TOPIC:

This topic has been touched upon in the past, but I'd like to see more anecdotes and photos on the German Corps. If this is old hat, please post the link to earlier threads!
To start the ball rolling, there's a great write-up in
SA Military History Journal Vol 2 No 2 - December 1971 - THE GERMAN COMMANDO IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR OF 1899-1902 - by Neville Gomm
samilitaryhistory.org/vol022ng.html
and I'll post some photos (probably seen before, apologies in advance)
Rob

The Pretoria German Commando at Ladysmith (Photo thanks to MC Heunis)
Note a few details: the Christmas tree dates this photo nicely to late Dec 1899; some men wear a partial uniform; 3 of the Mausers shown are carbines.

(Photo thanks to MC Heunis)
Caption: 'First German Ambulance under Dr Pringle leaves Pretoria for Springfontein.'
I can't find anything about Dr Pringle

Kaptein Friedrich Wilhelm von Wichmann, Fort Artillerie, Johannesburg, who saw action with the German Corps at Spion Kop.

"Friedrich Wilhem von Wichmann was, before his arrival at the Z.A.R., a lieutenant in the 1st Foot Guards in Potsdam, Germany. After working for a while at the Surveyor General's office in Pretoria, he joined the Fortress Artillery in Johannesburg as second lieutenant.
In September 1899 he joined the German Corps in Natal, where he distinguished himself at Spion Kop. After the offensive he went to the Transvaal Highveld where he fought to the end with General Chris Botha. After the battle of Bakenlaagte he was promoted to Kaptein" (translated from J. Malan 1990, p. 194).



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Generaal Kock and Staff (mostly members of the German Corps).

Generaal Kock commanded the Johannesburg Commando and German Corps until the Battle of Elandslaagte (where he was fatally wounded, dying in Ladysmith on 31 Oct 1899).


Caption (taken from Rompel 1903, "Heroes of the Boer War", p. 84):

"GENERAL KOCK AND HIS STAFF: THE HEROES OF ELANDSLAAGTE, 21 October 1899. J.H.M. Kock, the gallant old Transvaaler, Member of the Executive Raad, died at Ladysmith, on the 31st October 1899, of inflammation of the lungs contracted on the field of battle, where he was wounded and lay long in the pouring rain before the English ambulance found him. His illness was increased by sorrow at his defeat. His son, Judge Kock, fell into the hands of the enemy, but was exchanged by General White after his father's death. Count Zeppelin was killed after firing off all his ammunition and eventually defending himself to the last against the charging Lancers with his whip. Colonel A.H. Schiel was till the end of the war a prisoner at St Helena. Count Albedyll succeeded him in his command. With the exception of Potgieter and Lieutenant Wichmann, who did not take part in the battle, the others are all members of the German Corps, of which Dr Elsburger stood at the head of the ambulance".



From the album Majoor Friedrich Wilhelm von Wichmann, who can be seen seated on an upturned saddle in Staatsartillerie uniform. Count Albedyll stands second from right. The others included in the description above are captioned within the photograph.
Note Wichman's rank of Ober-Luitenante. As with many British officers he appears to have accepted a lower rank while fighting as a volunteer. Before the war he had been a Kaptein with the Fortress Artillerie, Johannesburg.






Ambulances entering Ladysmith after the battle of Elandslaagte. The mortally wounded Generaal Kock, along with many members of the German Corps, was transported into the town this way.


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Members of the German Corps, before the Battle of Elandslaagte.

Caption (taken from Rompel 1903, "Heroes of the Boer War", p. 25):
"THE GERMAN CORPS. Before the Battle of Elandslaagte (21 October 1899). The corps lost many killed and wounded in this battle".



From the album of Majoor Friedrich Wilhelm von Wichmann

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