MANUSCRIPT JOURNAL IN THE FORM OF A DIARY, ENTITLED “SOUTH AFRICAN WAR 1899 – 1902.

THE ARCHIVE: Acquired from a descendant of Captain J. J. Thomas, of Liverpool, this "Anglo-Boer War archive" comprises several items:  a neat (and probably unpublished) copy manuscript journal of the Liverpool Volunteers,  FIVE maps of South Africa dating to the Anglo-Boer war and probably carried with Thomas when he was in South Africa, as well as FIVE related books including TWO rare regimental histories, to be sold as several lots.

Lot No. 1.  Thomas, J. J., Captain. MANUSCRIPT JOURNAL IN THE FORM OF A DIARY, ENTITLED “SOUTH AFRICAN WAR 1899 – 1902." JOURNAL OF THE FIRST COMPOSITE SERVICE COY. OF “THE KING'S”  (LIVERPOOL REGIMENT.)  VIII . Liverpool, (n.d.). 131pp --“Neat” copy manuscript, probably based on field notes, possibly in the hand of J.J. Captain Thomas, or a secretary. Square 8vo.  Measures 9.25" x 7.5". Metal clasp, with rising horse "The Kings" mounted on front board. Binding: marbled paper boards, half black sheep. Binding with light wear. Pages, photographs and maps are in generally very fine condition. Comes with approximately 20 related newspaper clippings and other papers. 

Comes with these enclosures:

3 large laid-in folding hand-drafted and hand-coloured blue linen maps of  Transvaal, Natal, and Orange Free State area. The one entitled “Map of Northern Natal” shows detailed town names with marked red color trails.

One tipped-in enclosure includes a folding contemporary photo (?) facsimile of “Broadside” No. 15 of 1900.

29 sepia toned silver gelatin photographs mounted into the journal, usually facing pages of manuscript. Some are in "bull's eye" format. Photo Measurements vary:  6.75” x 4.75”, 3” x 4.5”. 4” x 5.5”, 2” x 2.75”, etc.  The 131 page journal also includes a "Chronological Company Diary from January 23, 1900 to May 18, 1901" on pages 101 to 111;  And a Company Roll on page 113 to 119.

Capt. J.J. Thomas saw action, played an important role with the Liverpool Regiment during the Anglo-Boer War. 

On page 98 Thomas writes:

“And now in conclusion, - I may be and have been, asked, what to my mind as a volunteer officer were the chief lessons inculcated through my experience of war. I would name three but I think the first is far and away the most important viz. The need of efficient scouting. I suppose that some of our greatest misfortunates in the campaign were due to neglect of this great necessity. Secondly – control of fire – I found that men who were good shoots – at the target – couldn't judge distance within hundreds of yards and it follows that where such men are firing under exciting conditions, their fire is worse than useless, hence the necessity of efficient control. Thirdly I would like to point out the great value of slight cover. I don't mean that a man is like target to be always on the watch for it and to deviate from his line of advance to take advantage of it but they should be taught that even a few tufts of longgrass, a moderately large stress etc will almost conceal a man from the enemy at a little distance. Our group learned a lesson in use of cover at the fight at geluks [?] Which I don't think they will soon forget”. I will only add to the foregoing that I am proud I have had the command of the First Service Company of the King's. I had a good company and good officers and I feel grateful to them for supporting me as they did throughout very anxious and very dangerous times. "

God Save The King.  

J. Thomas  Lt. Col. 

1st  V/B King's Lpool Regt.