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I recently came across this in an album while searching for Christmas-related material.

Interestingly, the wording does not specifically state allegiance to the Crown, rather that the signatory will not take up arms against the British or aid the Boer forces in any way, in effect remaining Neutral.



I - - - - - - of - - - - - - do hereby swear that I will not take up arms against the British Government during this present war, nor will I at any time furnish any member of the Republican forces with assistance of any kind nor furnish him with information as to the numbers, movements or other details of the British forces that may come to my knowledge. And I do further swear that I will remain quietly at my home until the war is over.
I am aware that if I break my oath in any respect I shall render myself liable to such penalty as the custom of war prescribes.

From the album of Captain H.R. Darley, 3rd Bn. South Wales Borderers (D.A.A.G. for Imperial Yeomanry)


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