Deadwood Camp Gedenksboek
De Krijgsgevangene No 8 newspaper
This document was sourced courtesy of "Government Archives in Jamestown " and Wilf Vevers
Translation to English via J Marsh
(Author's copyright reserved)
Botman van Zijl, of District Boshof, passed away in Deadwood Camp on 9 August 1901 from pneumonia. [borstwater]
Passed away in Jamestown Hospital on 14 August, J. du Toit, aged 43, from dropsy. [water]
Last Saturday in his closing remarks at the concert, Capt de Witt Hamer spoke words with which we completely agree, viz when he spoke about the good relationship which currently exists between ourselves and the residents of St Helena. When we first arrived it was another matter: residents regarded us with suspicion and appeared to be afraid of us. That was the truth. They were - they now say - under the impression that the Boers were a nation of Barbarians and they did not think it safe to allow us into their homes. And from our side, being looked at suspiciously, we did not gain a pleasant impression about them. But step by step we learned about each other's good points and began to think more of one another.
So now most of us are welcome overall, and we receive signs of goodwill and friendship. And only those who have also found themselves in such circumstances can appreciate how much such signs mean. If anyone among us does not feel welcome then that is surely due to his own behavior, be it withholding [achterhoudenheid] or something else they can thank for it; because we cannot deny that there are also black sheep among us; but we are now writing about the decent among us and among the residents of St. Helena.
We have heard it said by some "How can you be friends with people who are part of your enemy's nation?" We see nothing wrong with this. According to current civilization there are two principles laid down under the regulations concerning warfare as recognized by the Hague Convention. The first is that only combatants, and not the civilian population of a country, can be viewed as enemies. The second is that once a combatant is removed from the fighting, he ceases to be an enemy. Now apply both principles to our case. The residents of St Helena have not - nor is it likely that they ever would - fought against us, so they are not combatants and we cannot regard them as enemies. We as PoWs have been removed from the fight so according to the second quoted point we can no longer be their enemies. So, if anybody offers us the hand of friendship we can see no reason to rudely reject it; even more if we are aware that personal appreciation which has led to the offer? What, we ask, would our condition be if the residents had unanimously agreed to shut their doors to us and have nothing to do with us?
What pleasure would there then be, to be allowed out on parole? And how many of us work outside and enjoy a relative measure of freedom due to the trust placed in us? No, I shall personally accept the hand of friendship if it is offered by any decent person: and we further agree completely with Capt. de Witt Hamer when he wishes the residents of St. Helena all the very best for their future.
In another column you will find a report on the concert given by the "Christy Minstrels in Jamestown sent in by a correspondent. It is written in English and for that and other reasons considered a good idea to publish.
Once again, an attempt to escape has been made, and once again, it has failed. We do not wish to say anything about the factual circumstances except that Messrs de Haas and Mulder were found on Sunday morning in an open boat about six miles offshore. They were brought back by a steamer. It is said that they had neither food nor water with them, the boat did not have a sail and even their clothes had been left behind. Because repeated similar attempts give the outside world a poor view of our intelligence, we recommend that in future our readers avoid such attempts. As we have said before it is easier to arrive on St. Helena than to leave it. Patience and courage!
Our ears are currently greeted by the sounds of a bell, which hangs outside the camp church, which is a gift to the congregation from a friend from South Africa. It is agreat improvement on the previously used piece of iron.
For general information we publish the current postal regulations which apply here.
After this date the following regulations will be strictly applied by the Censors:
To enable the Censors to return any envelopes which cannot be passed, the PoWs are to write their name and tent number on the back of the envelope. In cases where this is not done, the envelopes will remain in the (post) office.
(Wg).(sic) R.Barclay, Lt. Col.,
Commandant of Prisoners of War.
Deadwood Camp 9th August, 1901
This Society - the biggest in Deadwood Camp - was started in October last year by thirty six men who had gathered at the invitation of Mr. Houtzager to discuss the desirability of having some sort of "Club" for the PoWs in the camp.
The purpose - as expressed at the first meeting and later determined by regulations - is to "make the camp life more useful and pleasant by working together ." To reach this goal and after many disappointments the members came to possess a large building, 50ft x 50ft with 20ft extra on one end suitable for a stage, and at the other end place for a Buffet where the lessees (currently Messrs. Staas and Parkin) provide light refreshment for the members at reasonable prices.
Members are able to spend their days and evenings socializing in this building by reading - because there is always much reading matter available - or by playing chess, cards or draughts.
At the founding of the Society the following management was elected:
Chairman J.F. Houtzager; Vice-chairman C.J.R. Taylor ; Secretary and Treasurer H.J. Beunk; members Messrs Mygind, A.H.H. Sausenthaler, R.F. Aling and Capt Weiss. Due to the resignation of some of these members and some of them moved outside the camp, the current management consists of Chairman J.F. Houtzager, Vice-chairman (not yet elected), Treasurer, H. Everitt, (also acting Secretary) and Capt. Weiss, J. Teengs, K. Wapenaar and A. Smorenberg, while there is one vacancy.
Management has oversight of matters in general while each subordinate part is regulated by one of the management and two ordinary members. Commissions are as follows:
(to be continued.)
To the Editor "De Krijgsgevangene"
SIR, - "A prisoner's life is not a happy one" says some poet (or if he did not, he should have said it), but there's no rule without an exception,
and our life has its bright bits too. I wish to tell you about one of these bright bits, viz: our visit to Jamestown to give a concert for the benefit of the
Boer Hospital and the local charities.
Well on Thursday morning, behold us gathered at the gate, under the leadership of Mr. Penn. The wind blew and the rain fell, but nothing could damp our spirits. We were
"Thirty happy souls and all agog
To dash though thick and thin"
the last applying to the mud, which was of both descriptions. We set off together, but soon tailed off; and the further we got the better was the weather and the drier the road, until it seemed as though - contrary to the generally accepted mode of procedure. We were descending into Paradise. (I hope Jamestown won't feel too flattered). We got there, some sooner, others later, and immediately proceeded to imbibe various "shandies" and other things, and to take forcible possession on Mr Charles Taylor's "Prisoners of War Home".
Presently he called us to dinner, and to judge by the scramble for seats one would have thought we had all fasted for a fortnight; and this impression would have heightened by the terrific onslaught we made on the viands. "Bones" especially distinguished himself in this respect and I fear Charlie did not make much profit out of him.
After dinner we paraded the town generally. A notice "Wanted a boy" in a shop window attracted general attention, and as a young lady was in charge, at least twenty of us dropped in - one by one, of course - to apply for the situation. No one got it, however, though I understand that "Toffy" would have been taken on had he not been quite so tall.
After a lot of shepherding, Mr Penn got enough of us together to put the hall (the Benevolent Society's Schoolroom) in order for the night's performance, and after another determined attack on Charlie's provisions, we proceeded thither to start operations.
The attendance on Thursday was very poor, on Friday a little better, and on Saturday we had a fairly full house. Whether this was due to the reduced prices, or whether the scouts had reported favourably on the first two nights, is an open question.
As to the programme itself, it is unnecessary to say much, as we have seen it before in camp. Max de Kock's song "Poor old Joe," (in character) with invisible chorus, took very well, while A.W. Bocherds received encores each night for his song "Baby". His recitation "Shamus O'Brien" was also very well received. A burly Irish Sergeant of artillery persisted in claiming the reciter as a notwithstanding. Hennie Louw had a very bad cold, and was unable to do himself justice, so Mr Dalmeyer was added to the programme on the second and third evenings; both his songs "Edelweiss" and " What are the wild waves saying?" were encored, and he made a decided hit.
The pantomine by Mr Staas, entitled "A pleasant hour in a painter's studio" caused roars of laughter, as it did here, and the actors fairly excelled themselves.
The second half was taken up by the Christy Minstrels, with Mr Penn as Mr Johnston. Max de Kock as "Tambo" and H.C.de Meillon as "Bones". The songs we have heard here; the jokes, especially the local ones, went down well with the audience, and "Tambo's" comicalities kept them on the broad grin from first to last.
The sleeping accomodation being somewhat limited, we were packed rather like sardines the first night, and our conditions was not improved by two or three belated ones walking over us in the dark and in ammunition boots. If the air didn't go blue that night it never will. I heard some complaining next morning of the smell, but I am not sure that it was a sulphurous one. However, we filtered down by the second night, and wooed Morpheus -- and other gods -- successfully.
Most of the daytime was spent on the stoep, watching the passers-by. We notice that the principal products of the Island appeared to be children and donkies. One or two ventured to sample the deleterious compound fondly believed by the inhabitants to be Jamaican rum. Well it made them feel rum, and they preached sobriety to the rest of us, both by precept(!) and example.
On Friday evening some enterprising ones, assisted by some of the townspeople, endeavoured to organise a dance in the Masonic Hall. As a dance it was a faiulure, as no ladies turned up, but some seemed to derive great satisfaction in twirling a light, fantastic toe with one another - at least, some of the twirling was fantastic enough, but I can't say much for the lightness of the toes: those shod in number ten ammunition boots that trod upon my pet corn did not possess very much of that quality.
On the third night Capt de Witt Hamer closed the proceedings by thanking the public for their support (save the mark !) and remarked on the cordial feeling which exists between the Prisoner of War and the inhabitants of the island, since they have learned to know one another. He concluded by wishing the inhabitants prosperity in the future.
As a finale our leading lady attempted to elope in a small boat with a man from Ruperts Valley. Fortune did not favour them, and the next morning a steam launch was sent in pursuit, and like a stern parent "hauled them back again"?
From a financial point of view I regret to say the concert was not a success and the takings did not cover the expenses, and therefore the charities received no benefit.
This, however, was only due to the want of support; and taking the object of undertaking into consideration, I must say I am surprised that we did not receive more support, especially from the business people, who have made thousands out of us.
H.E. the Governor, our Camp Commandant, and the Garrison Adjudant, were all most kind, and put every facility in our way. It is a pity that more of the inhabitants did
not follow their good example.
Your's truly,
SNOWBALL
Sporting Committee
The general Sporting Committee having resigned en masse, a meeting was held on 24th July, to elect a new one.
Messrs, Penn, Jankowitz, and Briede were appointed to audit the financial statement, and the new Committee was elected as follows:--
Chairman, C.F.Mijnhardt; Secretary and Treasurer, J.P. Nel; and Messrs Schultz, Penn, Malherbe, Pretorius and Everitt.
Cricket
Z.A.R. vs Vierkleur
The 1st Z.A.R. inflicted a severe defeat on Vierkleur, winning in one innings by 9 runs. They scored 88 (Penn 21, Nel 21, van der Westhuizen 16, Lindenburg 10) to which the Vierkleur replied with 46 (de Kock16) and 33. Van Ryneveld and Pretorius bowled throughout for the winners, and were very deadly.
The tables were turned in 2nd team game, in which Vierkleur came off best by a wicket. Scores; winners 27 and 36 (Wright 12); losers, 34 and 26.
Owing to bad weather the game between ZAR and Nil Desperandum clubs were postponed.
Royal Engineers vs Vijfkleur
Played on Francis Plain on 5th instant, and won by Vijfkleur (our town club) by an innings and 7 runs.
[We are very pleased to see a start has been made in the line of matches between Prisoners of War and outsiders, and hope it will be continued. On the neutral field of sport we can learn to know and appreciate one another better, which cannot fail to benefit both sides].
The R.E. made 54 and 35, Private Ward (14 and 12) and Winchester (17) being the only ones to make any show against our boys' bowling. In the first innings Wagner, and in the second Saminans seem to have been very deadly, while Osborne brought off some good catches, and was noticeable for good fielding throughout. We have not been furnished with a bowling analysis.
The Vijfkleur made 96, S Morkel 21, C Coetzee and R Dobie, each 13, and MacKenzie 12 being the chief scorers. Private Maloney did some fine bowling and was most successful with the ball.
Appended are the scores:--
ROYAL ENGINEERS 1st Innings | 2nd Innings Sergt. Tate, b Wagner,2 | b Sammans 3 Pte Maloney, c Osborne, b Dusing 0 | do do 0 Pte Winchester, lbw, b Morkel 17 | do do 3 Pte Ward, c and b Morkel, 14 | c and b Brink 12 Pte Hough, b Wagner 6|c Osbourne b Sammans 7 LCorpl Boulger, b Wagner,0|b Sammans 0 Pte James, (not out) 1 c Osbourne, b Sammans 7 Pte Hollenshend, b Morkel0 | c MacKenzie b Sammans 0 Pte Sowle, (run out) 0| c Dusing b Ecksteen 0 Pte Thompson, b Wagner,0|(Run out)1 Sergt Macintyre,0| Not out 0 Extras 14 | Extras 8 Total 54 | Total 35 Vijfkleur J.Ecksteen c Sowle b Ward 0 S Sammans c and b Maloney 9 S Morkel lbw b Maloney 21 C.J.Coetzee (run out) 13 F Osbourne, b James 0 A.R.Brink, C Ward b Maloney 8 J.H.G. MacKenzie, jb James 12 R Dobie, c Boulger, b Maloney 13 P Dusing b Hough 7 W.E.Wagner (not out) 5 F. Patent B Maloney 0 Extras 10 Total 96
Football Association
The prevailing high winds have materially interfered with play of late, causing some matches to be postponed. The following have been played:
Federals vs Goode Hoop, (2nd Teams)
A draw, neither side scoring. The Federals played a man short, and are to be congratulated on not being defeated.
1st Teams
Won be Goode Hoop by 2 goals to 1. A very fast game, with fair combination on both sides.The Federals' goalkeeper was weak, and should have easily saved at least one of the goals. E Mijnhardt and J Carlitz scored for the winners, Jank Fitz for the losers.
Kamp Kruimels vs Goode Hoop (2nd Teams)
Won by K.K. by 3 goals to nil. The winners played a very pretty combined game, the two young Biljoens and Hard Jacobs especially. They thoroughly deserved their win, and we do not think they will be beaten throughout the Tournament.
A very amusing match was played between 2nd Z.A.R. and Mr Penn's Christy Troupe (in costume). The latter won easily, as their opponents were too busy laughing at Tambo's (Mr de Kock) antics to be able to play at all.
Rugby
Eendracht vs Mauser.
2nd Teams
This game was noticeable for the noise the players made, than for the form they showed. It was won by Eendracht by 11 points to 6. J Mijnhardt played a very hard
for the winners, while on the other side Loots and du Plessis were indefatigable in their endeavour to stave off defeat.
1st Teams
Won by Mausers by 8 points to 6. A good game, but not so fast as the previous first team match. For the winners H Webb, Mike Pentz and Botha showed a determination
to win . The Eendracht seemed a bit off colour, and were not up to their previous form. We should not be surprised to see the tables turned when these teams meet again. Very nice passing took place on both sides, and any first team game played by teams as last picked is sure to be of interest, and well worth watching.
Mausers vs Krugerites.
On 20th July the Krugerites inflicted a defeat on the Mausers. Not having been present we are unable to give a detailed account of the game.
On 27th July the Mausers got even, beating Krugerites by 6 points to 3. The game was very fast and both sides were evidently determined to win. For the winners Parker and Ferreiras (forwards) worked very hard, and each secured a try. For losers Jahard scored, taking a pass from van Berg very nicely. Most play was done by forwards.
We should advise both teams to practice place kicking, as no tries were converted.
Space will not allow us to give an account of 2nd team games
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