The Letters of Julian Grenfell, January 1914

Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies. Ref: D/EX789/F16

To listen to the audio clip, click play on the bar below the image on the right.

8 January 1914 – Carlton Hotel, Johannesburg

My Darling Mother

Thank you a million times for the very good useful letter case, which I shall always take with me on my wanderings; and for the delicious cigarette-holder. I do love them: and you!

Yes, I’ve read some of the occult books – those books which range from ultra-mystical descriptions of the Spiritual World to exactly detailed regulations for getting up early in the morning and not eating too much! They always have the effect making me get up at 12.30pm and order champagne and oysters in bed.

A railway strike was declared yesterday: and this morning they said that everyone was coming out again. Now, however, they say peace is declared again. I’m going straight back to Potch[esfstroom], by motor if they don’t run the trains. Isn’t it an awful country? Yesterday I was going to Cape Town to ride a horse called ‘Video’ in the National here, for one of the racing swine. Rather bad luck – he was favourite, and had a big chance.  But they may call us out any minute, so I’m answering the stern call of Duty.

15 January 1914 – Royal Dragoons, Potchefstroom

My dear Dad

Thank you very much for your letter. I hope that all the Panshanger arrangements are working well; and I’m so glad that Beit got his 4000 pheasants – how many did Barnes rear? Hurrah for the trout again; they ought to do well. I’m longing to see the prize short-horns.

I’ve got some real good heavyweight thorobred polo-ponies here, and they ought to make a good price at home. People seem to think we’re coming home in October next; but it’s all most uncertain. A General Strike is declared in Jo’burg now; and the place is full of Defence Force, mostly Dutch, 20,000 of them. The trains are still running, which is odd, considering the railways being declared ‘out’. Martial Law is declared. It’s a funny situation; each side waiting to see what the other will do; and no violence as yet. But I don’t see how violence can be avoided, once they get hungry, which they will get at once. Then they must give in, or fight. If they fight, up we go.