Incomplete letter by Stuart Edward Craig, Loch's Horse, written to an unknown recipient from Bloemfontein, 29 March 1900

In this letter Craig describes his quarters and cooking arrangements, says that he has applied for a commission, and describes the work and responsibilities of a guide. He mentions that everyone is sick of the war, that Kitchener has arrived with his troops, who speak badly of him, while Roberts is very well thought of. He also wonders where his pay will come from now that he has left Loch's Horse.

Stuart Edward Craig served with distinction during the Boer War (1899-1902). He joined up as non-commissioned officer with Loch's Horse in February 1900 but soon after his arrival in South Africa he was attached to Headquarters Staff at Blomfontein. He was captured by the Boers whilst carrying a despatch from Lord Roberts to General Sir Archibald Hunter at Heilbron, but escaped and rejoined British forces at the Vaal River. After the fall of Pretoria he served as a Staff Intelligence Office with General Hunter. During his service, Craig was mentioned in despatches, was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) and the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and rose to the rank of Captain. He died from heart failure at Piddington, near Bicester on 24 November 1904.

From a collection of papers relating to the service of Captain Stuart Edward Craig and Robert J Craig in South Africa 1899-1901.