TOPIC:

My Grandfather, Ignatius Solomon TerBlanche partook in the Boer War and was taken prisoner in Bronkhorstspruit on 16 December 1901. His prisoner number as I have it is 27567. According to a document in my possession he was sent to Trichinopoly – India on the Ship Taqus. After the war he returned to Durban on the Ship Englishman.
In reading the records of camp Trichinopoly there is no record that he was at this camp. In my document he states that Gustav Preller was with him in the camp and Gustav is listed as having been there on the site. Am I missing something or was he listed elsewhere as being in another camp? Your assistance would be appreciated.

Hi Alan,
have a look at this link, I have posted the relevant information below - Anglo Boer War Museum

Surname Terblanche
Name IGNATIUS SOLOMON
Age 33
Address PRETORIA
District WATERBERG
Where Captured BRONKHORSTSPRUIT
When Captured 1901/12/16
Camp Onbekend
Country Onbekend
Ship (To) Onbekend
Ship (Back)
POW Number 27567

I would imagine that with your research, you have probably already come across this site. Interestingly, they have listed the Camp where your Grandfather was interred to as Onbekend which I believe is at St. Helena.

The other POW that you mentioned, Gustav Preller, is listed at another camp as well (see below). While another website mentions that camp Trichinopoly is the correct camp -

Surname PRELLER
Name GUSTAV SCHOEMAN
Age 27
Address PRETORIA
District WATERBERG
Where Captured NEAR ERMELO
When Captured 1902/01/11
Camp Kaity Nilighiri
Country Indië
Ship (To) Tagus
Ship (Back)
POW Number 28342

I'm hoping that another forum member has access to more research material to assist in finding a correct answer.
Trev

Onbekend translates to Unknown in English....

Hi Rory,
Thanks for clearing that up for me. When I was searching for the word Onbekend, I have also spotted references to St. Helena.
Cheers, Trev

Alan,

This list of the prisoners at St Helena may help?

www.angloboerwar.com/other-information/8...-for-boers-st-helena

Camp Onbekend reminds me of the South African sculptor Moenie Aanraak*, whose exhibits could be seen throughout the land.
Happy New Year to all of us!

(* Don't touch)