The Afrikaner Nation and Boers feature prominently in my story of bacon. The first and second Anglo-Boer war shaped our land and provided the motivation for setting up the bacon company. Here are photos from the time immediately before and after the second Anglo-Boer War (ABW). It allows the reader to visualise the context better. I dedicate this section to my friends who bring to life the Afrikaner, referred to as Boers, the Brits, and the black and coloured South Africans who fought in these wars and lived through these times.
Australians in the ABW
Australian soldiers in the Anglo-Boer war, c. 1901. Photo supplied by Dirk Marais
Black Refugees, soldiers and ordinary people
From the album of photographs of the 14th Brigade (Lincoln Regiment) Field Hospital in the Boer War in the Welcome Library. Photo provided by Andries Pretorius.Sol PlaatjiesReference: http://historicalpapers-atom.wits.ac.za/sannc-delegation-to-england-1914; Deputation of the South African Native National Congress (SANNC) to England in 1914, in protest of the Native Land Act of 1913. The members of the SANNC delegation to England as shown in the photograph were Thomas Mapikela, Doctor Walter Rubusana, Reverend John Dube, Saul Msane and Solomon Plaatje.
Willem Snowball Prisoner of War. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.Black man at war ABW. Photo by Martin Plaut.Black men at war ABW. Photo by Martin Plaut.Photo supplied by Chris Pretorius.
Martin Plaut writes about the role of ‘black Boers’, as they refer to black people fighting for the Boer nations, and says that the role of these ‘black Boers’ is captured in this British ditty:
‘Tommy, Tommy, watch your back
There are dusky wolves in cunning Piet’s pack
Sometimes nowhere to be seen
Sometimes up and shooting clean
They’re steathy lads, stealthy and brave
In darkness they’re awake
Duck, Duck, that bullet isn’t fake.
Chris Pretoriusposted a quote about Plaatjies: “In 1932, Solomon Tshekisho (Sol) Plaatje, intellectual, journalist, linguist, politician, translator and writer, born at Doornfontein near Boshof, OFS in 1876, passed away in Soweto at the age of 56. He was (amongst others) court translator for the British during the Siege of Mafeking and diarized his experiences, which was published posthumously.”
Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein se ou markplein vanaf die dak van die Poskantoor. 1880’s. Foto verskaf deur Nico Moolman.Voor Bloemfontein teer strate gehad het. Foto verskaf deur Nico Moolman.
Boer Warrior
Hans Swart. Photo supplied by Nico Moolman. Sent to him by Piet Lombard from Heilbron.Bittereinders vas gestaan tot die laaste! Photo supplied by Dirk Marais.Boer gesin “Sharpshooters”Oud en Jonk was deel van die oorlog ABO 1899-1902. Photo supplied by Dirk Marais.Danie Theron en Pres.Steyn in gesprek. ABO 1899-1902. Photo supplied by Dirk Marais.Boer warriors. Photo supplied by Dirk Marais.Anglo-Boere Oorlog helde bymekaar as senior Oudstryders gedurende die 1940’s. Foto verskaf deur Nico Moolman.
Brandwater Basin (Where my great Grandfather surrendered to the British – ABW)
Sentry at a blockhouse in the Brandwater Basin. Photo supplied by Jaun de Vries.
British POW’s
British Prisoners of War at the Waterval Camp North of Pretoria. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.
Bermuda, Hawkins Island
Prisoners of war on Hawkins Island, Bermuda. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.Prisoners of war on Hawkins Island, Bermuda. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.Prisoners of war on Hawkins Island, Bermuda. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.
Cape Town
Kaapstad hawe…1870’s. Foto beskikbaar gestel deur Nico Moolman.‘n Ingekleurde Poskaart van Kaapstad uit die jare 1870/80’s. Foto verskaf deur Nico Moolman.The Pier, Rogge Bay, Cape Town. Sundays were a favoured day for outings on the Pier at the end of Adderley Street. In this photo from the early 1900s, people gather on the beach to watch fishermen bring in their catch while a number of small fishing boats lie at anchor at in the lee of the Pier. Photo supplied by Dirk Marais.
Children, Concentration Camps and War
Jong boerekinders tydens die oorlog in Johannesburg. (Uit: Erwe vir ons kinders: Kinderhelde 1) Photo supplied by Jaun de Vries.Picture had been taken during the 1930’s. Foto verskaf deur Nico Moolman.MEDICAL STAFF IN THE BLOEMFONTEIN CONCENTRATION CAMP AND ONE OF THE PATIENTS (HER NAME WAS LIZZIE VAN ZYL). Photo by Elria Wessels.MEDICAL STAFF IN THE BLOEMFONTEIN CONCENTRATION CAMP AND ONE OF THE PATIENTS (HER NAME WAS LIZZIE VAN ZYL). Photo by Elria Wessels. Tony Van Der Helm writes that “she is holding a cloth doll under her right shoulder and evidently died within the hour after the photo was taken. Speaking under correction, I think the doll was given to her by Emily Hobhouse.”Women on their way to a concentration camp. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.Women on their way to a concentration camp. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.Women on their way to a concentration camp. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.
Crossing the River
British artillery crossing a stream. Location unknown! From album of photographs of the 14th Brigade (Lincoln Regiment) Field Hospital in the Boer War in the Welcome Library. Photo supplied by Andries Pretorius. Photo supplied by Andries Pretorius.British artillery crossing a stream. Location unknown! From album of photographs of the 14th Brigade (Lincoln Regiment) Field Hospital in the Boer War in the Welcome Library. Photo supplied by Andries Pretorius. Photo supplied by Andries Pretorius.Crossing the Vaal. Photo supplied by Dirk Marais.British forces crossing a river! Exact location not given. From the album of photographs of the 14th Brigade (Lincoln Regiment) Field Hospital in the Boer War in the Welcome Library. Photo supplied by Andries Pretorius.“Ei Kona horse” ABW labourers crossing a stream on their way to work From the album of photos of the 14th Brigade (Lincoln Regiment) Field Hospital in the Boer War in the Welcome Library.
Colesberg ABW
British Scouts Firing at a Boer Patrol Commando near Colesberg! Photo supplied by Dirk Marais
Pres.MT Steyn en Genl.De Wet met besoek aan Pres.Steyn se plaas Onze Rust 1909. Photo supplied by Dirk Marais.
Die sout van die aarde. Tant Nelie en oom Christiaan. Foto verskaf deur Nico Moolman.Christiaan De Wet and boet Piet de Wet…. ( amongst others.) Here with Prez Steyn ……….Pre ABW… Foto verskaf deur Nico Moolman.A rather sad ending to a fighting man’s career. Gen De Wet on the backseat of a motor car after being captured during the rebellion 1914/15. Foto verskaf deur Nico Moolman.What De Wet loved best during the ABW. Foto verskaf deur Nico Moolman.De Wet being escorted in Norvalspont Camp by cheerful ladies after Surrender briefing. Foto supplied by Nico Moolman.Gen De Wet oversees the stacking of captured British munitions at Roodewal before blasting it to smithereens…OHS…. Foto supplied by Nico Moolman.General De Wet’s bodyguard and staff. Foto supplied by Nico Moolman.‘The Big 3’ Generals in Netherlands – 22 August 1902 de Wet, de la Rey and Botha . Photo Credit – Nico MoolmanGenl De Wet , addressing the bewildered at Norvalspont con camp on the peace conditions ..post Melrose House agreement . Later to be known as the Peace of Vereeniging. ABW Foto supplied by Nico Moolman.Genl De Wet drumming up support for the Boer cause in Potchefstroom in August 1900 , after the first farms were torched by the British. Foto supplied by Nico Moolman.The family De Wet…During the ABW. Foto supplied by Nico Moolman.De Wet riding through Kroonstad with Archie Coulson ( interpreter) to his right and other staff members. Archie’s brother fought on British side. Foto supplied by Nico Moolman.Genl De Wet and his son Danie. …Danie was later killed in action at Mushroom Valley Winburg during the Rebellion of 1914. Foto supplied by Nico Moolman.Braving the cold ….De Wet and French ….Talking Peace… End of ABW. Foto supplied by Nico Moolman.This amazing set of photos by Dirk Marais. Generaal De Wet en sy Kommando 1901 Potchefstroom.This amazing set of photos by Dirk Marais. Generaal De Wet en sy Kommando 1901 Potchefstroom.
The newspaper article is from a 1950’s Sunday Times article. Who is the “Pieter” referred to in the article? There was a Pieter de Villiers Graaff who was known as the Cape Rebel (Kaapse Rebel). He was a cousin of Sir David de Villiers Graaff, who is featured prominently in my work on bacon. Pieter participated in 25 battles in the ABW against the English and on 24 March 1901 he was captured and sent to India as a POW where he remained for the duration of the war. I doubt if the Sunday Times article refers to him. He did, however, have a son, also named Pieter de Villiers Graaff. He was born on December 16, 1911 and passed away on July 11, 1988. He was 76.
This amazing set of photos by Dirk Marais. Generaal De Wet en sy Kommando 1901 Potchefstroom.Funeral of Mrs CR de Wet at Dewetsdorp in May 1934. A forgotten widow. Foto supplied by Nico Moolman.Funeral of Mrs CR de Wet at Dewetsdorp in May 1934. A forgotten widow. Foto supplied by Nico Moolman.Funeral of Mrs CR de Wet at Dewetsdorp in May 1934. A forgotten widow. Foto supplied by Nico Moolman.
Farm Life
Op “Viljoenshoek ” se plaaswerf naby Lindley 1920’s. Foto supplied by Nico Moolman.
Diyatalawa and Ragama, Ceylon (Diyatalawa is where my great grandfather was a POW – ABW)
The Diyatalawa Garrison is a common name used for collection of military bases of the Sri Lanka Army located in and around the garrison town Diyatalawa in the Uva Province. Sometimes it is referred to as the Diyatalawa Cantonment. It is one of the oldest military garrisons in Sri Lanka. It is home to the several training centers of the army, including the Sri Lanka Military Academy and has a detachment of the Gemunu Watch. The Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps maintains a base hospital in Diyatalawa. SLAF Diyatalawa is situated in close proximity.
It is not exactly known as to when Diyatalawa became a training station for troops, but available records show that it was selected around 1885, when the British Army first established a garrison at Diyatalawa. At that time training was conducted at the Imperial Camp, which is presently occupied by the Gemunu Watch troops. In 1900, the British War Office constructed a concentration camp in Diyatalawa to house Boer prisoners captured in the Second Boer War. Initially constructed to house 2500 prisoners and 1000 guards and staff, the number of prisoners increased to 5000. During World War I an internment camp for enemy aliens was set up.
Early in World War II the camp was reopened and German nationals resident in Hong Kong and Singapore, as well as many sailors, like those removed from the Asama Maru in violation of international law, were housed here. Also imprisoned were Buddhist monks of German extraction like Nyanaponika and Govinda Anagarika who had acquired British citizenship. In June 1941 most of the sailors were transferred to Canada. The section for Germans was sensibly divided in a pro- and anti-Nazi wing. There was also a section set up to house Italian POWs. After the Japanese started bombing the island, inmates were on 23 February 1942 transferred to camps on the mainland. Males usually went to Dehradun.
After independence the facilities of the British Army were taken over by the newly established Ceylon Army, and Diyatalawa became the primary training grounds for the young army with the establishment in 1950 the Army Recruit Training Depot later renamed at the Army Training Centre. Several of the army’s regiments were resided here, 1st Field Squadron, Ceylon Engineers (1951), Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (1956), Gemunu Watch (1962).
The Royal Navy had a rest camp, HMS Uva, which was situated at Diyatalawa with recreational facilities; this was later taken over by the Royal Ceylon Navy in 1956, commissioning it as HMCYS Rangalla and established its training center there. They had to move out in 1962 and it was taken over by the Gemunu Watch.
On 14 March 2013, the Security Forces Headquarters – Central the youngest of the seven commands of the Sri Lanka Army was formed at Diyatalawa. Prior to this Diyatalawa served as an Area Headquarters.
Rugby field, Prisoner of War Camp, Diyatalawa, Ceylon. Photo by Elria Wessels.POW Carting firewood. Prisoner of War Camp, Diyatalawa, Ceylon. Photo supplied by Dirk MaraisMain Gate Diyatalawa POW Camp Ceylon and the camp and some of the POWs held there. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.Diyatalawa POW Camp Ceylon. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.Diyatalawa POW Camp Ceylon, Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.Diyatalawa POW Camp Ceylon, Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.Diyatalawa POW Camp Ceylon, Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.Kinders as so Jonk as Krygsgevangenes geneem hoe hartseer! Diyatalawa Camp, Ceylon. Photo supplied by Dirk Marais.Prisoner of War, POW Camp, Ragama, Ceylon. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.Prisoner of War, POW Camp, Ragama, Ceylon. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.Prisoner of War, POW Camp, Ragama, Ceylon. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.
Dorsland Trek
Daar was die Groot Trek in Suid Afrika gewees , maar dan die Dorsland – Angola trekkers. Photo supplied by Dirk Marais.
Duitswes
‘ Die osse stap aan deur die stowwe..geduldig..gedienstig…gedwee..” Duitswes…1915. Foto verskaf deur Nico Moolman.
Eastern Cape
Boer trenches at Hlangweni. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.
Free State
Nagmaal te Heilbron. 1890’s. Photo supplied by Nico Moolman.
Housing
‘n Ou kantstraat Boere-dorpshuis in die platteland …. 1890’s. Photo supplied by Nico Moolman.
Horses
‘n Ou negatief se kiekie. Photo supplied by Nico Moolman.
Howick British Concentration Camp for Boer Women and Children
Howick Concentration Camp and some women and children waiting for the water. Some children and women in front of their tents. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.Howick Concentration Camp and some women and children waiting for the water. Some children and women in front of their tents. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.Howick Concentration Camp and some women and children waiting for the water. Some children and women in front of their tents. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.Howick Concentration Camp and some women and children waiting for the water. Some children and women in front of their tents. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.
Indigenous Houses (Used by Boers in the ABW)
30125 x5 Correspondents scrutinizing a hut in the Boer Laager at Klipdrift. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.
Johannesburg
Johannesburg Market Square. 1895. Photo supplied by Dirk Marais.Johannesburg Market Square, photo supplied by dirk Marais.Transvaal Gold Mine. Photo supplied by Dirk Marais.Joubert Park, a pleasure resort in Johannesburg. Photo supplied by Dirk Marais.Post office in Jeppe Street, Johannesburg. Photo supplied by Dirk Marais.Photo supplied by Dirk Marais.De Korte Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg. The main street leading to the cemetery and the township of Vrededorp, where a large number of Dutch reside. Photo and description supplied by Dirk Marais.View of Johannesburg. Photo supplied by Dirk Marais.
Kimberley
Mens kan skaars glo elke delwer het sy eie kleim gedelf te Kimberley 1876. Photo supplied by Nico Moolman.
Zulu ‘Boys’ Working at De Beers Diamond Mines, Kimberley, South Africa. Photo supplied by Dirk Marais.
Kruger, President
Prez Kruger…enkele weke voor die uitbreek van die Anglo-Boere Oorlog.. Foto verskaf deur Nico Moolman.
Klipdrift ABW
A Hut at the Boer Laager – Klip – Drift ABO. Photo supplied by Dirk Marais
In ou Vryheid…1887.. Die latere generaal Louis Botha staan 3de van regs. Foto verskaf deur Nico Moolman.
Naauwpoort
Boers shoeing horses at Naauwpoort. Photo supplied by Dirk Marais
Northern Cape ABW
The Royal Irish Regiment crossing the North Kaap River: 20 September 1900.. Photo supplied by Hilton Teper.
The Royal Irish Regiment recruited from the counties of Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny. It served in South Africa with General Hart’s Irish Brigade. Around 30,000 Irishmen saw service with the British Army in South Africa.
Iain Hayter writes, “There were a number of instances where Irish fought Irish in the ABW and many poems poems were written, the Irish being so lyrical……… We are leaving dear old Dublin
The gallant famous fifth;
We’re going to the Transvaal
Where the Boers we mean to shift.
We are the sons of Erin’s Isle –
Modem Musketeers:
The famous Fifth Battalion
Of the Dublin Fusiliers.
Let this conflict be a warning
To all Britannia’s foes;
Not to tease her ftirious lion
As on his way he goes.
For if they do, they’ll fmd they’re wrong
And won’t get volunteers
To stand in the face of a Regiment
Like the Dublin Fusiliers
and
On the mountain side the battle raged, there was no stop or stay;
Mackin captured Private Burke and Ensign Michael Shea,
Fitzgerald got Fitzpatrick, Brannigan found O ’Rourke,
Firmigan took a man named Fay – and a couple of lads from Cork.
Sudden they heard McManus shout, ‘Hands up or I’ll run you through’.
He thought it was a Yorkshire ‘Tyke’ – ’twas Corporal Donaghue!
McGany took O ’Leary, O ’Brien got McNamee,
That’s how the ’English fought the Dutch’ at the Battle of Dundee.
The sun was sinking slowly, the battle rolled along;
The man that Murphy ‘handed in’, was a cousin of Maud Gonne,
Then Flanagan dropped his rifle, shook hands with Bill McGuire,
For both had carried a piece of turf to light the schooh-oom fire …
Dicey brought a lad named Welsh; Dooley got McGurk;
Gilligan turned in Fahey’s boy – for his father he used to work.
They had marched to fight the English – but Irish were all they could see –
That’s how the ‘English fought the Dutch’ at the Battle of Dundee.
Lt. Col. Maximov ( A Russian volunteer) with Gen. Kolbe. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.
Simons Town POW’s
POW CAMP AT BELLEVUE SIMON’S TOWN AND SOME OF THE PRISONERS. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.POW CAMP AT BELLEVUE SIMON’S TOWN AND SOME OF THE PRISONERS. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.POW CAMP AT BELLEVUE SIMON’S TOWN AND SOME OF THE PRISONERS. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.
Tydens die Britse koningshuis besoek aan Suid Afrika in 1947 het hulle ook Standerton aangedoen. My ma Dora het hierdie foto geneem waar Generaal Jan Smuts vir prinses Elizabeth aan Oudstryders van die Anglo Boere oorlog voorstel My oupa Niklaas Moolman was ook die dag daar maar het botweg geweier om aan hulle voorgestel te word.Daaroor was my pa erg omgekrap. ( So met die uitsoek van my ou robbies, gister weer die kiekie ontdek ) Photo supplied by Nico Moolman.Die Uniegebou op 4 Augustus 1915 en dring aan op gelyke regte. Glas negatief. Geen ander foto hiervan op rekord nie. Foto beskikbaar gemaak deur Nico Moolman.
Statesman Jan Smuts at the Opening of the Voortrekker Monument 16 December 1949. Photo and description by Dirk Marais.The two princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret, together with South African prime minister, Jan Smuts, stayed at the Natal National Park in the Drakensberg. Photo and description by Dirk Marais.Crowds at the funeral of the South African wartime Prime Minister, General Jannie Smuts on 15 September 1950. Photo and description by Dirk Marais.
Steyn
St Helena, Broadbottom Camp, Deadwood Camp.
Deadwood Camp St Helena. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.POWs in Broadbottom Camp, St Helena. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.POWs in Broadbottom Camp, St Helena. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.POWs in Broadbottom Camp, St Helena. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.
Treaty of Vereeniging, signed on 31 May 1902 (end of ABW2)
Transvaal Representatives after the signing of the peace treaty with the British. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.
Gideon Jacobus van Tonder was born in 1864 in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape (then the Cape Colony). He passed away in 1924 in the Free State. He is buried at the Rustfontein Dam, which is located on the Modder River near Thaba ‘Nchu. He was the owner of the farm Brakfontein in that area. He also resided at 21 Hill Street, Bloemfontein. From 1894 to 1900 he was minister of Agriculture in the Orange Free State Government. Giel Venter from Fauresmith gave me this information. Giel is one of his descendants. If Gideon was still alive we would have spent many days talking about farming and animal husbandry and of course, bacon curing!
When President Steyn was out of the country or on leave, he acted as State President on numerous occasions. When the ABW broke out, he resigned from government after his son, Hansie, was killed at the battle of Magersfontein. Genl. De Wet wrote about it in his book, Three Years’ War.
De Wet wrote: “I can only remember three instances of anyone being hurt by the shells. A young burgher, while riding behind a ridge and thus quite hidden from the enemy, was hit by a bomb, and both he and his horse were blown to atoms. This youth was a son of Mr. Gideon van Tonder, a member of the Executive Council.”
I am planning a visit to Giel, as soon as it is permitted and will update this section with much more information.
In the photo is Gideon Jacobus van Tonder, his wife and children in 1914. Hansie is not there. Killed in Magersfontein, 1899. Another photo sent to me by Giel Venter and beautifully preserved in the Van Tonder House he set up in Fauresmith.
Vredefort Concentration Camp ABW
Concentration Camp at Vredefort, Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.
Concentration Camp at Vredefort, Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.
Sports day for the inhabitants of Vredefort Concentration Camp. Photo supplied by Elria Wessels.
A very big part of the art of living is family! Here I feature different sets of family photos. The kids are fortunate to have two extra sets of extended families involved in their lives also. Here we feature the families of all the parents, step-parents, uncles, aunts and further extended family.
Oom Jan Kok
Oom Jan is my mom’s brother. He sent me the following set op photos.
Oom Jan stuur hierdie fotos vir ons op 28 Desember 2017. Vir die lys van al Oom Jan se bydraes, besoek Oom Jan Onthou. Ek pos dit als as deel van “Bacon and the art of living” en in besonder, deel van die gedeelte wat handel oor “The Art of Living”.
Sannie se doop, 1940. Oupa Eben, Ouma Susan, Tannie Meraai en Oupa Giel. Ouma Santjie met haar naamgenoot. Foto geneem op Leeuspruit.My Oupa Grootjie, Piet Rademan by sy perdekar waarmee hy tot kort voor sy dood op 99 nog gery het.Ouma Susan, Sannie en Uysie en My hond Karools. Foto geneem op Leeuspruit.Met Oupa Jan Kok se 70ste verjaarsdag by die rivier op Parys. Die familie het daar saamgetrek vir die okkasie. Agter: Sannie, Myra Kok, Gill Kok, Mariet Bosman, Ronnie Bosman, Jantjie Bosman. Voor: Jan Kok, Ouma Hannie Oupa se tweede vrou), Uysie Kok, Oupa Jan en Leon Kok.Met my doop, 1942. Agter: Oom Dolf Bosman met Jantjie, Tannie Meraai, Ouma Santjie Uys, Ouma Magrietha (Oupa se eerste vrou), Oupa Eben met Sannie. Middel: Oupa Giel Uys, Ouma Susan Kok met my op haar skoot, Oupa Jan Kok (Wat my gedoop het) Voor: Mariet en Ronnie Bosman. Ek was seker een van die eerste blanke kinders wat in die Swart kerk gedoop is, en as gevolg van die Apartheidswette mag my doop nie in die boeke van die Sendingkerk opgeteken word nie, maar wel in die “Wit” gemeente, Heilbron Suid.Moet darem die foto van hierdie aantreklike jong man byvoeg. 21 Jaar oud in 1963. 🙂Vier geslagte Kok. Van Agter: Ek vermoed dit was Oupa Jan se ma met die name Jacoba Johanna Elizabeth (Geb Theron op 04 Januarie 1855). Oupa Jan Kok (Gebore 04 April 1880). Oom Johan Kok (Oupa Eben se oudste broer, gebore op 02 Mei 1908). Ek vermoed dit is oom Johan se oudste dogter, Gillian Louise Kok, Gebore op 18 Oktober 1934. Sy is getroud met Roy Tustin. Hy was ‘n prof in Veeartsenykunde aan Tukkies)Joretha en Oups Eben op Lady.My Oupagrootjie, Piet Rademan, op sy 95 ste verjaarsdag in 1933
In hierdie tyd skryf Ouma Santjie die volgende brief aan Ma in Potchefstroom :
Liefste Susan,
Ons het gister jou brief gekry baja dankie, ek was spyt om te sien dat jy so virkoude is, ek hoop darem dit gaan beter, met ons gaan dit goed ons is nou weer baja gesond. Pappie se oor is ook heel te maal gesond. Jy het seker nog nie gehoor dat Aunt Chathrina weer ?n seuntjie het nie, hy is die 23 ste gebore, hy is vndag 8 dae oud, laaste Dinsdag was sy net baja siek toe was ou Green daarheen hy sê dit is ook die griep wat sy het, maar nou gaan dit weer beter. Oom Freek was gister hier, Pieter was ook hier, ons vra vir hom wat is daar hy se daar is ?n bobbejaan ek vra wat is sy naam hy se Fransie
Hendrik van aunt Kotie was mos ook so baja siek, laats Sondag was ou Green daar en Maandag was Dr Heyns weer daar hy het glo Inflamatie, gister het oom Freek gese was hy bietjie beter maar vandag het ek nog nie weer gehoor nie, ek dink die dag met die Vandiesie het hy seker koue gekry want dit was mos so?n nare dag gewees.
Die ou Klein Kaffertjie van ou Viljoen het laaste Vrydag vir Brand, dit was mos so vreeslik koud daardie dag, en die meid het glo buite kant vuur gemaak en toe gaan sy mis optel toe sy sien toe was die ou kaffertjie in die volle vlam, Pappie het toe nog dieselfde middag die dokter daarheen laat gaan maar nog die selfde nag is hy dood.
Dina is vanaand hier, ons was vanmiddag daar en Maria het so aangehou laat sy moet saam kom.
Pappie het daarom die jaard vir die huis Klaar dit lyk net ewe gaaf.
Die hoenders by die windpomp le nog nie eers nie hier by die huis begin hulle nou net tamenlik te le
Oom Attie hulle het Saterdag nag hier geslaap en Miss Boshoff ook sy was saam met oom Attie hulle.
Hoe gaan dit met aunt Miem? Word sy nou al beter en wat se sy sal die dokter haar kan help ?
Mariaatjie was tog te hoog oor die brief wat sy van jou gekry het. Ek het nog nie eers aunt Cathrina se seun gesien nie.
Pappie had mos so ‘n skade met sy skape die Honde was daar onder, en hulle het 9 doodgebyt en nog ‘n hele paar stukkend gebyt. Die arme ou Bok het hulle net so verniel hy sal ook seker nog dood gaan, nou weet hulle nog nie eers wie se honde dit was nie, dis daarom ‘n vreeslike skade.
Nou liewe Susan die nieuws is nou op en ek is al vaak baja groete van Dina, Pappie, Mariaatjie en van mammie.
Jou liefhebbende moeder,
Sannie Uys
(I retained the original words used in the letter for historical context and accuracy. The word “Kaffertjie” is a derogatory term, the use of which is prohibited by law in SA)
Die eerste bladsy van die brief wat Ouma aan Ma geskryf het in die koshuis op Potchefstroom.Die huis op Leeuspruit waarin ek gebore is op 03 Mei 1942Ek en Sannie en Uysie saam met Oupa Giel en Ouma Santjie. Ek vermoed die Baba by Ouma is Sybrand StraussMy fris boerevoorste. Oupagrootjie Piet Rademan met sy vyf dogters. Voor: Annie (Crause) en Santjie (Uys). Agter: Sarah (Smit), Kowa (Marx) en Nelie (Schoeman).Oupa Giel en Ouma Santjie saam met hulle 7 Kleinkinders. Sannie, Sybrand, Uysie, ek, Santjie, Giel en Marietjie.Sannie as klein dogtertjie met ‘n hanslam wat aan ‘n bottel drinkSannie, Uysie en ek by die Vuurtoring by Kaappunt met ons besoek in 1948.Die Blou Chef waarmee ons in 1952 die woonwa Winklespruit toe gesleep het.
Met vakansie by Bananabeach. VLNR : Cecil, Miemie, Myra en Mike Webb, Sannie, Ma het ek en Pa. Ek vermoed Uysie het die foto geneem. Let tog op die das van Cecil op vakansie geddra het. Ek en Uysie roei saam met maats op ‘n boot in die Riviermond. Ek dink hulle was Opperman.
Oom Jan staan by die plaalhek naby die huis op Leeuspruit
My Mom’s Photo Album 1 and 2
Mom
Marthie en Loomie
Oom Jan
Oom Uysie
Oom Uysie
Mom
Ouma en Ma
My ma se Ouma en Oupa
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My Mom’s Photo Album 3 – Photos of my dad, his side of the family, the Kokke and my mom and dad’s wedding.