New Zealand Soldier Diary

Thursday 5th August 1899 - South Africa, Veldt

4:00am was the wakeup call, making sure we were  always ready for another exhausting day. Food here is four times the price than it is at home. With the loss of 2 toes, I’m unable to walk properly. Sleeping here is impossible, as I try to sleep at the same time we have to worry about being ambushed of killed..

Conditions in South Africa are very harsh, many of our soldiers have been killed or have been injured very badly. My trench foot it getting worse, the pain is gaining and I’m starting to get an infection covering my entire arm.

I hope that the queen is happy, now that I'm serving as a Nz Soldier. One thing I don't really understand is why Richard Sedan sent us here? Everyday I worry about mom, her condition was very bad when I left her at home, hopefully she'll be there when I get back. 

Anyways my main concern right now is 12 year old Peter Doyle, he has already lost one  arm and badly injured both of his legs,and is sadly near death. I can’t wait till this is all over.I’ll be able to see all of my family again, eat proper food had have a nice warm shower. That’s one thing that will keep me motivated.