Item ASTON, GG 1/4 - Diary, 1911, relating to service on the General Staff, South Africa

Diary containing daily entries relating to Aston as Brig Gen, General Staff, South Africa includes comments on increase in anti-British feeling amongst Dutch farmers; letters and notes from Gen Paul Sanford Methuen, 3rd Baron Methuen expressing doubts over FM Jan Christian Smuts' plans for the South Africa Defence Act; Aston's appointment as Aide de Camp to the King; account of meetings with Gen Sir Ian Standish Monteith Hamilton; Aston's views on a proposed scheme for mounted riflemen, primarily that they were unsuitable for use as a striking force unless a reserve was introduced to do their police duties; account of visit to Smuts and discussion on the South Africa Defence Bill; arrangements for Methuen to remain in South Africa after relinquishing his position as Commander in Chief until the Union Defence Bill had been passed. 1 file