A Knapsack Bible with a bullet hole
The "Knapsack Bible" was a popular gift for soldiers for use in South Africa 1899-1900. It was bound in Khaki and sold for 2/6d and was sent to the specific trooper by book post for 3d.
During the Great War, 2450 Private James Benjamin COWAN received a Knapsack Bible from his mother. This Bible was originally sent to South Africa with 56 Trooper Peter Bruce RANKINE, who served with the 2nd South Australian Mounted Rifles.
GIFTS TO THE BUSHMEN.
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union had arranged, through the kindness of a friend, to present the members of the Bushmen's Corps with a "marked Testament," but on learning that Mr. J. H. Angas was giving them a knapsack Bible the Testaments were returned, and a parcel of popular literature has been given in stead. To this were added three or four cases of fruit, which were sent direct to the Maplemore. A social was being arranged, but the early departure of the men prevented this being carried out.