Click here to return to the main site entry page
Click here to return to the previous page
The Rushden Echo, 4th May 1900, transcribed by Jim Hollis
The Siege of Kimberley

War Echoes

A Rushden Man a Prisoner in Pretoria

The Boers - “A Good Lot of Fellows”


Private C. Chettle, of 47, Little-street, Rushden, No. 3291, H Company, 2nd Bedford Regiment, who has been missing since 13th February last, during an engagement near Kimberley, is now a prisoner at Pretoria. Since his reported absence no reliable news of his whereabouts could be ascertained until a few days ago when his wife, “Just a line to let you know that I am all right, and in the best of health. I do not know if you have seen it (missing) in the papers yet, or heard from the Government, but I was taken prisoner on 13th February, and brought to Pretoria, where I shall be kept until it is all over. So you need not fret if you do not hear from me again, as I shall be all right and well looked after. Since I have been caught I have had the best of treatment from the Boers they are a good lot of fellows. But, my dear wife, I shall be glad when it is all over, so I can get back to you and the little ones. I do not know whether they will stop my pay while I am here or not, but if they do you must do the best you can till I come home.

This is all I can write this time, so cheer up and with love to all. P.S.  Don’t fret: I shall be all right, and you need not write until you hear from me again.”



Click here to return to the main index of features
Click here to return to the War index