An original letter from a Soldier of the 1st King's Royal Rifle Corps during the Anglo-Boer War. It is dated February 25th, 1902 and was written from Potfontein, near De Aar, South Africa. Please see details below:
The soldier was Private William H. Robertson (Service No. 5270) who wrote the letter to his mother in Aldershot, Hampshire. The letter consists of three sides of writing. Part of the letter reads: 'I am writing this on the anniversary of Pieter Hill, the final battle before Ladysmith was relieved. I (?) do indeed thank God for bringing me through it all + for the much better circumstances I am in now.'
The letter comes with the original envelope addressed to his mother. There is a drawing on the front of the envelope, presumably by Private Robertson. There are postal ink stamps for Potfontein and Aldershot.
Looking at archives Private Robertson participated in numerous campaigns in South Africa (Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Tugela Heights / Pieter's Hill, Relief of Ladysmith, Laing's Nek and Belfast) and also in India (Hazara and Samana).
The letter is in a good condition with some wrinkling and bends from being folded. The envelope has age related marks and tears along the top and right side.
Thank you for looking