An Officers Mess ?

Harry O'Clery of the buffs writing about Eschowe.

I kept a diary while in Eschowe and took note of the prices realised when the luxuries left behind by the mounted volunteers were put under the hammer, on the 22nd Feb 1879. Most of the goods were purchased by officers as the prices were high.
He goes on to list the prices realised. the last of which is:

The last item ( a 12lb Ham ), I remember, was knocked down to an officer of the 99th Reg, who invited the Col to dine with him in the evening; but at the appointed time the feast was given up, for some person unknown had stolen the joint!

Don't ya just love it.

Har, Har, Har    

Some person unknown had stolen the 12lb Ham Joint,    I can just picture the lads tucking into ham butty's  

Stolen seems such a harsh word - in my day they would have said scrounged or liberated!!

 

Correct Sergio, 'liberated' seems such a better word, and I hope the lads enjoyed their butty's.