Wookey, Archibald William Lawton (Trooper, b.1879 - d.1901)

Collection relating to the Boer War service of 2659 Trooper Archibald William Lawton Wookey, 5 New Zealand Contingent, South Africa, 1900-1901.

Folder 1 of 2 - Pocket diary maintained by Trooper Wookey, a Tasmanian who served with the 14th Company of the 5th New Zealand Contingent, between 1900 and 1901. Wookey purchased the diary at Beira, Mozambique on 19 May 1900. He recounts his departure from Wellington, New Zealand, on 31 March 1900 and arrival in South Africa. Thereafter, he makes regular entries on his daily activities, movements and observations on camp life, discussing matters such as food shortages, hostile weather, illness, and locusts. He also records mail received, entertainment, church services, and engagements with the Boers. The diary also features sketches by Wookey, a description of Wookey's horse, transcribed verse, and a list of names and addresses.

Folder 2 of 2 - Contains a leave note, two cigarette coupons, a Victoria Tramway Company ticket from Kimberley, and a souvenir notebook. The notebook was one gifted to members of the 5th New Zealand Contingent on their departure from New Zealand in March 1901. These items were probably originally inserted within the diary. The folder also includes a rough, handwritten transcription of the contents in Wookey's diary.

• Wallet 1 of 1 - Diary and personal items belonging to Archibald William Lawton Wookey, 1900-1901