LADYSMITH GRAND PROMENADE CONCERT PROGRAMME

Natal Volunteers Siege Sports Monday 4th December 1899.

Under the indignant protest of “Silent Sue” “Long Tom” 'Pom Pom” “Weary Willie” and others.

[3] typewritten pages in very good condition.

Note at the bottom of the front page reads: To prevent any rush on the part of collectors, the Committee have decided that all shells falling among the audience during the performance, must be considered the property of those nearest to them.

The Natal Volunteers were constituted under Ordinance as far back as 1854. In 1873, 300 of the force took part in the Langalibalele Expedition and suffered casualties. The whole force was called out in 1879 to take part in the Zulu War, and at Isandhlwana Lieutenant G. Shepstone and 32 volunteers were killed.

In 1896 a new Volunteer Act was passed; members became partially paid and had to undergo ten days' continuous training. Colonel William Royston was appointed Commandant, and Lieutenant Colonel Bru-de-Wold Chief Staff 0fficer. Colonel Royston had taken part in the war service above noted. He had passed through the ranks and knew what his force should be able to do and how they could be best taught. To the unwearied exertions of these two officers, and to the fact that the material was good, must be given the credit for the efficient state in which the force was found when the war broke out, - a state which enabled it to do work which could not have been excelled by regulars. On 28th September 1899 the whole of the volunteers in the colony were ordered to mobilise, ostensibly for ten days' training, and before the actual declaration of war much good work had been done. https://www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/south-african-units/3266-natal-volunteers