Soldiers' letters during the Anglo-Zulu War

[Paul Bryant-Quinn]

I have been trying for a while to substantiate a reference in a letter from 1933 Pte 'Charles Roberts' (not his real name), B coy, 2/4th, sent from Lüneberg on the borders of Natal and Zululand to his father in Llandrillo, at that time in Merionethshire. Referring to a letter which he had sent to a friend in Wales, 'Roberts' notes:

I was surprised to find out that J. Roberts had been obliged to pay a shilling for the letter I sent him: this is contrary to the recent instruction of the Postmaster-General, Lord Manners, that the cost of unstamped letters from soldiers would be charged at the 'single fare' rate. It would have been obvious to everyone that the letter had come from me[.]

Y Genedl Gymreig, 25.9.1879, 6.3 (my translation)

Does anyone know more about this arrangement concerning unstamped mail from soldiers on campaign, or was it peculiar to the AZW?

With thanks,

Paul

[RALPH HINZE]

Hallo Paul

Unfortunately I do not know anything about the postal arrangements during the Zulu War.

What interest me about your letter is that it was sent from Luneberg. My ancestors were farmers around Luneburg and they were in the laager at Luneburg during the war. It would interest me to know what the letter said about Luneburg and its people.

Could you possibly send me the content of the letter or publish it here? Do you have or know of any other letters written from Luneburg in that time?

Kind regards.

Ralph Hinze

I

[Paul Bryant-Quinn]

Hi Ralph

Sorry I didn't see your message until now. I'm working on an article at the moment on the material I have regarding Lüneberg. If you also have any information about your ancestors during the AZW, I should be delighted to be in contact with you. Send me a PM.

Kind regards,

Paul

[RALPH HINZE]

Hallo Paul

I came across a reference to a letter by a private killed in the Intombi Drift massacre on another forum. I hope you can use the link, which is as follows:
Link : http://1879zuluwar.talk-forums.com/t441 ... -80th-foot

There are photos of the envelopes and a description. I think the letter must have been written at Luneburg. I don't know the content of the letter, however.

I could have sent you this link by e-mail, but I do not have your e-mail address.

Kind regards.

Ralph Hinze