14 MAY 1983, Page 23

Letters

Boer war baby

Sir: I so enjoyed Arthur Marshall's review Of Dr Cottle's book Names (7 May) which, In turn, I expect to enjoy. I wonder if either gentleman has ever encountered the Boer War music-hall song that my late father was given to rendering in his more expansive moments?

The Baby's name is Kitchener Carrington Methuen Kekewich White Cronje Plumer Powell Majuba Gatacre Warren Colenso Kruger Cape Town Mafeking French Kimberley Ladysmith Bobs The Union Jack & Fighting Mac Lyddite Pretoria Bloggs.

The Parson said, 'These names upon this infant I can't pop,' So my wife she bruised his rolling veld and jumped on his Spion Kop, She kicked his Mounted Infantry till his Bloemfontein was sore, Then she did a flanking movement and started out once more.

The Baby's name James Menhinick

69 North Salts, Rye, East Sussex