The Absent-Minded Beggar-Boer War Families Fund- Linen Handkerchief-1899-1902

The Absent-Minded Beggar-Boer War Families Fund- Linen Handkerchief-1899-1902 A printed handkerchief published possibly 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 reds, blue and yellow, lithograph, size  (15×15 ins), creased where folded, (no attempt to iron out creases), some very small fox marks to the front , not affecting text, otherwise bright, clean & very good condition. The front shows the 5th Lancers and there valour.  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. The Absent-Minded Beggar-Boer War Families Fund- Linen Handkerchief-1899-1902