TEN YEARS IN SOUTH AFRICA (1892)

"Ten Years in South Africa. Only Complete and Authentic History of the British German Legion in South Africa and the East Indies, From the Memoirs of William Westphal, Sergeant of the 7th Company, 5th Regiment of Infantry, No. 683, who took part in all Expeditions during that Period."

Publisher's dark green cloth binding with gilt titles on front panel.

vii [3] + 173 +[7]. All the plate illustrations present although this copy lacks the map.

Binding sound. Contents clean with former owner's inscription, dated 1933, on blank page opposite first chapter.

The British German Legion, also known as the Anglo-German Legion, was a group of German soldiers recruited to fight for Britain during the Crimean War. In March 1855, Major General Richard von Stutterheim began raising the legion by hiring 200 agents in Germany to recruit soldiers, focusing mostly on port cities. The legion was disbanded in November 1856. Facing difficulties in repatriation for having served a foreign country, most of the members of the legion were resettled in the Eastern Cape Colony, in South Africa.

The author's life journey reflects a series of migrations and career advancements. Born in Germany, he lived in South Africa before returning to Germany. He then emigrated to the United States, settling in Illinois, where he ultimately became a railway worker, rising to the position of Roadmaster.

A scarce title. Only 3 copies were located in South African libraries during the S.A. bibliographical survey. Mendelssohn referenced the copy in the Library of Congress for his bibliography.