TOPIC:

Hi all. Looking for some information on the Jammersburg Drift. Have found an old trunk with some references on it but cannot determine whether the Jammersburg Drift was a place or an action. Wepener is mentioned on some online texts. would love to know perhaps what some of the abbreviations refer to, or how trunks were labelled. I have found reference of only on H.M.Taylor who was in the Royal Irish Fusiliers during the Boer War and involved in the Jammersburg Drift, unless the H.M. refers to something else?? Some of the top text is very faded but visible when slightly dampened. Canvas
looks to have been waxed but I am hesitant to clean. Family on both sides of the family were present at the Boer War from both the UK and Australia, so I have interest in the subject. Appreciative of any help. Thankyou. I will try to attach photos as well.

The trunk has labels as follows : (topside) - BLOEMFONTAIN
H.M.TAYLOR
V I A
CAPE TOWN

(leftside) - JAMMERSBURG DRIFT
58
(STAMPED) JAMMERDRIFT 7 - - EEB 23

- T1.
SOUTH AFRICAN RAILWAYS
ZUIDAFRIKAANSE SPOORWEGEN
DURBAN

(rightside) - AS ABOVE

+ A LABEL FROM A LONDON BASED COURIER.

Hi Andrew,

Jammersberg Drift is a crossing on the Caledon River, a couple of miles outside Wepener. Here are some pictures from the area which includes the old railway bridge.

angloboerwar.com/forum/6-places/25886-wepener?limitstart=0

Kind regards
David

Andrew,

There was a Captain H M Taylor in the 2nd RIF

War service: South African War, 1899-1900.— Relief of Ladysmith, including action at Colenso; operations on Tugela Heights 14 to 24 Feb. 00, and action at Pieters Hill. Despatches, Lond. Gaz., 10 Sept. 01. Queen's medal with 2 clasps.

Hi David.
Thanks for the info. I also have records of a Major H M Taylor in the 6th RIF. Do you think everyone would have had one of these trunks for personal belongings? or likely only higher ranked officers? Might help to narrow it down. Chances are due to the later label with the London-based courier, he may have family here in the UK and I might try to track them down. Thanks again.

www.ukphotoarchive.org.uk/p629680173/h715bed71#h715bed71