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During his time with the Victorian Naval
Contingent to suppress the Boxer Uprising from 21 July 1900 to 25 April
1901, William Robertson maintained a diary which reveals much about the man.
His breezy jottings show a candid mind of insightful observations and a
humorous wit which reads unlike any other war diary. On passing a boat of
natives on the way to China - “They probably wanted to exchange bread
fruit and bananas for missionaries, as they infinitely prefer roast
missionary to other delicacy” (14 Aug 1900). On the Chinese, whom he
admired for their engineering ingenuity - “...when the Chinese learn the
lessons we are teaching them - and they are apt pupils - they will be great
trade rivals” (29 Aug 1900). On military life - “This is a hog’s
life. I have not had my clothes off for days, but this afternoon...I entered
into a contract with a Chinese boy to wash me down daily with warm water and
carbolic soap...The boy will in time become a bloated Chinese capitalist”
(15 Oct 1900). Ultimately, the only shot Robertson fired in anger during
his time in China was to ward off a “...gentleman who had intended to
decorate me with the order of the boot” (17 Oct 1900).
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