Showing 549 items matching " boer war"
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Montmorency–Eltham RSL Sub Branch
Weapon - QF 1 pounder 37mm (Pom-Pom) Round
This round was fired by the QF 1 pounder gun known as the Pom-pom because of its distinctive sound when firing. It was the world's first automatic cannon and was used by many different countries. It achieved notoriety when used by the Boers in the South African War 1899 - 1902.Brass case and iron pom-pom projectile.V S & M -
Mortlake and District Historical Society
Photograph, Late 19th Century: [ c. 1885?]
... of the Boer and First World Wars. Mortlake has its own Boer War ...This informally posed photo was taken in front of the old grandstand at Mortlake's recreation (football) oval. It shows 17 troopers in uniform, holding rifles. There are 7 horses, one trooper is mounted. All wear an early version of the slouch hat. An interested group of mainly boys and a few men, including a policeman, watch from the grandstand. Shows early preparation for national defence or conflict, at a local level. Britain had withdrawn its defence forces from the colonies in 1870, so the States had to provide their own. District defence groups were common at this time, meeting regularly for training. This un-named and un-dated photo appears to be a local (Mortlake) unit of the Victorian Mounted Rifles c. 1885,[A local expert on weaponry believes they are from the 'Victorian Rangers' judging from their rifles.] They were precursors of the Light Horse regiments of the Boer and First World Wars. Mortlake has its own Boer War Memorial (1902) in Mortlake Botanic Gardens. Rectangular sepia photograph on cardboard backinghorse, victorian, australian, australia, defence, war, rifles, memorial, mounted, light, mortlake, boer -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Hat Fur Felt
... Horse Regt in the period 1903-@1912. Boer War Mannequin (Jack's ...Hat is of modern manufacture but created to represent the hat worn by a soldier of the 11th Australian Light Horse Regt in the period 1903-@1912. Boer War Mannequin (Jack's Dad), lacks a hat of the period and this hat is being used until a suitable hat can be located. The hat represents the period immediately after the Boer WarHat, wool felt, green/khaki, broad brim Puggaree with 1 white fold, polyester/cotton Badge 11th Light Horse Regt. Feather, cock,100% wool Made in China Finest Qualityhat light horse felt pre ww1 -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Breeches riding, TBA Mens Tailor
... by VMR soldiers in the Boer War. They were specially made ...These breeches are of the style and fabric used by VMR soldiers in the Boer War. They were specially made for the owner with the intention of loaning them to the museum for a Boer War display.breeches, Cotton Cord, Khaki,breeches cotton cord riding -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph (black & White), Major General Andrew Gilbert Wauchope - South Africa
Andrew Wauchope initially trained as a naval cadet. After three years he obtained his discharge and resolved to enter the army. In 1881 he served on the staff in the Transvaal War. In 1885 he returned to Scotland to manage his family estates which he had recently inherited. The coal mines were highly productive and as a result he became one of the richest men in Scotland. He was promoted to Colonel in 1888 and given command of the 2nd Battalion of the Black Watch in 1894. Promotion to Major-General occurred in 1898. He was appointed to command the 3rd (Highland) Brigade in the South Africa War, which saw action at Belmont and Modder River as part of the force sent to relieve Kimberley. Pushing further, they again encountered the Boer force at Magersfontein. In the resulting Battle of Magersfontein, the Highland Brigade was ordered to make a dawn attack on the Boer defences. However, the force was spotted before it was prepared to attack and faulty reconnaissance meant that the enemy positions were not properly located. Under heavy fire it struggled to deploy action. Wauchope was killed by rifle fire in the opening minutes of combat. It held its position for a short time after Wauchope's death. It was leaderless and no-one would take command until late afternoon and despite the Guards Brigade being in support, in the early afternoon it was routed. Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards.andrew gilbert wauchope, naval cadet, transvaal war, coal mines, black watch, major-general, highland brigade, boer, battle of magersfontein -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph (black & White), Modder River - South Africa
When war broke out in 1899, and early target for the Boers was the diamond-mining centre of Kimberley. This was located near the point where the Transvaal, Orange Free State and Cape Colony met. General Sir Redvers Buller detached the 1st Division under Lieutenant General Lord Methuen to relieve the Siege of Kimberley. This decision was made partly for reasons of prestige. To capture Kimberley (which contained the famous imperialist and former Prime Minister of Cape Colony, Cecil Rhodes) would be a major propaganda victory for the British. Methuen's force advanced north and won two engagements against the Boers of the Orange Free State. Reinforcements from Transvaal under General Koos de la Rey arrived and he convinced the Boers to follow his plans for attacking the British. Instead of relying on the hills for protection and missing their targets, de la Rey proposed they make use of the flat veld and introduced them to the Mauser rifle with its flat trajectory. Trenches were built in the banks of the Modder River from which they could sweep the veld for a great distance. The trenches were built on the south side of the river and on the smaller Riet River where they meet at Modder River Station. Methuen's force began advancing towards the Modder planning to cross the river. The Boers opened fire and the British troops were unable to find cover on the veld. They had to lay flat so as not to be seen or hit. The British guns pounded the buildings near Modder River Station and the north bank of the river, missing the trenches on the south bank. The battle became a stalemate. The British found an opening on the Boer's right flank at Rosmead ford downstream and drove the Boers out of Rosmead. De la Rey drove them back into a small insecure bridgehead. The Boers feared they were vulnerable and withdrew during the night. Methuen reported that the battle had been "one of the hardest and most trying fights in the annals of the British army". Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards.boers, diamind-mining, kimberley, transvaal, orange free state, cape colony, sir rdvers buller, lieutenant general lord methuen, siege of kimberley, cecil rhodes, general koos dde la rey, mauser rifle, veld, modder river, modder river station, trenches, riet river, rosmead -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - black and white, Mr William J. Lambie - War Correspondent, 1900
William Lambie was one of two war correspondents riding behind the Australians patrol when they left Rensburg Base. The objective was to determine the strength of the Boers south of Rensburg Siding. The group split in two. The group the journalists were with went on ahead. They were ambushed and surrounded by Boer horsemen and told to surrender. They ignored this and made a dash for the safety of the British lines. Lambie was shot in the head and died instantly. The other journalist was wounded and taken to the Boer's camp and tended, then later sent to hospital. Lambie was buried by the Boers on the farm Jasfontein owned by Hendrik Kotze.Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".war correspondent, rensburg base, rensburg siding, boer, horsemen, jasfontein, hendrik kotze, william lambie -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - black and white, Private Albert Herbert Willson, 1900
Private Willson was part of the First Contingent - Mounted Infantry Unit sent to South Africa. He joined the Victorian Mounted Rifles only a few weeks prior to this. During an attack in force by the Boers, at Hobkirk's Farm near Rensburg, he was struck by a ball in the eye and died instantly. He was known to be a brave man and good soldier. He was 23 years old. The back cover of the booklet shows a reduced facsimile of the Queen's Chocolate Box received by the late Private A H Willson.Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".albert herbert willson, private, first contingent, mounted infantry, victorian mounted rifles, rensburg, south africa, hobkirk's farm, boers -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Robert Macklin, Bravest : how some of Australia's greatest war heroes won their medals, 2008
... for civilians in time of war. From Neville Howse in the Boer War ...The Victoria Cross was the highest award, given only for a single act of valour. Just 90 Australians have been awarded it since they served with the British forces in South Africa in the late nineteenth century. And only four Australians have been awarded the George Cross, the ultimate medal for civilians in time of war. From Neville Howse in the Boer War in South Africa in 1900 to Keith Payne in Viet Nam in 1969 this book tells the story of twelve Australian recipients of the Victoria and George Crosses.Index, bibliography, notes, ill, p.278.The Victoria Cross was the highest award, given only for a single act of valour. Just 90 Australians have been awarded it since they served with the British forces in South Africa in the late nineteenth century. And only four Australians have been awarded the George Cross, the ultimate medal for civilians in time of war. From Neville Howse in the Boer War in South Africa in 1900 to Keith Payne in Viet Nam in 1969 this book tells the story of twelve Australian recipients of the Victoria and George Crosses.military decorations - australia, george cross recepients - australia -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, George Odgers, 100 years of Australian at war, 2000
... , in the Australian Army, Navy and Air Force. Begins with the Boer War, goes ...A tribute to the servicemen and women of the past, and peacekeepers of the present, in the Australian Army, Navy and Air Force. Begins with the Boer War, goes on to cover the Boxers conflict in China, the First and Second World Wars, Malayan emergency, Korean War, Indonesia, Vietnam War, also the Gulf War, and East Timor.Index, notes, ill (b/w plates) (maps).non-fictionA tribute to the servicemen and women of the past, and peacekeepers of the present, in the Australian Army, Navy and Air Force. Begins with the Boer War, goes on to cover the Boxers conflict in China, the First and Second World Wars, Malayan emergency, Korean War, Indonesia, Vietnam War, also the Gulf War, and East Timor. australia - armed forces - history, australia - history - military -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Robert Likeman, From law to war: The life of Brigadier - General Lachlan Wilson of the Light Horse
... citizen soldier who served both in the Boer war and the campaigns ...Brigadier Lachlan Wilson was one of Queensland's leading legal figures between the wars, he also was a long serving citizen soldier who served both in the Boer war and the campaigns in Palestine in World War I. This biography examines his achievements in both of those fieldsill (maps) (b/w), index, bibliography, p.302non-fictionBrigadier Lachlan Wilson was one of Queensland's leading legal figures between the wars, he also was a long serving citizen soldier who served both in the Boer war and the campaigns in Palestine in World War I. This biography examines his achievements in both of those fieldsbiography - generals - australia, south african war 1899-1902, world war i 1914 1918, campaigns - gallipoli, campaigns - palestine -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, AK McDougall, ANZACS, Australians at war, 1991
... the Nation's Archives by A.K. MacDougall, which include the Boer War ...A narrative history illustrated by photographs from the Nation's Archives by A.K. MacDougall, which include the Boer War, World War I, World War II, Korea War, Malaya War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, Battle of Britain, Mediterranean War, Tobruk, Battle of the Coral Sea, Desert War, Gallipoli, Dardanelles and diggers. With a list of VC (Victoria Cross) awards from Australia and New Zealand.Index, maps, ill(b/w), p.285.non-fictionA narrative history illustrated by photographs from the Nation's Archives by A.K. MacDougall, which include the Boer War, World War I, World War II, Korea War, Malaya War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, Battle of Britain, Mediterranean War, Tobruk, Battle of the Coral Sea, Desert War, Gallipoli, Dardanelles and diggers. With a list of VC (Victoria Cross) awards from Australia and New Zealand.australia - history - military, australian army - history -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Barbara Cullen, Harder than football : league players at war, 2015
... for their country in every major conflict from the Boer War to the Vietnam ...Australian servicemen have long been renowned for their unfaltering courage, sense of mateship and strength of character--the same values that are so apparent in our national game of football. In 'Harder than football' stories of courage, resilience and survival shine through like beacons, along with acts of bravery and sacrifice that so succinctly display the 'Aussie spirit'. Of course, there is the odd larrikin, too, whose often humorous acts of disobedience include smoking on parade, changing pay books, 'accidentally' falling out of a train and 'being improperly dressed on the line'. Within these pages you'll find the stories of the 2494 men who played at least one senior game from 1897 to 1972 and fought for their country in every major conflict from the Boer War to the Vietnam War.ill (b/w), p.628.non-fictionAustralian servicemen have long been renowned for their unfaltering courage, sense of mateship and strength of character--the same values that are so apparent in our national game of football. In 'Harder than football' stories of courage, resilience and survival shine through like beacons, along with acts of bravery and sacrifice that so succinctly display the 'Aussie spirit'. Of course, there is the odd larrikin, too, whose often humorous acts of disobedience include smoking on parade, changing pay books, 'accidentally' falling out of a train and 'being improperly dressed on the line'. Within these pages you'll find the stories of the 2494 men who played at least one senior game from 1897 to 1972 and fought for their country in every major conflict from the Boer War to the Vietnam War.australian football - history, australian football players at war -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Carl Harrison-Ford, Fighting words: Australian war writing, 1986
... from the Boer war to the Vietnam war ill, p.362. Fighting words ...A collection of short stories on Australian war writing from the Boer war to the Vietnam warill, p.362.non-fictionA collection of short stories on Australian war writing from the Boer war to the Vietnam waraustralian literature - war stories, war literary collections -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Carroll and Graf, The mammoth bookof battles: The art and science of modern warfare, 1999
... Forty gripping accounts of battles from the Boer war to Desert ...Forty gripping accounts of battles from the Boer war to Desert Stormmaps, p,498.non-fictionForty gripping accounts of battles from the Boer war to Desert Stormbattles - history - 20th century, military science -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Roland Perry et al, The Australian light horse, 2010
... was a unique force, first raised during the Boer War, and then reformed ...The Australian Light Horse was a unique force, first raised during the Boer War, and then reformed for World War I. most of the men were from the outback, had a special bond with their horses (which were all brought from Australia) and they knew how to survive and fight in the desert.index, bibliography, notes, ill, p.512non-fictionThe Australian Light Horse was a unique force, first raised during the Boer War, and then reformed for World War I. most of the men were from the outback, had a special bond with their horses (which were all brought from Australia) and they knew how to survive and fight in the desert. world war 1914-1918 - campaigns - palestine, australian light horse - history -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Thomas Nelson, Australian Women at War, 1984
... to war – from 1900, when the first nurses sailed to the Boer War ...This book records the achievements of our women for all time. It tells of bravery, self-sacrifice, endurance and devotion. When Patsy Adam-Smith wrote Australian Women at War in 1984, her aim was to tap into the memories of all the ‘brave, modest, forgotten women’ while they were still alive, in order to honour them. Now, for the first time, this iconic volume is republished for an entirely new generation of readers. This magnificent work is a history of how Australian women have responded to war – from 1900, when the first nurses sailed to the Boer War, to 1945 and its aftermath. Recording the achievements of our women for all time, it tells of their bravery, self-sacrifice, endurance and devotion. Australian Women at War is a tribute to Australian women.Index, ill, p.386.non-fictionThis book records the achievements of our women for all time. It tells of bravery, self-sacrifice, endurance and devotion. When Patsy Adam-Smith wrote Australian Women at War in 1984, her aim was to tap into the memories of all the ‘brave, modest, forgotten women’ while they were still alive, in order to honour them. Now, for the first time, this iconic volume is republished for an entirely new generation of readers. This magnificent work is a history of how Australian women have responded to war – from 1900, when the first nurses sailed to the Boer War, to 1945 and its aftermath. Recording the achievements of our women for all time, it tells of their bravery, self-sacrifice, endurance and devotion. Australian Women at War is a tribute to Australian women. women - australia - social conditions, war - female participation -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Big Sky Publishing et al, Aussie soldier prisoners of war, 2009
... personnel were taken prisoner during the Boer War, World War I ...Almost 35,000 Australian service personnel were taken prisoner during the Boer War, World War I, World War II and the Korean War. Living as a POW demanded extremes of courage, defiance and mateship from our servicemen and women. Some lived to tell their tales about extreme suffering and hardship and many would carry with them forever the memories of those who died. AUSSIE SOLDIER: PRISONERS OF WAR is about the men and women who found themselves on the wrong side of the wire. The heartfelt stories will transport you on their very personal journeys. You will relive the capture, living conditions, escape attempts, punishments, humour, strength and morale -- and for some -- the eventual taste of freedom.Index, ill, bib, maps, p.308.non-fictionAlmost 35,000 Australian service personnel were taken prisoner during the Boer War, World War I, World War II and the Korean War. Living as a POW demanded extremes of courage, defiance and mateship from our servicemen and women. Some lived to tell their tales about extreme suffering and hardship and many would carry with them forever the memories of those who died. AUSSIE SOLDIER: PRISONERS OF WAR is about the men and women who found themselves on the wrong side of the wire. The heartfelt stories will transport you on their very personal journeys. You will relive the capture, living conditions, escape attempts, punishments, humour, strength and morale -- and for some -- the eventual taste of freedom.prisoners of war - australia, prisoners of war - australia - pictorial works -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Bentleigh RSL Sub Branch, Serving then, serving still : the story of the Bentleigh RSL Inc. & a record of service of this district in three war, 2000
... Bentleigh RSL A history of the Bentleigh RSL from the Boer war ...A history of the Bentleigh RSL from the Boer war to the present.Bib, ill, p.180.non-fictionA history of the Bentleigh RSL from the Boer war to the present.returned services league - victorian branch, bentleigh rsl -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph
... Boer War. victorian mounted rifles contingent Handwritten top ...Photograph of soldiers wearing slouch hat and holding rifles mounted on horseback - most likely Victorian Mounted Rifle contingent.The Victorian Mounted Rifles (VMR) was a regiment composed of Australian forces that served in the Second Boer War.Black and white photograph of eight soldiers mounted on horsebackHandwritten top left corner "Contingent"victorian mounted rifles, contingent -
Chiltern Athenaeum Trust
Bullet Spitzer 1888 issue Cupro Nickel, 1888
... Army and used continuously through the Boer War (African ...Pre WW1 and WW1 1888 onwardsUsed before WW1 by the French Army and used continuously through the Boer War (African Campaign) and into WW1 1914-1918. 1 x 1888 issue Spitzer bullet 8 x 50mm R. Lebel Model Cupro Nickel lead core. Inscription on the bottom CAG V1 8 17. CAG V1 8 17. pre ww1, ww1 1914-1918, spitzer make, made in france, 1888 pattern m/88 r. lebel model. -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Badge - RAN Bridging Train Collar Badge, Circa 1914/15
... the Boer War in 1901. He had also recently returned from German New ...The 1st Royal Australian Naval Bridging Train (1st RANBT) was formed in Melbourne on 28 February 1915 and was intended to be a horse drawn engineering unit attached to the Royal Naval Division (RND), then serving as infantry on the Western Front. The term ‘train’, in its title, was a direct reference to the horse drawn wagons that would, in theory, form and move ‘in train’ to carry the unit’s heavy lumber, building materials and engineering equipment to the front. The unit was manned by members of the Royal Australian Naval Reserve for whom there were no available billets in seagoing RAN ships. Many of the sailors serving in the 1st RANBT were rated ‘drivers’, and again, this refers to wagon drivers as opposed to motor vehicle drivers. Other seamen were rated as ‘artificers’ or ‘sappers’, the latter being a military term traditionally used to describe army engineers. Appointed in command of the 1st RANBT was Lieutenant Commander Leighton Seymour Bracegirdle, RAN. Bracegirdle was ideally suited to command the unit, having seen active service with the NSW Naval Brigade during the Boxer Rebellion in China as well as serving as a military officer in the South African Irregular Horse during the Boer War in 1901. He had also recently returned from German New Guinea where he had served as a staff officer in the joint Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force (ANMEF) responsible for the capture of the German colonies in the Pacific in September 1914. Three hundred naval reservists, including 50 men who had recently served in New Guinea, were selected for the 1st RANBT and they began their training in horsemanship, engineering and pontoon bridging at the Domain in Melbourne. By late May 1915 a decision was made to send the unit to Britain to complete its training and then to join the RND on the Western Front. The plan, however, never eventuated. The complaints about the non-combatant work being done by the men had been raised in Federal Parliament and following consultation with the senior Australian officer in the Middle East, Lieutenant General Sir Harry Chauvel, a recommendation was made that the unit be disbanded and its men used as reinforcements for the AIF. Consequently, Lieutenant Commander Bracegirdle was advised that his unit was to be dispersed; its men transferring to the AIF or being returned to Australia for discharge. On 27 March 1917 the 1st RANBT was officially disbanded.Oxidised brass anchor shaped collar badge.ww1, world war 1, first world war, ranbt, ran bridging train, royal australian navy bridging train, collar badge -
Running Rabbits Military Museum operated by the Upwey Belgrave RSL Sub Branch
Book
First EditionAfter Pretoria - The Guerilla Warbooklets, boer, general -
Clayton RSL Sub Branch
soft cover non-fiction book, The Happy Warrior
... dates back to the Boer War from Aus & NZ members and ex-members ...An anthology of Australian and New Zealand Military PoetryThe poetry dates back to the Boer War from Aus & NZ members and ex-membersForeword by Lt Gen Peter Cosgrove -
Lilydale RSL Sub Branch
Book, Richard Reid, For Valour - Australians and the Victoria Cross, 2000
... recipients from the Boer War to Vietnam War 1899-1972 Book For Valour ...History of the Victoria Cross recipients from the Boer War to Vietnam War 1899-1972Booknon-fictionHistory of the Victoria Cross recipients from the Boer War to Vietnam War 1899-1972 -
Mrs Aeneas Gunn Memorial Library
Book, Charles Oman, England in the nineteenth century, 1909
... century A history of England from the Napoleonic wars to the Boer ...A history of England from the Napoleonic wars to the Boer war.Index, maps, p.307.non-fictionA history of England from the Napoleonic wars to the Boer war.great britain - history, great britain - politics and government - 19th century -
Trafalgar Holden Museum
Accessory - Leather bandolier, 1915
... As manufactured by Holden and Frost for use during Boer war, WW1 and WW2 ...Military bandolier made of leather and contains nine pouches for the storage of live ammunition for soldiers to use during warsAs manufactured by Holden and Frost for use during Boer war, WW1 and WW2Brown leather belt with nine pouches rivited onto it. Each end reduces in size with buckle on endHolden and Frost 1916military, bandoliers leather -
City of Kingston
Photograph - Black and white, c. 1917
... participation in the Boer War, but the majority were established during ...Members of the local community have gathered to plant an avenue of honour. Through community fundraising, funds for over 140 trees had been raised.An avenue of honour was planted after World War I (WWI) to commemorate those from the area who had died during service. The arboreal Avenue of Honour has been an enduring and highly popular form of public commemoration of military service in Australia. With a significant groundswell of community endeavour, as a nation, Australians have chosen to recognise service, sacrifice and suffering through community plantings of memorial Avenues of Honour. The earliest recorded Avenues of Honour were created in response to Australia’s participation in the Boer War, but the majority were established during and after World War I and, to a lesser extent, World War II. (https://avenuesofhonour.org/about/)A group of about eleven (11) people, including children and a baby, have gathered to plant trees along to create an avenue of honour for the fallen of World War I (WWI). From left to right: Moss Daff, Mr Stratford, Alice Edwards, Len Alln with Ron Allan, Mrs Wood (sen), Mrs Wood (jnr) with baby, name unrecorded, Mr McKittrick and Maud Edwards. White round sticker with black printed text on reverse: 99 Handwritten in red ink: 50%cheltenham, world war i, commemoration, avenue of honour -
Mrs Aeneas Gunn Memorial Library
Book, Ward, Lock & Co, Khaki and gown : an autobiography, 1941
... saw action in India, the Second Boer War, and World War I ...Autobiography of British Field Marshal Lord Birdwood, who saw action in India, the Second Boer War, and World War I.Index, ill, maps, p.456.non-fictionAutobiography of British Field Marshal Lord Birdwood, who saw action in India, the Second Boer War, and World War I.generals - great britain - biography, world war 1914-1918 - campaigns - france -
Mrs Aeneas Gunn Memorial Library
Book, McMillan and Co, My Early Life : A Roving Commission, 1943
... correspondent in South Africa during the Boer War, and his first forays ...Here, in his own words, are the fascinating first thirty years in the life of one of the greatest leaders of the twentieth century. In his autobiography, Churchill recalls his childhood, his schooling, his years as a war correspondent in South Africa during the Boer War, and his first forays into politics as a member of Parliament. Historians have established that Churchill took certain liberties with episodes in the book; he was not, for example, an academic under-achiever as he suggests. Of course this does not detract from the book's insights into the history of "a vanished age", nor his very personal struggles and achievements, which contrast starkly with the public focus of the majority of his writings.Index, ill, maps, p.385.non-fictionHere, in his own words, are the fascinating first thirty years in the life of one of the greatest leaders of the twentieth century. In his autobiography, Churchill recalls his childhood, his schooling, his years as a war correspondent in South Africa during the Boer War, and his first forays into politics as a member of Parliament. Historians have established that Churchill took certain liberties with episodes in the book; he was not, for example, an academic under-achiever as he suggests. Of course this does not detract from the book's insights into the history of "a vanished age", nor his very personal struggles and achievements, which contrast starkly with the public focus of the majority of his writings.south african wars, winston churchill 1884-1965