TOPIC:

OJD - I want to thank you for the fantastic write up on Sweeper Khairate. Though the focus area differs significantly from my own interests, the energy you've put into analysis, research and your sheer joy at the find shine through , to say nothing of the respect you've rightly bestowed on the recipient, by bringing this story to life. I believe that some of the best examples of this forum's work are in the act of retelling a story long passed beyond living memory (and often in doing so shining some light on the endlessly obscure aspects of the conflict). Your write up was a joy to read. Thank you. Jo

David G,

I have not seen a copy of the book yet. It would be very poor authorship if your excellent knowledge and artefacts in this area were not acknowledged.

Best wishes
David

David G,

I submitted a chapter to the book in April 2024 on Indian participation.

My submission included an acknowledgement at the end which read: 'The author would like to acknowledge the work of Dr David Grant that has been used in this article and the contribution of Elmarie Malherbe of the Boer War Museum, Bloemfontein.'

I do not know what was included in the final copy.

Best wishes
David

Hi David,
Thanks for that. I appreciate it. However, it looks like your contribution was not used.

JoMeer wrote: OJD - I want to thank you for the fantastic write up on Sweeper Khairate. Though the focus area differs significantly from my own interests, the energy you've put into analysis, research and your sheer joy at the find shine through , to say nothing of the respect you've rightly bestowed on the recipient, by bringing this story to life. I believe that some of the best examples of this forum's work are in the act of retelling a story long passed beyond living memory (and often in doing so shining some light on the endlessly obscure aspects of the conflict). Your write up was a joy to read. Thank you. Jo

Thanks very much Jo, My philosophy in collecting medals is 'collecting stories', and the real joy for me is researching the recipient (and learning in the process) and sharing - which I don't do often enough - and it is lovely to get feedback like yours. Thanks for taking the time to do it. Owen

David Grant wrote: Okay Owen. The book costs R350 from the Museum of the Boer Republics & the postage is going to be R619 (not tracked & taking six odd weeks) I don't know if you would be keen to go ahead. You must be warned though that much of the contents relating to Indian natives is available with greater accurancy elsewhere. There are some really good photographs although many of therm are not attributed nor labled with any accuracy. Much of the book has nothing to do with native military services sent from India, although there is very good appendices on the Dhobi Corps & the Indian Ordinance Corps. There is a chapter on the only know Indian in the Boer War, MK Gandhi & his Indian Ambulance Corps, Boer prisoners of war, Indian refugees, Imperial Regiments posted from India for the War & one chapter on actual Indian Units sent from India, although this is confusing at times. As a real bonus though, & my reason to purchase it, was the chapter on the Indian Postal Department Department during the Boer War, lifted I might say, without editing or permission, from the estemed website devoted to the Boer War. www.angloboerwar.com/forum/19-ephemera/8...the-boer-war?start=0
I leave the decision to you.

David, thank you, I really appreciate you looking into this for me. In light of what you say, I will have a little think - I am annoyed for you that the author didn't fully acknowledge what was taken, which leaves a bit of a sour taste. That said, I am interested in MK's part in the war becasue I have a QSA to one of his associates who was close to MK in SA. I will provide his write-up on here shortly. So, as said, let me have a little think. Owen