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A Couple of Boer War Hankerchiefs

Article about: Hi all, just thought I would post these for interests sake. The Absent Minded Beggar one, I think was mass produced to encourage the public to give money to assist the wives and children of

  1. #1

    Default A Couple of Boer War Hankerchiefs

    Hi all, just thought I would post these for interests sake. The Absent Minded Beggar one, I think was mass produced to encourage the public to give money to assist the wives and children of servicemen (note the not so subtle lyrics). The 1st Battalion Essex Regiment one, I was lucky enough to inherit, although I am not sure yet which family member was in South Africa. Interesting as it was printed in Maritzburg, and is of better quality than the first one. Not sure how many more there are of these floating about.

    The Absent Minded Beggar

    WHEN you've shouted "Rule Britannia," when you've sung "God save the Queen,"
    When you've finished killing Kruger with your mouth,
    Will you kindly drop a shilling in my little tambourine
    For a gentleman in khaki ordered South?
    He's an absent-minded beggar, and his weaknesses are great—
    But we and Paul must take him as we find him—
    He is out on active service, wiping something off a slate
    And he's left a lot of little things behind him!
    Duke's son—cook's son - son of a hundred kings
    (Fifty thousand horse and foot going to Table Bay!)
    Each of 'em doing his country's work
    (and who's to look after their things?)
    Pass the hat for your credit's sake,
    and pay—pay—pay !

    There are girls he married secret, asking no permission to,
    For he knew he wouldn't get it if he did.
    There is gas and coals and vittles, and the house-rent falling due,
    And its more than rather likely there’s a kid.
    There are girls he’s walked with casual. They’ll be sorry now he’s gone,
    For an absent-minded beggar they will find him,
    But it ain’t the time for sermons with the winter coming on
    We must help the girl that Tommy’s left behind him!
    Cook's son—Duke's son—son of a belted Earl
    Son of a Lambeth publican—it's all the same to-day !
    Each of 'em doing his country's work
    (and who's to look after the girl?)
    Pass the hat for your credit's sake,
    and pay—pay—pay !

    There are families by thousands, far too proud to beg or speak,
    And they'll put their sticks and bedding up the spout,
    And they'll live on half o' nothing, paid 'em punctual once a week,
    'Cause the man that earns the wage is ordered out.
    He's an absent-minded beggar, but he heard his country call,
    And his reg'rnent didn't need to send to find him!
    He chucked his job and joined it—so the job before us all
    Is to help the home that Tommy's left behind him !
    Duke's job—cook's job—gardener, baronet, groom.
    Mews or palace or paper-shop, there's someone gone away!
    Each of 'em doing his country's work
    (and who's to look after the room?)
    Pass the hat for your credit's sake,
    and pay—pay—pay !

    Let us manage so as, later, we can look him in the face,
    And tell him—what he'd very much prefer
    That, while he saved the Empire, his employer saved his place,
    And his mates (that's you and me) looked out for her.
    He's an absent-minded beggar and he may forget it all,
    But we do not want his kiddies to remind him
    That we sent 'em to the workhouse while their daddy hammered Paul,
    So we'll help the homes that Tommy left behind him !
    Cook's home—Duke's home—home of a millionaire,
    (Fifty thousand horse and foot going to Table Bay !)
    Each of 'em doing his country's work
    (and what have you got to spare?)
    Pass the hat for your credit's sake,
    and pay—pay—pay !
    Click to enlarge the picture Click to enlarge the picture A Couple of Boer War Hankerchiefs   A Couple of Boer War Hankerchiefs  

    A Couple of Boer War Hankerchiefs   A Couple of Boer War Hankerchiefs  

    A Couple of Boer War Hankerchiefs   A Couple of Boer War Hankerchiefs  

    A Couple of Boer War Hankerchiefs  

  2. #2

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    Very interesting and what a great find!...

  3. #3

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    Very cool items James, not something you see often and the Boer war seems to have been largely forgotten by many these days, though I suppose it was rather un pc in some aspects.
    Regards,

    Jerry

    Whatever its just an opinion.

  4. #4

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    Very interesting primary source, thanks for posting

  5. #5

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    Quote by Jerry B View Post
    Very cool items James, not something you see often and the Boer war seems to have been largely forgotten by many these days, though I suppose it was rather un pc in some aspects.
    Indeed, I must confess I know very little about the Boer War, I don't recognise many of the engagements listed and certainly couldn't comment on them, but I do pick up memorabilia when it comes up for cheap.

  6. #6
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    James good finds & very interesting..I'm no expert on the Boer War but it is well worth a look into just You Tube it with a spare hour & you will learn lots!!.Some nice looking medals from the age too..If you fancy selling one in the future I'm your man. As I am trying to make a Boer war shelf in very slow time lol. Cheers Terry.

  7. #7
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    Very Nice, I just picked up a couple pof Boar War items myself yesterday, a towel marked to a member of the RAMC and a canvas pouch for flares worn on the belt.

    Dean O

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    James, like you I have not really studied the Boer Wars, but I have a few items from that period in my collection and I am always on the look out for more.

    Dean, it sounds like you had a good day yesterday.

    Terry, I look forward to seeing your shelf.
    Regards,

    Jerry

    Whatever its just an opinion.

  9. #9
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    I had a good day, my kitchen table is piled with stuff I bought, just starting to sort it out, In a box of common badges I found 2 escape compass's, an AOS Instructor "wings" from the BCATP as well as a pair of CTTC titles I have never seen before, still trying to figure them out!!

    Dean O

  10. #10

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    Quote by Tango View Post
    James good finds & very interesting..I'm no expert on the Boer War but it is well worth a look into just You Tube it with a spare hour & you will learn lots!!.Some nice looking medals from the age too..If you fancy selling one in the future I'm your man. As I am trying to make a Boer war shelf in very slow time lol. Cheers Terry.
    I too look forward to seeing your shelf when it is complete Terry. I have had a look on ebay and the Absent Minded Beggar handkerchiefs are quite reasonably priced at around £20, which is something to look at.

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