SFM3/94

From Hugh Swaffield to his mother and father. Asking for a letter to let him know their views on his trying to get passed medically fit to go out to fight in South Africa. '...I did not rush into it like a bull or with my eyes shut either I seriously thought the matter over before I wrote to mother on the first occasion. To start with you know that I've always been as keen as mustard on this sort of thing...I heard the captain of our Battalion say the other night to the Captain of my company when they were discussing me that I being in an Architects office was the very man they wanted...I had a talk for hours with Turnell...he said it was not his place to say I was not to go...We...went down to headquater last evening to drill & had a huge crowd cheering & making a din for about 11/2 hours, as far as I know at present we shall go to Chatham in about a week...We have not sworn in yet as we have to undergo another medical examination...I had a letter from Ben Harrison this morning who has been out there about 14 months & he seems to be having a grand time although of course rough. Young Igack who is living with me is going to try & get passed into the Yeomany either tomorrow or Saturday...I feel as happy as a kid with a new toy & if I get a decent letter from Father in his own hand writing I shall be doubly so...shall stick to work as long as possible. We are going to have a lot of drill at nights this next week & some rifle shooting on some of the afternoons'

14 February 1901

From: 1901 To: 1901

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Swaffield, Hugh,
Harrison, Ben

actions 1815-1914, British Army, reserve forces, South Africa