Souvenir poem written on small square of khaki jacket fabric : J H Leavy, Prince of Wales Light Horse

Place Africa: South Africa
Accession Number REL/21146
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Heraldry
Physical description Khaki woollen cloth
Maker Leavy, James Henry
Place made South Africa
Date made 1901
Conflict South Africa, 1899-1902 (Boer War)
Description

Small rectangle of khaki woollen cloth cut from part of a British army uniform jacket. The edges appear to have been deliberately frayed as a decorative device. A poem has been written, as a Christmas present, on both sides of the fabric in black ink. First side reads, 'XMAS From the land of despair and regret where nature is dressed to extremes; where nothing that's lovely is met and the past seems a vision or dream; I send with a greeting of love on the cloth I have worn at the fight. These lines have been written to prove that my thoughts will be with you tonight.' Second side reads, 'From the Front, South Africa. To Ada, from Jim, 1901-02 Xmas Greeting.'

History / Summary

This poem was sent home to Ada, sweetheart of British soldier, James Henry Leavy, who served with the Prince of Wales Light Horse Regiment, for Christmas 1901. Leavy was captured by the Boers in 1902 and only released from captivity following the cessation of hostilities in that year. He returned to England and married Ada, and they migrated to Australia in 1903.