An Anglo Boer War story in Documents, Letters and postcards.
For the serious collector only.
Although it is often thought that the Anglo Boer War was fought between the English speaking British and Dutch/Afrikaans Boers, these items on auction tell the story of an English speaking Cape rebel, from Middelburg Cape Colony, that was captured with Gen. Cronje at Paardeberg 27 February 1900, and made POW in Ceylon.
Commandant CTM Wilcocks was a well educated gentleman, that ended up being incarcerated as an "irreconcilable" - Bittereinder" - in the Ragama Camp in Ceylon.
The story in documents begin with a letter from the Middelburg Magistrate, confirming Mr Wilcocks' appointment as Field Cornet for Middelburg, Cape Colony - Dated 2nd July 1894.
Next is a censored letter dated 26 November 1901. This letter was "Returned to writer" due to unwanted content. Never posted, it only came to South Africa after the war with the POWs return.
A postcard did however reach South Africa shortly afterwards. Dated 21 December 1901, it was sent from Ragama Camp and has the Ragama Camp censor and Post office post marks on the address side. It is adressed to Mr Wilcocks' wife in Middelburg.
The second of three postcards came from Colombo. Dated 9 July 1902, it came from the Dutch Consul in Colombo and is addressed to Mr Wilcocks in Hut 4, Ragama Camp. It includes instructions to devide 5 bales of tobacco between the POWs in both camps. It too carries the Censor and Ragama Post office markings.
The last post card came not from Ceylon, but from Dar-es-Salaam, German East Africa. It was posted on the return journey from Ceylon to South Africa. Dated 17 September 1902, it carries the Dar-es-Salaam and Durban post marks.
It took a while for the POWs to return to South Africa, especially the so called Cape Rebels.
If you were a Field Cornet or higher rank before the war you could face the death penalty under high treason, on return!
Mr Wilcocks started a business with one Mr Hertzog after the war (Hertzog&Wilcocks - Jagersfontein), Mr Hertzog was the father of General Hertzog.
CTM Wilcocks became Administrator of the Free State some years later.
One of the main roads in Bloemfontein was indeed named "Wilcocks Road".
I have grouped these items together so they may keep telling their story, and that they may be kept by ones that appreciate their historic value.
PLEASE ASK ALL QUESTIONS BEFORE BIDDING !
