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 the winter months. In the summer the temperature alternates between 27.5C and 11C and 16C and 2C in winter. It rains almost every afternoon. Rev A Burger recorded that he found the camp under water after a heavy rainstorm on 21 May 1902.
In his diary Burger recorded how the children had to walk the nine miles from the station to the camp. They were in fact too weak to attempt it on foot and Burger therefore asked if the guard could not provide them with mules or horses. The officer in charge agreed and before the order to depart came, the boys grabbed the horses and sped away leaving the guards to walk the nine miles, up hill all the way. They only arrived at the camp half an hour after the boys who thoroughly enjoyed their prank!
The five hundred prisoners of war, mostly children and the aged were housed in tents in a picturesque setting “ absolutely beautiful” according to A.P. Burger. Even so he came to the conclusion that the most beautiful of settings could never replace 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
Source: Elria Wessels
