King William's Town during the South African War, 1899-1902 an urban, social, economic and cultural history
- Authors: Webb, D. A
- Date: 1993
- Subjects: South African War, 1899-1902 , King William's Town (South Africa)--Population , King William's Town (South Africa)--Economic conditions , King William's Town (South Africa)--Social conditions , King William's Town (South Africa)--Race relations , King William's Town (South Africa --Commerce , King William's Town (South Africa)--Industries , Imvo Zabantsundu (Newspaper) , Local government--South Africa-- King William's Town , Crime--South Africa--King William's Town , King William's Town (South Africa)--History , South Africa--History, Military
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M.A.
- Identifier: vital:2571 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002424 , South African War, 1899-1902 , King William's Town (South Africa)--Population , King William's Town (South Africa)--Economic conditions , King William's Town (South Africa)--Social conditions , King William's Town (South Africa)--Race relations , King William's Town (South Africa --Commerce , King William's Town (South Africa)--Industries , Imvo Zabantsundu (Newspaper) , Local government--South Africa-- King William's Town , Crime--South Africa--King William's Town , King William's Town (South Africa)--History , South Africa--History, Military
- Description: This thesis examines the urban social, economic and cultural history of a community under stress and in transition at the turn of the century. Two themes run through the study: how the residents responded to long-term challenges such as the decline of the town in relation to its nearest urban neighbour, the increasing significance of the black population of the town and district, and the end of the millennium; and secondly, the effects of the South African War on King William's Town society and how the residents perceived the various stresses it exerted on the town. Chapter 1, by way of introduction, provides a general overview of the history of King William's Town and of the current state of historical research on the town. It also examines historiographical strands reflected in this study, focusing on urban history, social history, local history and the new cultural history. The chapter ends with a brief note on sources and methodology. Chapter 2 sets the scene be examining the population of the town and district in relation to its eastern Cape neighbours. It briefly explores the settlement patterns in the town, and the social divisions and racial attitudes manifested by its inhabitants. The third chapter provides a study of the town's economy with particular emphasis on the mercantile sector, agriculture and manufacturing. The informal sector, domestic service and labour relations are also explored. Political processes in this period are dealt with in Chapter 4. The 1898 elections and the re-alignment of political allegiances, the outbreak of the war, the main political issues that emerged and the suppression of the Imvo Zabantsundu newspaper are discussed. Chapter 5 provides an examination of military aspects of the town and district during the war. The impact of the imperial garrison, the attitudes of the residents to the war and the imposition and effects of martial law are amongst the topics covered. The next chapter deals with municipal matters, with particular reference to the townspeople's attitudes to Borough status, public health and sanitation, municipal locations and residential segregation, and the various successes and failures of the Borough Council during the war. The seventh chapter focuses on crime, legislation and social control in the town. The number and type of criminal incidents during the period are analyzed, the various laws establishing the parameters of society and the manner in which these were applied are examined. Chapter 8 seeks to define the cultural contours of the town, looking at religion, the large number of different clubs and societies, sport and recreation. It explores the way in which cultural pursuits were both a reflection and a reinforcement of the social, political and economic order. The ninth and final chapter links the preceding themes with regard to the effects of the war on King William's Town society, with particular reference to the mentalité of the community as displayed in the attitudes of the residents to the various developments discussed in the body of the thesis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993
Krygsgevangene Kamp - Bhim Tal - 1899-1902 - Indië Gesig van die Noorde
- Authors: Unknown
- Date: 1902-05-5
- Subjects: Concentration camps , South African War, 1899-1902 -- Prisoners and prisons , South African War, 1899-1902 , South African War, 1899-1902 -- Concentration camps , South African War, 1899-1902 -- History -- Photographs
- Language: English
- Type: still image
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/154454 , vital:39704
- Description: Handwritten inscriptions on photo read: "Krygsgevangene Kamp - Bhim Tal - 1899-1902 - Indië Gesig van die Noorde" on top of photo, and "Boer Camp Bhim Tal 5th May 1902". , During the Anglo-Boer War, Bhim Tal POW Camp (India) was one of the Prisoner-or-War (POW) camps used by the British Forces to imprison for Boers from South Africa. Elria Wessels wrote the following as a caption to the image, on the Facebook group “Bhim Tal POW Camp: Bhim Tal is the largest lake located in the Kumaon Hills in the Uttaranchal province. The lake is 1701 m by 454 m, making it 265 m longer than Naini Lake. The Boer camp was established at the northern most point of the lake. Situated at a level of 1371.6 m, it is twenty-two km from Nainital. The lake regulates the climate of the area. The weather is very pleasant throughout the year except during winter months. In the summer the temperature alternates between 27.5°C and 11°C and 16°C and 2°C in winter. It rains almost every afternoon and Rev. A Burger recorded that he found the camp under water after a heavy rainstorm on 21 May 1902. The 500 prisoners of war, mostly children, and the aged were housed in tents in a picturesque setting -“absolutely beautiful” according to Burger. He came to the conclusion that even the most beautiful of settings would not ever be satisfying to a POW as it was not the scenery of his beloved fatherland. Major A. de G. Hadow and Captain T.C.B. Holland were in charge. They were assisted by 2nd Lt. B. H. Hall (2nd Yorkshire Regiment); 2nd Lt. L. Lovett Thomas (Royal Engineers), Lt. F. Curtis (2nd Yorkshire Regiment) and Lt. N.E. Swan (2nd Yorkshire Regiment) adjutant and quartermaster. The camp commandant was Lt. C.F. Colquhoun (1st Surrey Regiment) while the section officer was Lt. H.J. Massey (3rd Rifle Brigade). J.F. Ferris acted both as censor and interpreter. The camp finally closed its door on 1 December 1902.”
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1902-05-5
Krygsgevangene Kamp - Bhim Tal - 1899-1902 - Indië Gesig van die Suide
- Authors: Unknown
- Date: 1902-05-5
- Subjects: Concentration camps , South African War, 1899-1902 -- Prisoners and prisons , South African War, 1899-1902 , South African War, 1899-1902 -- Concentration camps , South African War, 1899-1902 -- History -- Photographs
- Language: English
- Type: still image
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/154464 , vital:39705
- Description: Handwritten inscription on photo reads: "Krygsgevangene Kamp - Bhim Tal - 1899-1902 - Indië Gesig van die Suide" on top of photo. , During the Anglo-Boer War, Bhim Tal POW Camp (India) was one of the Prisoner-or-War (POW) camps used by the British Forces to imprison for Boers from South Africa. Elria Wessels wrote the following as a caption to the image, on the Facebook group “Bhim Tal POW Camp: Bhim Tal is the largest lake located in the Kumaon Hills in the Uttaranchal province. The lake is 1701 m by 454 m, making it 265 m longer than Naini Lake. The Boer camp was established at the northern most point of the lake. Situated at a level of 1371.6 m, it is twenty-two km from Nainital. The lake regulates the climate of the area. The weather is very pleasant throughout the year except during winter months. In the summer the temperature alternates between 27.5°C and 11°C and 16°C and 2°C in winter. It rains almost every afternoon and Rev. A Burger recorded that he found the camp under water after a heavy rainstorm on 21 May 1902. The 500 prisoners of war, mostly children, and the aged were housed in tents in a picturesque setting -“absolutely beautiful” according to Burger. He came to the conclusion that even the most beautiful of settings would not ever be satisfying to a POW as it was not the scenery of his beloved fatherland. Major A. de G. Hadow and Captain T.C.B. Holland were in charge. They were assisted by 2nd Lt. B. H. Hall (2nd Yorkshire Regiment); 2nd Lt. L. Lovett Thomas (Royal Engineers), Lt. F. Curtis (2nd Yorkshire Regiment) and Lt. N.E. Swan (2nd Yorkshire Regiment) adjutant and quartermaster. The camp commandant was Lt. C.F. Colquhoun (1st Surrey Regiment) while the section officer was Lt. H.J. Massey (3rd Rifle Brigade). J.F. Ferris acted both as censor and interpreter. The camp finally closed its door on 1 December 1902.”
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1902-05-5
B.P.C. Satara 15.3.02
- Authors: Unknown
- Date: 1902-03-15
- Subjects: Concentration camps , South African War, 1899-1902 -- Prisoners and prisons , South African War, 1899-1902 , South African War, 1899-1902 -- Concentration camps , South African War, 1899-1902 -- History -- Photographs
- Language: English
- Type: still image
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/154387 , vital:39694
- Description: During the Anglo-Boer War, Satara (India) was one of the Prisoner-or-War (POW) camps used by the British Forces to imprison for Boers from South Africa. Elria Wessels wrote the following as a caption to the image, on the Facebook group “The Anglo-Boer War (The South African War) – 189 – 1902” (retrieved 19 August 2020). ‘This was a camp for 200 parolees and was situated 128 km south of Poona. They were mostly from Ahmednagar and were moved there in March 1902 after uproar broke out in the camp over the signing of parole. The men willing to sign feared for their life and had to be removed for their own safety. Petrus Joubert and his brothers were amongst the 180 men who finally signed the parole agreement at the station at Poona. They could move freely within a radius of 6 miles from the camp —a highly appreciated privilege especially after fifteen months confined in Ahmednagar. Major C.T. Wayte was in charge of the camp until its closure on 9 August 1902. The men were housed in huts which were slightly better appointed than those at Ahmednagar but they were uncomfortably hot. The camp itself was open i.e. it had no fence surrounding it.’
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1902-03-15
Bhim Tal - 1899-1902
- Authors: Unknown
- Date: 190?
- Subjects: Concentration camps , South African War, 1899-1902 -- Prisoners and prisons , South African War, 1899-1902 , South African War, 1899-1902 -- Concentration camps , South African War, 1899-1902 -- History -- Photographs
- Language: English
- Type: still image
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/154469 , vital:39706
- Description: During the Anglo-Boer War, Bhim Tal POW Camp (India) was one of the Prisoner-or-War (POW) camps used by the British Forces to imprison for Boers from South Africa. Elria Wessels wrote the following as a caption to the image, on the Facebook group “Bhim Tal POW Camp: Bhim Tal is the largest lake located in the Kumaon Hills in the Uttaranchal province. The lake is 1701 m by 454 m, making it 265 m longer than Naini Lake. The Boer camp was established at the northern most point of the lake. Situated at a level of 1371.6 m, it is twenty-two km from Nainital. The lake regulates the climate of the area. The weather is very pleasant throughout the year except during winter months. In the summer the temperature alternates between 27.5°C and 11°C and 16°C and 2°C in winter. It rains almost every afternoon and Rev. A Burger recorded that he found the camp under water after a heavy rainstorm on 21 May 1902. The 500 prisoners of war, mostly children, and the aged were housed in tents in a picturesque setting -“absolutely beautiful” according to Burger. He came to the conclusion that even the most beautiful of settings would not ever be satisfying to a POW as it was not the scenery of his beloved fatherland. Major A. de G. Hadow and Captain T.C.B. Holland were in charge. They were assisted by 2nd Lt. B. H. Hall (2nd Yorkshire Regiment); 2nd Lt. L. Lovett Thomas (Royal Engineers), Lt. F. Curtis (2nd Yorkshire Regiment) and Lt. N.E. Swan (2nd Yorkshire Regiment) adjutant and quartermaster. The camp commandant was Lt. C.F. Colquhoun (1st Surrey Regiment) while the section officer was Lt. H.J. Massey (3rd Rifle Brigade). J.F. Ferris acted both as censor and interpreter. The camp finally closed its door on 1 December 1902.”
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 190?
Krygsgevangene - Bhim Tal - 189-1902 - 175 Sondagskool kinders ouderdom 8-19 jaar
- Authors: Unknown
- Date: 190?
- Subjects: Concentration camps , South African War, 1899-1902 -- Prisoners and prisons , South African War, 1899-1902 , South African War, 1899-1902 -- Concentration camps , South African War, 1899-1902 -- History -- Photographs
- Language: English
- Type: still image
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/154484 , vital:39708
- Description: Handwritten inscription on photo reads: "Krygsgevangene - Bhim Tal - 189-1902 - 175 Sondagskool kinders ouderdom 8-19 jaar". , During the Anglo-Boer War, Bhim Tal POW Camp (India) was one of the Prisoner-or-War (POW) camps used by the British Forces to imprison for Boers from South Africa. Elria Wessels wrote the following as a caption to the image, on the Facebook group “Bhim Tal POW Camp: Bhim Tal is the largest lake located in the Kumaon Hills in the Uttaranchal province. The lake is 1701 m by 454 m, making it 265 m longer than Naini Lake. The Boer camp was established at the northern most point of the lake. Situated at a level of 1371.6 m, it is twenty-two km from Nainital. The lake regulates the climate of the area. The weather is very pleasant throughout the year except during winter months. In the summer the temperature alternates between 27.5°C and 11°C and 16°C and 2°C in winter. It rains almost every afternoon and Rev. A Burger recorded that he found the camp under water after a heavy rainstorm on 21 May 1902. The 500 prisoners of war, mostly children, and the aged were housed in tents in a picturesque setting -“absolutely beautiful” according to Burger. He came to the conclusion that even the most beautiful of settings would not ever be satisfying to a POW as it was not the scenery of his beloved fatherland. Major A. de G. Hadow and Captain T.C.B. Holland were in charge. They were assisted by 2nd Lt. B. H. Hall (2nd Yorkshire Regiment); 2nd Lt. L. Lovett Thomas (Royal Engineers), Lt. F. Curtis (2nd Yorkshire Regiment) and Lt. N.E. Swan (2nd Yorkshire Regiment) adjutant and quartermaster. The camp commandant was Lt. C.F. Colquhoun (1st Surrey Regiment) while the section officer was Lt. H.J. Massey (3rd Rifle Brigade). J.F. Ferris acted both as censor and interpreter. The camp finally closed its door on 1 December 1902.”
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 190?
Norvalspont
- Authors: Unknown
- Date: 190?
- Subjects: Concentration camps , South African War, 1899-1902 -- Prisoners and prisons , South African War, 1899-1902 , South African War, 1899-1902 -- Concentration camps , South African War, 1899-1902 -- History -- Photographs
- Language: English
- Type: still image
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/154442 , vital:39701
- Description: During the Anglo-Boer War, Norvalspont (South Africa) was one of the Prisoner-or-War (POW) camps used by the British Forces to imprison for Boers from South Africa. Elria Wessels wrote the following as a caption to the image, on the Facebook group “Norvalspont Concentration Camp: Norvals Pont was probably established about November 1900, in order to relieve the overcrowded Bloemfontein camp with its dire shortage of water The first superintendents, both military men, seem to have been capable people; Lieutenant Wynne of the Imperial Yeomanry was described as the ‘Father of the Camp’ and he was succeeded in January 1901 by Major du Plat Taylor of the Grenadier Guards, who instilled ‘firm military discipline’. At the end of February 1901, when the camp passed into civilian control Cole Bowen was appointed. Almost everyone who encountered him commented on his calm efficiency. Emily Hobhouse wrote later that Cole Bowen possessed ‘marked administrative powers; his rule was firm, just and kind and he seemed possessed of unlimited resources’ It was not that Norvals Pont lacked the problems of the other camps. On the contrary, the measles epidemic struck early and was followed by scarlet fever and diphtheria. Families poured in without warning and tents and blankets ran out. And, with all these struggles, Cole Bowen had to contend with an unpleasant medical officer. Some people deserted and Cole Bowen was forced to fence in those who were a ‘bad influence’. Nor did Cole Bowen show overt sympathy for the Boers. Despite his determined loyalty to his employers, the Boers of Norvals Pont presented a number of testaments to head office and to Cole Bowen himself, affirming their satisfaction with the camp. S.D. Poign provided a long statement describing their lives in considerable detail He concluded: ‘With these few suggestions, I, a person brought here against my will, and wish [to] beg to attest, that I have no reason to object in any manner over the way in which I have been treated while in this camp, neither have I any reason to complain that the authorities have not treated me with that courtesy which I as a man and a gentleman could expect under the peculiar circumstances under which I am placed.’ The chaplain, the Rev. A.P. van der Merwe, asserted that everything possible was done for the comfort of the people. om Holland, testified in some detail. ‘I cannot judge of other camps but I believe this is one of the best’, she wrote. At first the camp did not have a resident medical officer but Dr Michie of the RAMC attended the inmates. His services were necessary for, consisting of families from Bloemfontein, Norvals Pont was struck early by the measles epidemic. But Michie was not easy Even then the staffing problems at Norvals Pont were not over. The most prominent of the women doctors of the camp systems, the Hon Dr Ella Scarlett, took over from Michie. . Nevertheless, she worked hard on behalf of the Boers who do not seem to have complained about her. Later doctors were equally troublesome. Drs Caldwell and McArthur, both brusque men, did not get on and the latter had to be transferred. Caldwell also quarrelled with the admirable Sister Broers, who was transferred to Bethulie, and he then fell out with Broers’ replacement. Inevitably, such a man was at odds with Dr Ella Scarlett who, he said, was lax and ignored his authority. The correspondence does suggest that Scarlett was wilful but Caldwell had a poor record in his relationships with the medical staff. Apart from measles, in April 1901 scarlet fever ran through the camp, followed by diphtheria. Michie struggled to isolate the sufferers, forced to house them with their families, although he knew that the infection was likely to be passed on. Staff shortages may explain some of his irascibility. Neither trained nurses nor civilian doctors could be obtained in South Africa in the early months of 1901, head office explained when Michie appealed for more qualified medical staff. Fortunately the arrival of Miss Broers relieved the situation slightly. Yet mortality remained low in Norvals Pont camp.”
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 190?
Norvalspont
- Authors: Unknown
- Date: 190?
- Subjects: Concentration camps , South African War, 1899-1902 -- Prisoners and prisons , South African War, 1899-1902 , South African War, 1899-1902 -- Concentration camps , South African War, 1899-1902 -- History -- Photographs
- Language: English
- Type: still image
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/154414 , vital:39696
- Description: During the Anglo-Boer War, Norvalspont (South Africa) was one of the Prisoner-or-War (POW) camps used by the British Forces to imprison for Boers from South Africa. Elria Wessels wrote the following as a caption to the image, on the Facebook group “Norvalspont Concentration Camp: Norvals Pont was probably established about November 1900, in order to relieve the overcrowded Bloemfontein camp with its dire shortage of water The first superintendents, both military men, seem to have been capable people; Lieutenant Wynne of the Imperial Yeomanry was described as the ‘Father of the Camp’ and he was succeeded in January 1901 by Major du Plat Taylor of the Grenadier Guards, who instilled ‘firm military discipline’. At the end of February 1901, when the camp passed into civilian control Cole Bowen was appointed. Almost everyone who encountered him commented on his calm efficiency. Emily Hobhouse wrote later that Cole Bowen possessed ‘marked administrative powers; his rule was firm, just and kind and he seemed possessed of unlimited resources’ It was not that Norvals Pont lacked the problems of the other camps. On the contrary, the measles epidemic struck early and was followed by scarlet fever and diphtheria. Families poured in without warning and tents and blankets ran out. And, with all these struggles, Cole Bowen had to contend with an unpleasant medical officer. Some people deserted and Cole Bowen was forced to fence in those who were a ‘bad influence’. Nor did Cole Bowen show overt sympathy for the Boers. Despite his determined loyalty to his employers, the Boers of Norvals Pont presented a number of testaments to head office and to Cole Bowen himself, affirming their satisfaction with the camp. S.D. Poign provided a long statement describing their lives in considerable detail He concluded: ‘With these few suggestions, I, a person brought here against my will, and wish [to] beg to attest, that I have no reason to object in any manner over the way in which I have been treated while in this camp, neither have I any reason to complain that the authorities have not treated me with that courtesy which I as a man and a gentleman could expect under the peculiar circumstances under which I am placed.’ The chaplain, the Rev. A.P. van der Merwe, asserted that everything possible was done for the comfort of the people. om Holland, testified in some detail. ‘I cannot judge of other camps but I believe this is one of the best’, she wrote. At first the camp did not have a resident medical officer but Dr Michie of the RAMC attended the inmates. His services were necessary for, consisting of families from Bloemfontein, Norvals Pont was struck early by the measles epidemic. But Michie was not easy Even then the staffing problems at Norvals Pont were not over. The most prominent of the women doctors of the camp systems, the Hon Dr Ella Scarlett, took over from Michie. . Nevertheless, she worked hard on behalf of the Boers who do not seem to have complained about her. Later doctors were equally troublesome. Drs Caldwell and McArthur, both brusque men, did not get on and the latter had to be transferred. Caldwell also quarrelled with the admirable Sister Broers, who was transferred to Bethulie, and he then fell out with Broers’ replacement. Inevitably, such a man was at odds with Dr Ella Scarlett who, he said, was lax and ignored his authority. The correspondence does suggest that Scarlett was wilful but Caldwell had a poor record in his relationships with the medical staff. Apart from measles, in April 1901 scarlet fever ran through the camp, followed by diphtheria. Michie struggled to isolate the sufferers, forced to house them with their families, although he knew that the infection was likely to be passed on. Staff shortages may explain some of his irascibility. Neither trained nurses nor civilian doctors could be obtained in South Africa in the early months of 1901, head office explained when Michie appealed for more qualified medical staff. Fortunately the arrival of Miss Broers relieved the situation slightly. Yet mortality remained low in Norvals Pont camp.”
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 190?
Norvalspont
- Authors: Unknown
- Date: 190?
- Subjects: Concentration camps , South African War, 1899-1902 -- Prisoners and prisons , South African War, 1899-1902 , South African War, 1899-1902 -- Concentration camps , South African War, 1899-1902 -- History -- Photographs
- Language: English
- Type: still image
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/154433 , vital:39700
- Description: During the Anglo-Boer War, Norvalspont (South Africa) was one of the Prisoner-or-War (POW) camps used by the British Forces to imprison for Boers from South Africa. Elria Wessels wrote the following as a caption to the image, on the Facebook group “Norvalspont Concentration Camp: Norvals Pont was probably established about November 1900, in order to relieve the overcrowded Bloemfontein camp with its dire shortage of water The first superintendents, both military men, seem to have been capable people; Lieutenant Wynne of the Imperial Yeomanry was described as the ‘Father of the Camp’ and he was succeeded in January 1901 by Major du Plat Taylor of the Grenadier Guards, who instilled ‘firm military discipline’. At the end of February 1901, when the camp passed into civilian control Cole Bowen was appointed. Almost everyone who encountered him commented on his calm efficiency. Emily Hobhouse wrote later that Cole Bowen possessed ‘marked administrative powers; his rule was firm, just and kind and he seemed possessed of unlimited resources’ It was not that Norvals Pont lacked the problems of the other camps. On the contrary, the measles epidemic struck early and was followed by scarlet fever and diphtheria. Families poured in without warning and tents and blankets ran out. And, with all these struggles, Cole Bowen had to contend with an unpleasant medical officer. Some people deserted and Cole Bowen was forced to fence in those who were a ‘bad influence’. Nor did Cole Bowen show overt sympathy for the Boers. Despite his determined loyalty to his employers, the Boers of Norvals Pont presented a number of testaments to head office and to Cole Bowen himself, affirming their satisfaction with the camp. S.D. Poign provided a long statement describing their lives in considerable detail He concluded: ‘With these few suggestions, I, a person brought here against my will, and wish [to] beg to attest, that I have no reason to object in any manner over the way in which I have been treated while in this camp, neither have I any reason to complain that the authorities have not treated me with that courtesy which I as a man and a gentleman could expect under the peculiar circumstances under which I am placed.’ The chaplain, the Rev. A.P. van der Merwe, asserted that everything possible was done for the comfort of the people. om Holland, testified in some detail. ‘I cannot judge of other camps but I believe this is one of the best’, she wrote. At first the camp did not have a resident medical officer but Dr Michie of the RAMC attended the inmates. His services were necessary for, consisting of families from Bloemfontein, Norvals Pont was struck early by the measles epidemic. But Michie was not easy Even then the staffing problems at Norvals Pont were not over. The most prominent of the women doctors of the camp systems, the Hon Dr Ella Scarlett, took over from Michie. . Nevertheless, she worked hard on behalf of the Boers who do not seem to have complained about her. Later doctors were equally troublesome. Drs Caldwell and McArthur, both brusque men, did not get on and the latter had to be transferred. Caldwell also quarrelled with the admirable Sister Broers, who was transferred to Bethulie, and he then fell out with Broers’ replacement. Inevitably, such a man was at odds with Dr Ella Scarlett who, he said, was lax and ignored his authority. The correspondence does suggest that Scarlett was wilful but Caldwell had a poor record in his relationships with the medical staff. Apart from measles, in April 1901 scarlet fever ran through the camp, followed by diphtheria. Michie struggled to isolate the sufferers, forced to house them with their families, although he knew that the infection was likely to be passed on. Staff shortages may explain some of his irascibility. Neither trained nurses nor civilian doctors could be obtained in South Africa in the early months of 1901, head office explained when Michie appealed for more qualified medical staff. Fortunately the arrival of Miss Broers relieved the situation slightly. Yet mortality remained low in Norvals Pont camp.”
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 190?
Norvalspont - Medical staff
- Authors: Unknown
- Date: 190?
- Subjects: Concentration camps , South African War, 1899-1902 -- Prisoners and prisons , South African War, 1899-1902 , South African War, 1899-1902 -- Concentration camps , South African War, 1899-1902 -- History -- Photographs
- Language: English
- Type: still image
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/154419 , vital:39697
- Description: During the Anglo-Boer War, Norvalspont (South Africa) was one of the Prisoner-or-War (POW) camps used by the British Forces to imprison for Boers from South Africa. Elria Wessels wrote the following as a caption to the image, on the Facebook group “Norvalspont Concentration Camp: Norvals Pont was probably established about November 1900, in order to relieve the overcrowded Bloemfontein camp with its dire shortage of water The first superintendents, both military men, seem to have been capable people; Lieutenant Wynne of the Imperial Yeomanry was described as the ‘Father of the Camp’ and he was succeeded in January 1901 by Major du Plat Taylor of the Grenadier Guards, who instilled ‘firm military discipline’. At the end of February 1901, when the camp passed into civilian control Cole Bowen was appointed. Almost everyone who encountered him commented on his calm efficiency. Emily Hobhouse wrote later that Cole Bowen possessed ‘marked administrative powers; his rule was firm, just and kind and he seemed possessed of unlimited resources’ It was not that Norvals Pont lacked the problems of the other camps. On the contrary, the measles epidemic struck early and was followed by scarlet fever and diphtheria. Families poured in without warning and tents and blankets ran out. And, with all these struggles, Cole Bowen had to contend with an unpleasant medical officer. Some people deserted and Cole Bowen was forced to fence in those who were a ‘bad influence’. Nor did Cole Bowen show overt sympathy for the Boers. Despite his determined loyalty to his employers, the Boers of Norvals Pont presented a number of testaments to head office and to Cole Bowen himself, affirming their satisfaction with the camp. S.D. Poign provided a long statement describing their lives in considerable detail He concluded: ‘With these few suggestions, I, a person brought here against my will, and wish [to] beg to attest, that I have no reason to object in any manner over the way in which I have been treated while in this camp, neither have I any reason to complain that the authorities have not treated me with that courtesy which I as a man and a gentleman could expect under the peculiar circumstances under which I am placed.’ The chaplain, the Rev. A.P. van der Merwe, asserted that everything possible was done for the comfort of the people. om Holland, testified in some detail. ‘I cannot judge of other camps but I believe this is one of the best’, she wrote. At first the camp did not have a resident medical officer but Dr Michie of the RAMC attended the inmates. His services were necessary for, consisting of families from Bloemfontein, Norvals Pont was struck early by the measles epidemic. But Michie was not easy Even then the staffing problems at Norvals Pont were not over. The most prominent of the women doctors of the camp systems, the Hon Dr Ella Scarlett, took over from Michie. . Nevertheless, she worked hard on behalf of the Boers who do not seem to have complained about her. Later doctors were equally troublesome. Drs Caldwell and McArthur, both brusque men, did not get on and the latter had to be transferred. Caldwell also quarrelled with the admirable Sister Broers, who was transferred to Bethulie, and he then fell out with Broers’ replacement. Inevitably, such a man was at odds with Dr Ella Scarlett who, he said, was lax and ignored his authority. The correspondence does suggest that Scarlett was wilful but Caldwell had a poor record in his relationships with the medical staff. Apart from measles, in April 1901 scarlet fever ran through the camp, followed by diphtheria. Michie struggled to isolate the sufferers, forced to house them with their families, although he knew that the infection was likely to be passed on. Staff shortages may explain some of his irascibility. Neither trained nurses nor civilian doctors could be obtained in South Africa in the early months of 1901, head office explained when Michie appealed for more qualified medical staff. Fortunately the arrival of Miss Broers relieved the situation slightly. Yet mortality remained low in Norvals Pont camp.”
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 190?