Mr J Bowler of Parkside, Belper has received the following letter from his brother Harry, who was in the engagement at Modder River.
MODDER RIVER
SOUTH AFRICA 1 Dec 1899
Dear Brother,
Just a few lines to let you know I am still alive.
I expect you have read of our three victories which we had on the 23rd 26th
29th November, the last one was a bit thick.
We were under hot fire for 14 hours but got the Boers out of their trenches
at the finish, the heat was excessive and we were 36 hours without food or
water.
My old pal that I have been with
since I enlisted was shot dead by my side in the last battle.
We have lost a lot of men since we left London, I thought my turn had come
more than once but managed to get through it.
We are now going to Kimberley
where we expect a severe battle of about the same number as the last lot which
was about 16,000 to our 9,000 so they had a good pull of us, but I think we
shall make the beggars dance before we have finished with them.
I think this is all at the present so will now close, wishing you all a merry
Christmas and a happy new year.
From your sincere brother.
P.S.
Please remember me to all old friends at Belper.