Lot Essay
Sold with a large and interesting quantity of original documentation, including a letter home from the recipient to his employer (dated at Bronkhorstspruit 1.10.1900); two letters removed from Boer dead (or prisoners), one written by 'S.C. Botha' to his brother, 'W.F. Botha, Volksrust Main Laager' (dated at Tweefontein 11.5.1900), and the other from a 'Mr. Kuhlman' to his fiance, 'Mietje Sschalekamp', with inserted family photograph (dated 30.4.1899); a Boer Labour District Pass; the recipient's Army Account Book, with inserted 2nd and 3rd Class Certificates of Education; a letter from the recipient to his old C.O., Brigadier-General Pinney, asking him for a post under his command, on which the latter has penned a reply, suggesting he enlists in the National Reserve (dated 24.8.1914); and London Infantry Record Office forwarding letter for the recipient's 1914-15 Star (dated 15.6.1920).
Private Thomas Charles Kraseman enlisted for the Royal Fusiliers at Hounslow in late 1889, aged 18 years. His Corporal's stripes, awarded in September 1894, appear to have been lost as a result of a conviction for drunkenness in South Africa in July 1901, after return to active service from the Army Reserve. Kraseman served in South Africa from 22.10.1899 to 25.7.1902 and was wounded outside Ladysmith on 25.2.1900. Writing home in the following May to his old employer, Kraseman described how the 'reserve men' were 'fed up with the war, and of course we blame it on Roberts, and we all think Buller would have ended the war much quicker, had he had supreme command'. He goes on to mention the patrol activities of 'F' Company, 2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, which unit was based 'on a kopje about 3 miles from Head Quarters ... We are on the look out for any Boers after the blowing up of the line ...' (above described letter refers).
Following his initial contact with Brigadier-General Pinney (above described letter refers), Kraseman was successful in gaining an appointment in his old Regiment. Tragically, soon after entering the Balkans Theatre of War, he was killed in action at Gallipoli on 6.6.1915, while serving with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers.
Private Thomas Charles Kraseman enlisted for the Royal Fusiliers at Hounslow in late 1889, aged 18 years. His Corporal's stripes, awarded in September 1894, appear to have been lost as a result of a conviction for drunkenness in South Africa in July 1901, after return to active service from the Army Reserve. Kraseman served in South Africa from 22.10.1899 to 25.7.1902 and was wounded outside Ladysmith on 25.2.1900. Writing home in the following May to his old employer, Kraseman described how the 'reserve men' were 'fed up with the war, and of course we blame it on Roberts, and we all think Buller would have ended the war much quicker, had he had supreme command'. He goes on to mention the patrol activities of 'F' Company, 2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, which unit was based 'on a kopje about 3 miles from Head Quarters ... We are on the look out for any Boers after the blowing up of the line ...' (above described letter refers).
Following his initial contact with Brigadier-General Pinney (above described letter refers), Kraseman was successful in gaining an appointment in his old Regiment. Tragically, soon after entering the Balkans Theatre of War, he was killed in action at Gallipoli on 6.6.1915, while serving with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers.