Deadwood Camp Gedenksboek
De Krijgsgevangene No 9 newspaper
This document was sourced courtesy of "Government Archives in Jamestown " and Wilf Vevers
Translation to English via J Marsh
(Author's copyright reserved)
The above institution has been opened by H C Roberts
(Onze Bob) and is designed to meet the wants of
captured humanity resident in Boradbottom.
Best brands of the fragrant weed always on hand.
Postal Ad: No.1 Bankrupt Row.
Cable " Scrapiron.
The "De Krijgsgevange" can only be bought in Jamestown
from A L INNES, Photographer.
Jacobus Smit of Dwarsfontein, Dist. Potchefstroom at the age of 41. Died of typhoid fever (maag koorts) on 28th August, 1901.
PAROLE
This word is heard daily in this camp but very few seem to realize the full meaning of it.
Parole, or parole d'honneur is a French word which simply means "word of honour". Used in a military sense - as in this case - it means the word of honour given by a PoW that certain things would be done, or usually, not done - in exchange for privileges granted to them by their captors. The main issue of parole is that the parolee will not attempt to escape, but depending on other factors other conditions are added, e.g. as with us, not to smuggle alcohol into the camp, not to allow uncensored letters in or out of the camp, etc. The PoW who has given his parole then enjoys a certain measure of freedom, restricted more or less, according to circumstances. We enjoy the right of wandering around the island. In some wars, and in this war in certain cases, some PoWs are allowed to return home and to live quietly there until the end of hostilities when he is relieved of his given promise.
Breaking of parole is regarded by all civilized countries as one of the meanest deeds one can commit, and we think rightly so. The man who breaks his word of honour will also not regard any oath as binding, and since he could almost not trust himself nobody else could expect loyalty/trust from him.
Breaking of parole is regarded by all civilized countries as one of the meanest deeds one can commit, and we think rightly so. The man who breaks his word of honour will also not regard any oath as binding, and since he could almost not trust himself nobody else could expect loyalty/trust from him. It is usually only officers who enjoy the right to parole, and when this is extended to non-officers, it is a sign that his captors regard him as an honest man. If he breaks parole he is regarded as dishonest and despised, and no decent person will shake his hand or let him enter his home.
One of the privileges extended to us in exchange for our word of honour is to take four friends out with us, for whom we take responsibility, and they in turn are also bound by the same conditions as the officer who takes them out. Many seem under the impression that only the officer who signed the parole papers is bound thereby but that is not the case. The officer stands good for those who go out with him, that they would not break the conditions; and they are temporarily under their given word of honour; - even if it given by silence, - because when one asks an officer "take me out with you tomorrow" It is understood that he is promising not to break the conditions. If he makes an attempt to escape, or if he breaks any other condition, then he not only causes trouble for the officer but he is also guilty of breaking parole.
Think about this, friends, and let us not give anybody the chance to say that there are dishonest people to be found on St. Helena.
The twenty-first birthday of Her Majesty Wihelmina, Queen of the Netherlands, will be celebrated this evening in the "Nut en Vermaak" building. The programme includes tableaux, stage pieces and all kind of music while the hall is beautifully decorated.. All members who live outside the camp will find it worthwhile to take the trouble to attend.
A DAY OF SUBMISSION
We have discovered that our brothers still at home have declared Sunday 15 September a day of submission [ootmoediging] and prayer. We suggest that the congregations in both camps do the same , so that our prayers go up to the throne of the Lord at the same time as those of our loved ones, and even if we are absent from each other in body, we may stand hand in hand together with them in spirit.
May God hear our prayers, and speedily grant our dear country rest and peace!
We would willingly report all camp activities but it is impossible for us to know everything that is happening. Thus we ask our readers to keep us in the picture about interesting events, deaths, etc.
Chairmen and Secretaries of Societies, which have not yet been written up in our newspaper are cordially invited to submit a report to us, stating founding, purpose, membership, building etc. and if (detailed) enough we will publish.
Correspondence of general interest will also be published with pleasure.
As stated many times, our purpose in this paper is to give as complete as possible a report about our camp and our sister camp - camp life, camp activities and anything else which affects or interest PoWs on St. Helena.
Debating Society - Branch A
The increase rate in members is slowing which is regrettable because everybody could expect to learn something from every debate. Last Thursday a very interesting debate was held on the subject of "Socialism". The motion was defeated by a single vote.
NUT EN VERMAAK
This Society has recently contributed significantly to the amusement of its members. On 17th August Capt de Witt Hamer gave a lantern show. The first plates showed a trip through the Holy Land, which was greeted by much interest. The second half consisted of a series of illustrations of the North Pole voyage of the ships "Alert" and "Discovery" led by Capt Nares. Then a very interesting report was given by Capt de Witt Hamer about the different attempts which had been made to reach the North Pole. We offer a motion of thanks with applause to the friends in England and Holland who sent us the plates.
On 24th there was a Boxing and Fencing exhibition. The Boxing was arranged by Mr Parker and was very amusing if not "scientific"(sic) . The match between Messrs E and J Mijnhardt, however, was both. Messrs G.M.., and G.J.J. Biljon, J. Kruger, R Botha, E. Meyer (Maxim), A. van Wijk, D. van der Berg, J. van Dijk, C. Rademeyer, Buijs, Prinsloo, Swart and du Toit also participated in this exhibition; while Tambo and Bones each gave the other a "knock-out". Adriaan van Wijk is the youngest among us, having just turned thirteen, but he gave his older opponent enough work to do and was acclaimed as the winner of his bout.
The Chess Tournament for those who started learning to play in captivity has been completed with Mr S Zwarenstein being the winner with 9 out of 12 victories, and Mr van Geune coming second ,with 8 victories. Artistically rendered certificates were presented to these two gentlemen, which, we believe, will encourage others to start practicing, and also with the goal of winning a pleasant souvenir of their exile in a future tournament.
Smoking Concerts are also held which allow members to spend their Saturday evenings convivially.
Two concourses have been held under the supervision of the Chess commission, in both of which Mr F. Mygind ran away with first prize. There is currently a third concourse being held which is only open to learners.
Thanks to the efforts of Capt Verselewel de Witt Hamer a piano has been acquired for the camp. This has been placed in the building, being the most suitable location, and contributes in great measure to the success of the various performances and concerts.
Gifts from Holland, Cape Colony and elsewhere have resulted in the Society coming into possession of a violin and three cellos, while Mr Morris of St Helena has lent us an alto-violin.
The value of this Society for the PoWs cannot be overemphasized, with all thanks therefore due to the founder thereof, Mr Houtzager. The fact that membership has had to be limited to 325 , while every vacancy is immediately taken up by lottery from a large number of candidates, is evidence of the appreciation with which the Society enjoys. Many of us shall upon our return to our homeland think back longingly of the pleasant and sociable evenings spent in the building of the “Nut en Vermaak” Society, and shall wish that such a Society existed in his small town.
Sensational news is not indigenous to the soil of Broadbottom Camp, but if De Krijgsgevangene is to maintain its reputation as the brief chronicle of our sojourn
in this vale of tears and mud, an event of such importance as the Municipal elections for Lappiesdorp should not be omitted.
The candidates for the Mayoralty were the Paragon, the Forlorn Hope, and the Baron, all Residents of Bankrupt Row -- the first named having the most votes placed to his credit --- was duly elected. The Baron, who ran a close second, accepted his defeat with that sterilized smile perculiar to married men with large families.
In search of copy I visited the Football field recently where the crack teams had agreed to meet in a Titanic struggle for the paramount power. I cannot in the narrow compass of this article favour your readers with many details of the match. Of the players "Long Tom" is worthy of mention as much for his cheerful indifference to all known rules of the game, as his utter contempt for kicks and bruises, and if he fails to carry all before him he succeeds in carrying a lot with him, for it is no uncommon sight to see this solid chunk of oleaginous good nature swaying amongst the crowd like some gigantic Xmas tree decorated with human bodies.
An accident that might have been attended with more serious results occurred a few evenings ago at the Kalaharar Cafe. It appears that Oom Klaasie, deceived by appearances, purchased a Lange Range bun ( a new cration of Percy's): the perculiar nature of the article does not permit of much chewing, in fact and efforts at mastcation only tend to increase in size, and the victim in a moment of desperation bolted the bun. A few salty tears squirted through his clenched eyelids and immediately afterwards he became unconscious. Veterinary assistance was soon at hand and the old gentleman was restored to his senses, a sprained ankle being the only result of his adventure.
Woodcarving continues to be the staple industry of the camp; some energetic spirits have gone so far as to erect turning lathes, but most of the carving is still donje by hand. The best exponents of the art in this respect are without doubt line Captains Schmidt and Bosman; although the Paragon and Forlorn Hope have also turned out some highly finished work -- the former in glove boxes, etc. the latter confining himself to armorial bearings and heraldic designs, A case of curios collected by Mr. H. Fivaz for the benefit of the Widow and Orphans Fund, has been forwarded to Europe. The collection comprised a variety of useful and ornamental articles, and some credit is due to those who so nobly exerted themselves in charity's causes.
Our pastor, the Rev Mr de Vos, in conjunction with the Rev. Mr. Louw, of Deadwood, has been holding a special mission which extended over a period of ten days, and the crowds who attended the services are an eloquent testimony to the good work which is being done amongst us by the reverend gentlemen.
Leaving this scene we come to the hospital where the mortal remains of a comrade are being prepared for their last journey. Death had drawn the curtain over the little epitome of sensations, passions, actions and desires; the crowning act of life had been performed, and another soul had sped on his way to regions far removed from our stormy masquerade.
BOHEMIAN
This completes the second round of the Cricket Tournament. The third will be watched with great interest, as points stand at present as follows:--
First teams: Z.A.R. 6; Nil Desperandum, 6; Vierkleur,0.
Second teams: Z.A.R. 4; Nil Desperandum, 4; Vierkleur,4.
Some time ago we announced our intention of giving a silver medal for the best bowling average durinfg the Tournament. The medal --- which has been made in the Camp by Mr. Lindberg -- is on view at our office, Deadwood Camp. It will be a nice Souvenir for the lucky winner.
Rugby football
Eendracht vs Mausers
Played on 17th inst, in strong wind. After a very fast and hard fought game, neither side having scored
up to a few minutes from time, the ball went over the camp fence, whereupon it was decided to replay the match some other day
2nd.
Won by Eendracht by 4--0. The points were for a goal nicely dropped by J. Van Buuren.
Mausers vs Krugerites
A very fast and determined game, ending in a draw, neither side scoring. Play was chiefly among the forwards, and during first half was very equal. After the interval the Mausers, playing against the wind, had considerably the best of it, and kept the ball almost continually in their opponents territory. It was hardlines on them that they could not get the fore as usual, but we must say special word of praise on the play of the brothers Albertijn. D.Malherbe was also conspicious for some good kicking.
Boxing
The various Boxing competitions last Saturday did not exhibit very much science (with the exception of the bout between the two Mijnhardts) but produced some hard slogging, and considerable amusement. The jumping tactics of Botha and Koos van Dijk were laughable, and would lead to several falls in an earnest contest. Adriaan stood up to his man very pluckily and showed great activity.
The stick contests were very interesting, especially those between Valk en Hoogland. We hope to see more of this in future. We understand the Club has a great many members, but is somewhat short of material. Perhaps this want will soon be rectified.
One shilling and sixpence per inch, one shilling thereafter.
Copy to be submitted to the owners by Wednesday each week at
H. Everitt and H. Fick,
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