TOPIC:

A postcard depicting a happy John Bull at Talana and an unhappy John Bull at Ladysmith.

They could probably have used the unhappy face for both!

Hello David,
I agree with you, Talana was sold to the public as a victory, but, with the benefit of hindsight, it looks far more like a very bloody mess!
Moreover, by mid morning, on the 22nd of October, Joubert was not only on Impati in force, but, had a creusot with him, as well, leaving poor Yule with little choice but to abandon his wounded and leave, he forgot to take Penn Symond's code book with him!
Frank

Frank,

Yule's departure from the camp was unduly hasty and evidently poorly executed and I cannot understand why he left so many tasks undone. I do wonder whether this was an early indication of the undecidedness that marked his command over the days to follow.

I don't know much about his earlier years and should explore that a little more.

Regards
david

Good morning David,
Agreed, there were questions that he should have been asked upon his return to Ladysmith, I think he was very lucky that the enemy did not choose the pursue him as they perhaps should.
I've often thought about the Boers entering Dundee, Penn Symond's body may have seemed a greater prize than the town itself.
Regards Frank

David,
A very interesting postcard, thank you for showing.

Paul

I have seen this same postcard in both Green and Blue ink.....

Mike