Siddle, John (Corporal, b. 1876 - d.1949)

Collection relating to the South African War (Boer War) service of 591 Corporal John Siddle, 3 Victorian (Bushmen) Contingent and later 1649 Private John Siddle, Steinaecker Horse, Victoria, at sea, South Africa, 1898-1902.

Wallet 1 of 2 (custom box) - consists of a 1901 diary with brief entries dating from 10 February 1900 to April 1901 mentioning troop movements and activities, engagements with Boers, fellow soldiers who were wounded or died, daily life, and social activities. The diary also contains a torn newspaper clipping showing photographs of several soldiers and a small piece of an incomplete letter.

Wallet 2 of 2 - contains a collection of letters and discharge papers for John Siddle.

Folder 1 contains 40 letters dated from 4 August 1898 to 10 December 1902 addressed to Marion [possibly Marion Butters whom he married in 1910]. Several letters are undated and/or incomplete. Siddle's letters prior to service in South Africa talk about his relationship with Marion, family and friends, and work. Letters from South Africa describe daily life in service, conditions in South Africa and frequently mention food and weather. Letters include an explanation of time spent separated from his unit in September 1900 and an incident later mentioned in despatches in which two members of Steinaeker Horse retrieved another soldier's body from a crocodile. Folder also contains a handwritten copy of a poem 'Parting' sent to 'Marion'.

Folder 2 contains one Victorian Contingents for Service in South Africa Certificate of Discharge for 591 Corporal John Siddle from 3 Bushmen's Contingent dated 8 June 1901 confirmed at Melbourne, Victoria, and one Certificate of Discharge for 1649 Private John Siddle from Steinaecker Horse dated 14 August 1902 confirmed at Maritzburg, Natal.

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 was separated from his unit at Eland's River on 2 September 1900 and rejoined his unit on 11 October 1900. 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.

Siddle later returned to South Africa and enlisted with Steinaeker's Horse in February 1902. He was discharged in August 1902 and returned to Australia in 1903.