| Place | Africa: South Africa |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL34481 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Technology |
| Physical description | Glass, Nickel Silver |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Date made | c 1900 |
| Conflict |
South Africa, 1899-1902 (Boer War) |
Compass : Private J Siddle, 3 Victorian (Bushmen's) Contingent
Description
Nickel silver fob pocket compass fitted with push-release sprung cover and fob chain ring. Interior features a floating disc compass under a protective glass. The outside front cover compass has been engraved with 'VBD, J Siddle, 591, from DMcD, 10/9/00'. Inside the front cover has been engraved with 'V.B.C, 591, MCH 10, 1900, D Mc D'. A hallmark is represented with a backward letter 'P' and number '12'.
History / Summary
This compass was given to John Siddle while he was a prisoner of war in South Africa. 591 Private John Siddle enlisted with the 3rd (Bushmen's) Contingent in early 1900. He embarked for South Africa from Melbourne on board the Euryalus on 10 March 1900, arriving in South Africa on 3 April. Siddle went missing at Eland's River on the 2 September 1900 and was found to have been taken prisoner. His captivity was short as he was released on the 11 October 1900 and rejoined his unit. He was severely wounded at Wolvers Kuil on the 14 February 1901. After spending over a year in South Africa, the 3rd (Bushmen's) Contingent embarked for Melbourne on 9 May 1901.