Re War Gratuities to British soldiers, there was a £5 gratuity paid to British (including Colonial) soldiers for service in the South African (Boer) War 1899-1902. Officers got £50, £60 or even £100 (and most of one New Zealand veterinary officer's file I saw was his justification for getting the officer's gratuity; he had accompanied the horses on the ship to South Africa but had not been ordered ashore. He was still writing in 1914, and got a reply after the war started saying in effect "we're busy"!). Generally, bulky personnel files result either from the soldier being in trouble, or claiming extra money or (campaign) medals! Yours, John Wilson (New Zealand) Could anyone on the list give me any information about the ?5 War Gratuity that was paid to soldiers or their relatives. Any help would be greatly appreciated Terry Evans