TOPIC:

My name is Richard Rodgers and live in Worcestershire.

My Gt Grandfather, Ernest Edward Whaites Rodgers served with the SAC from 1st May 1901 until discharge on 5th Sept 1902.

I have copies of his military papers that are currently held at Bloemfontein and they certainly make interesting reading. Especially the one that shows he was fined £5 for being guilty of being 'drunk in town'. How times change.

Richard

Richard,

Just think how much they would make these days, even at £5 per head!

I didn't realise the SAC papers were held at Bloemfontein. Are all the papers held there? Can you tell me what information they contain please?

With thanks
David

Hello David,

As far as I know, the SAC papers to the A,B and C Division's are in Pretoria whilst E Division's papers are in Bloemfontein.

Regards

Adrian

Adrian,

Thank you for that. I had thought all the papers were in Pretoria and didn't realise they were split based on the division. Do you know why the two collections have not been amalgamated?

Kind regards
David

Hello David,

I have no idea at all. Perhaps Audrey Portman will have the answer.

Regards

Adrian

Hi again guys.

When I was looking into trying to get these papers I had an amazing stroke of luck. You could say I was destined to get them.

I had found out what the reference numbers were etc and where I had to write to, but they wanted payment by cheque or bankers draft. The amount was only about £6 GBP, but the bankers draft was going to cost a further £20 admin charge at my end.

Then that very same week I had a lady come into my photo lab, who was a regular customer anyway, with her daughter who was visiting from, yes you guessed it South Africa, with her husband. We got chatting and she very kindly wrote me a cheque for the appropriate amount in RND. I obviously gave her GBP in exchange!!!My problem was solved. Better was to come as she even offered to take it to the offices for me as she lived 15mins from Bloemfontein.

It was just like Christmas had come early.