Key Information
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1911 Feb - Dec (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent
1 file
Scope and content
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
General Information
Name of creator
Repository
Language of material
Script of material
Existence and location of originals
The originals are held at the Royal Marines Museum, Eastney. The balance of the collection at Eastney consists of further newspaper cuttings relating to army training reports by Aston, 1921-1925 and 1933, and reviews of his books; further writings, 'Four