Boer War Commemorative Handkerchief on Cotton with Map of South Africa and 'The Absent-Minded Beggar' Song by Rudyard Kipling with Music by Arthur Sullivan.

Published by London: The Daily Mail Publishing Co. Ltd. ca.1900-1901

About this Item

A printed handkerchief published by the Daily Mail to raise funds for the 'Soldiers Families Fund' after the outbreak of the Second Boer War (1899-1902), the first charitable effort for a war. Printed in royal blue on white, lithograph, size 482x475mm (19x18.76 ins), creased where folded, (no attempt to iron out creases), small mark to head of front fore-edge corner, not affecting text, otherwise bright, clean & very good condition. The map shows the theatre of war, around the South African Republic (the Transvaal) and the Orange Free State. The two portraits are of Lord Roberts, Commander of the British Troops, and Queen Victoria, the British Monarch for the first half of the war. The poem, 'The Absent-Minded Beggar' by Rudyard Kipling was specially commissioned for the Fund and given a musical score by Arthur Sullivan (of Gilbert & Sullivan fame). Kipling's famous Boer War verse, was used to raise money for the widows, wives and children of those serving in South Africa. It appeared on many commemorative souvenirs which were sold to raise funds. This map was of more use than other objects as it allowed the course of the war to be followed. This handkerchief is probably the most famous item of British ephemera produced during the South African War. It became a huge success, giving the fund the name the 'Absent Minded Beggar Relief Corps' and helped to raised £340,000.00 by the time it was wound up in 1903. Seller Inventory # 1841

Bibliographic Details

Title: Boer War Commemorative Handkerchief on ...

Publisher: London: The Daily Mail Publishing Co. Ltd. ca.1900-1901

Binding: Soft cover

Condition: Very Good