TOPIC:

A large number of bootd were sourced from India. I can dig out the numbers from the "Confidential Telegrammes" if required. There are numerous requests for India to supply veterinary boxes, tents etc. I attach something from the Indian Archives.

Rob,
That would be tough luck if halfway through a long March!

David,
That is really interesting that boots would be made in India, but perhaps I shouldn't be surprised! Yes, I would be intrigued to know the quantities involved , if you could please find the time to give details of the telegrammes I should be very grateful.
Cheers Steve

There are 42 references for boots !!!!! The cost & the manufactures are given but do you need the sizes? I would guess over 100000 are given in seperate telegrammes.

"The Indian Contingent for Operations in South Africa" 1901 is available at WO 108/404

Thank you for posting these telegrams, they give a perfect perspective of the supply and demand for such essential items to kit out an army in the field.
Again, unsurprisingly, the owners of the companies are British. I guess vast fortunes were made as a result of the demand for products such as boots, tents etc.
Production costs would have been far less in India, and there wouldn't have been demands from trade unions either!
Cheers Steve