TOPIC:

Nice to see that this POW did have time to enjoy his hobbies whilst interned.

Not mine but I thought a beautiful piece of ephemera.





Surname ZERBST
Name NICHOLAS JACOBUS
Age 28
Address PIET RETIEF
District PIET RETIEF
Where Captured CONGOLA DRIFT
When Captured 1901/02/25
Camp SATARA
Country India
Ship (To) Onbekend
Ship (Back)
Number 19423
Ref ID 17987

David
A most surprising and unusual piece of Boer War history! Thank you for sharing it with us.
Regards
Brett

Hi David, could this not be Herbst as opposed to Zerbst?

I thought initially it was but there is no suitable POW match at Satara. Also the addressee "N.Jac." seemed too close to be coincidental.

Hi
There were 17 PoW Camps in India.
Two of these, Dagshai and Satara, housed PoW's who had taken Parole.
Interesting case!! Based on the Postcard Zerbst was not eligible for an ABO, having taken parole.
On his Vorm "B" he stated his rank as "Griffier", i.e. Registrar , and added that he also served as Medic. He stated service in Piet Retief Commando and with the Piet Retief Military Court. He stated that he had not taken part in any battles or skirmishes. He made no mention of having taken parole in India. After deliberation the Medal Advisory Board approved issue of an ABO, rank Burger.
However, Zerbst also submitted an application for a DTD on an English version of Vorm"A". Rank and Service stated as:
"Registrar: Military Court established by Genl Botha"
"Medical Officer : Appointed by Gen Botha"
In the "Service" column he wrote: "Served when no medical assistance was obtainable in S.E. Transvaal. Supplied commando's with medicines, for which I have received letter from Pres. Kruger, gratefully acknowledging my services"
Needless to say, DTD not approved.
I wonder where his ABO is !?!?

Hi
There were 17 PoW Camps in India.
Two of these, Dagshai and Satara, housed PoW's who had taken Parole.
Interesting case!! Based on the Postcard Zerbst was not eligible for an ABO, having taken parole.
On his Vorm "B" he stated his rank as "Griffier", i.e. Registrar , and added that he also served as Medic. He stated service in Piet Retief Commando and with the Piet Retief Military Court. He stated that he had not taken part in any battles or skirmishes. He made no mention of having taken parole in India. After deliberation the Medal Advisory Board approved issue of an ABO, rank Burger.
However, Zerbst also submitted an application for a DTD on an English version of Vorm"A". Rank and Service stated as:
"Registrar: Military Court established by Genl Botha"
"Medical Officer : Appointed by Gen Botha"
In the "Service" column he wrote: "Served when no medical assistance was obtainable in S.E. Transvaal. Supplied commando's with medicines, for which I have received letter from Pres. Kruger, gratefully acknowledging my services"
Needless to say, DTD not approved.
I wonder where his ABO is !?!?