When his two older brothers, Fred and Leopold, enlisted in the army during the Boer War (1899-1902), the thrill-packed letters home were too much to resist, and one night fourteen-year-old Victor ran away from home and joined the Life Guards. He never fought, however, as his father promptly secured his release from military service. While in the Guards, Victor first learned to use his fists to protect himself, developing an interest in boxing, and becoming the regimental champion. Fatherly care may have kept Victor out of the Boer War, but returning to school was simply too dull for the.
