James Rudkin Bacon Boer War correspondence

In this letter James Bacon aboard the 'SS Duke of Portland' bound for South Africa, writes to his mother Julia as they neared Melbourne.

Just three days into their voyage, many have been sick and they found 5 stowaways on board. His pipe has been stolen and he threatens to throw the culprit overboard if he is caught. He continues the letter a few days later, that they were unable to land at Melbourne, and will be in docking at the port of Albany that evening.

Almost a month into their voyage James Bacon aboard the 'SS Duke of Portland' bound for South Africa, writes to his mother Julia.

James notes they have so far lost 36 horses during the voyage but are soon to arrive at Cape Town, all going well. The horses they bought in Albany are small, and he describes some as only ponies. He is going to be examined for the position of Corporal and is delighting in the fellow-ship of the contingent.

James Bacon, now at Table Bay, South Africa writes to his family in Toowoomba of how crowded the town is, with troops and boats, including the 'SS Maplemore' carrying Tasmanians and Victorians, and another with NSW bushmen.

James Bacon writes aboard the 'SS Duke of Portland' as they sail towards the port of Beira, located on the east coast of South Africa. From there they expect to travel to Salisbury and Pretoria, where they will be see their first active service.

James Bacon writes from the port of Beira, on the east coast of South Africa, where they wait to disembark from their ship.

The port is crowded with colonial troops keen to leave for war. The letter continues a week later, they have all their horses agisted outside the town as they await their orders.

James Bacon writes from a base at Marandellas (now Marondera) in Southern Rhodesia. From here they expect to leave for Bulawayo where they will see fighting, but they are missing some of their division who have not yet arrived at base.

He signs off as Trooper JR Bacon, No 1 Troop, E Squadron.

Trooper James Bacon writes from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, to his mother after their march of 200 miles from Beira. 

They have been quartered in the town for more than a week with two other divisions. He also writes they have lost many horses to Bluetongue (virius), over 100 from Queensland and 300 from NSW contingents.

James Bacon writes of their engagement with the Boers at Rosters River under the command of Generals Baden-Powell and Plumer, where they lost nearly all their horses during the fight.

He signs off as Corporal JR Bacon 3rd Queenslanders, 2nd Reg. Rhodesian Field Force., S. Africa.

This letter appears to have another 'partial' letter accompanying it, no date.

Corporal James Bacon writes from their base at Waterval, on the banks of Elands River.

Their patrols have included much destruction of farms and houses and 'commandeering' stock, and he is hopeful they will soon be disbanded as there is little 'soldiering' work.

Corporal James Bacon writes from Command Velt where they are having a spell and believes the conflict is almost over.

Bacon is unhappy to learn that his letters home are being published in the papers in Australia and does not care for the notoriety. The squadron has objected to taking part in any further looting and burning of houses, and their concerns are being forwarded by their commander Major Tunbridge.

Corporal James Bacon writes from Diamond Hills, 12 miles east of Pretoria.

They have been addressed by General Paget who advises they will be required to remain on garrison duty. There are reportedly 5,000 Boers 16 miles from their camp ready to mobilise in what has become a guerilla fight.

Corporal James Bacon writes from Rhenoster Kop, where they have just fought against the Boer being commanded by General Constand Laubscher Viljoen.

Bacon describes in detail the battle in which they fought alongside the New Zealanders, he survived unscathed, but there were 115 casualites.

Corporal James Bacon writes from Skeerpoort, west of Pretoria where they are resting briefly from their daily patrols; Boer snipers are reportedly in the vicinity. Many of their horses are no longer fit and they are hopeful of remounts arriving soon. 

Corporal James Bacon writes from Naauwpoort, where the squadron has travelled by train for three days from Balmoral.

He describes the country as 'splendid for sniping' and the 'Boer appear to be well aware of the fact". Their nickname has changed from the 'Australian Bushmens Brigade' to 'Craddock's Corps' the commanding officer being John Craddock, under commander General Plummer.

Corporal James Bacon writes from Modder River where they have been chasing General De Wet through the Cape Colony across the Orange River.

Later the division travelled to Springfontein where they again engaged De Wet who has since eluded them and they are now resting before moving out for the next patrol.

Corporal James Bacon writes as they march to Pietersburg where they expect to arrive in three days time.

He describes the landscape as very mountainous and as they march through the valleys he notes that it is "splendid country for snipers". This is the final letter in his collection.