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IL -
Many thanks for your detailed examination. I also appreciate the clarification as to him being a colonial volunteer. The story my grandmother told was that he had come directly from Portsmouth to fight in the war. Now I see that she was mistaken. He had already resided in Joburg for a few years most likely and so saw himself as a colonial volunteer. I do know that he had no love lost for England, his birthplace. Clearly, from the journal, you can see that he bristles at the notion that men of rank and status should be considered "better" than the enlisted or volunteers. Of course, his hypocrisy is plainly clear when he places himself above the "kaffirs". It reminds me of that old Lyndon Johnson quote: "If you can convince the lowest white man he's better than the best colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket."

I also have the medal with the Tugela and Relief of Ladysmith clasps that you spoke of, as they were given to me with the journal upon my last visit to S.A. Interesting to see that you have Glencross's set. The internet and the connections it affords us all is remarkable indeed.

Nick

Wonderful, David. Thank you for posting. As to IL's clarification perhaps you could correct my introductory note where I refer to GGF as a "conscript"? It seems he was a volunteer rather than a conscript. Glad you found the journal a useful addition to this site. Grandpa Bell would be proud to know he hasn't been forgotten entirely

Nick

Nick
Perhaps you might post a pic of your GGF's medal with clasps? It would be good to see it and associate it with his diary.
Best regards
IL.

I was please to find that his NVAC attestation paper had survived:

And his IBC attestation.

As Charles' diary relates to his time in the Imperial Bearer Corps (26 March 1900 - 5 February 1901), I have moved it to that unit's page: www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/so...bearer-corps?start=2