The papers comprise:
- William Ward's printed army account book, or pocket ledger (London: 1893), containing personal details and certificates, 1895-8
- Ward's pocket-book containing:
- miscellaneous memoranda
- lists of men and provisions
- a list of Ward's whereabouts, 1894-1902, mainly during the Boer war
- copies of army orders, 1900
- maps of and notes on the battles of Colenso and Dundee, and the assault on Ladysmith, 1899-1900
- a list of degrees of drunkenness, ranging from 'Mortally inebriated' to 'Sober as a judge'.