in the man's biography but don't often stop to think why or how they choose in which units to serve.

The rates of pay vary a little between units. I was surprised to see there was not a standard rate of pay.

I did like the sales pitch of the CCCC where the man could keep his bicycle on completion of his service.

Best wishes
David

Good morning David,
As far as I am aware the Cape government was awash with bicycles, after martial law was declared, several hundred were handed in and taken up to Graaff Reinet!
Kind regards Frank

djb wrote: That's a good point Brett. We usually see the result of the unit hopping in the list of units and dates of service in the man's biography but don't often stop to think why or how they choose in which units to serve.

The rates of pay vary a little between units. I was surprised to see there was not a standard rate of pay.

I did like the sales pitch of the CCCC where the man could keep his bicycle on completion of his service.

Best wishes
David

Frank,

I didn't realise that. I imagined they would have been a more scarce commodity at the time.

With thanks
David

Very interesting.

From memory, the Troopers got a gratuity on completing six months service, hence the unit hopping of some.

Justin

Hi Brett

Glad you like the photos. The newspaper was a chance discovery after exploring my great grandfather's involvement in the Cape Garrison Artillery.

Regards
Ian