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Boer Prisoners Collection

"Captured Courage: The Plight of Boer Prisoners in South Africa" In the midst of the intense guerilla warfare that engulfed South Africa

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: The Guerilla Warfare in South Africa, Boer Papers betrayed by a Boer (litho)

The Guerilla Warfare in South Africa, Boer Papers betrayed by a Boer (litho)
1628759 The Guerilla Warfare in South Africa, Boer Papers betrayed by a Boer (litho) by Stewart, Allan (1865-1951); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Guerilla Warfare in South Africa)

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: The War in South Africa (litho)

The War in South Africa (litho)
1048743 The War in South Africa (litho) by Spence, Percy F.S. (1868-1933) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The War in South Africa)

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: Guarding Boer Prisoners between the First and Second Actions of 6 June near Reitz (litho)

Guarding Boer Prisoners between the First and Second Actions of 6 June near Reitz (litho)
1629063 Guarding Boer Prisoners between the First and Second Actions of 6 June near Reitz (litho) by Woodville, Richard Caton II (1856-1927) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: The Transvaal War (engraving)

The Transvaal War (engraving)
1600144 The Transvaal War (engraving) by Wright, Henry Charles Seppings (1850-1937); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Transvaal War, Scenes of the Surrender of General Prinsloo)

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: Free State Campaigning (b / w photo)

Free State Campaigning (b / w photo)
1599776 Free State Campaigning (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Free State Campaigning. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 16 June 1900)

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: Boer Prisoners (colour litho)

Boer Prisoners (colour litho)
5216163 Boer Prisoners (colour litho) by Menpes, Mortimer Ludington (1855-1938); Private Collection; (add.info.: Boer Prisoners. Illustration for War Impressions (A&C Black).); © Look and Learn

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: Boer Prisoners on the way from Paardeberg (colour litho)

Boer Prisoners on the way from Paardeberg (colour litho)
5216162 Boer Prisoners on the way from Paardeberg (colour litho) by Menpes, Mortimer Ludington (1855-1938); Private Collection; (add.info.: Boer Prisoners on the way from Paardeberg)

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: From Smaldeel to Kroonstad with Lord Roberts (b / w photo)

From Smaldeel to Kroonstad with Lord Roberts (b / w photo)
1599918 From Smaldeel to Kroonstad with Lord Roberts (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: From Smaldeel to Kroonstad with Lord Roberts)

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: The Treatment of Boer Prisoners, Reading to Boys on Board a Transport (litho)

The Treatment of Boer Prisoners, Reading to Boys on Board a Transport (litho)
1037315 The Treatment of Boer Prisoners, Reading to Boys on Board a Transport (litho) by Browne, Gordon Frederick (1858-1932) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Treatment of Boer Prisoners)

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: The Light Side of Prison Life, Boer Prisoners at Bermuda playing at Ping-Pong (litho)

The Light Side of Prison Life, Boer Prisoners at Bermuda playing at Ping-Pong (litho)
1043749 The Light Side of Prison Life, Boer Prisoners at Bermuda playing at Ping-Pong (litho) by Maud, William T. (1865-1903); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Light Side of Prison Life)

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: The South African War, Campaigning, and after (b / w photo)

The South African War, Campaigning, and after (b / w photo)
1600595 The South African War, Campaigning, and after (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The South African War, Campaigning, and after)

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: The Treatment of Boer Prisoners at St Helena (b / w photo)

The Treatment of Boer Prisoners at St Helena (b / w photo)
1600229 The Treatment of Boer Prisoners at St Helena (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Treatment of Boer Prisoners at St Helena)

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: The Transvaal War, Scenes at the Front (litho)

The Transvaal War, Scenes at the Front (litho)
1593019 The Transvaal War, Scenes at the Front (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Transvaal War, Scenes at the Front)

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: The Defence of Pretoria, Scenes of Garrison Life during the Siege (engraving)

The Defence of Pretoria, Scenes of Garrison Life during the Siege (engraving)
1037817 The Defence of Pretoria, Scenes of Garrison Life during the Siege (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Defence of Pretoria)

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: Three Cheers for Oom Paul (litho)

Three Cheers for Oom Paul (litho)
1039866 Three Cheers for Oom Paul (litho) by Waugh, J. J. (fl.1910); Private Collection; (add.info.: Three Cheers for Oom Paul)

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: The Last Attack on Mafeking, BSA Police escorting Boer Prisoners to the Lock-up (litho)

The Last Attack on Mafeking, BSA Police escorting Boer Prisoners to the Lock-up (litho)
1039727 The Last Attack on Mafeking, BSA Police escorting Boer Prisoners to the Lock-up (litho) by Paget, Henry Marriott (1856-1936) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: Campaigning Scenes at Kimberley and Paardeberg (b / w photo)

Campaigning Scenes at Kimberley and Paardeberg (b / w photo)
1599522 Campaigning Scenes at Kimberley and Paardeberg (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Campaigning Scenes at Kimberley and Paardeberg)

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: The War in South Africa (b / w photo)

The War in South Africa (b / w photo)
1599374 The War in South Africa (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The War in South Africa)

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: A Reply to Allegations of British Inhumanity to Boer Prisoners, the Bermuda Camps (b / w photo)

A Reply to Allegations of British Inhumanity to Boer Prisoners, the Bermuda Camps (b / w photo)
1628622 A Reply to Allegations of British Inhumanity to Boer Prisoners, the Bermuda Camps (b/w photo) by English Photographer

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: The Amenities of Exile, Boer Prisoners at Diyatalawa Camp, Ceylon (b / w photo)

The Amenities of Exile, Boer Prisoners at Diyatalawa Camp, Ceylon (b / w photo)
1629481 The Amenities of Exile, Boer Prisoners at Diyatalawa Camp, Ceylon (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Amenities of Exile)

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: A Reply to Allegations of British Inhumanity to Boer Prisoners, the Bermuda Camps (b / w photo)

A Reply to Allegations of British Inhumanity to Boer Prisoners, the Bermuda Camps (b / w photo)
1628623 A Reply to Allegations of British Inhumanity to Boer Prisoners, the Bermuda Camps (b/w photo) by English Photographer

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: The Opening of the First Church for British Troops guarding the Boer Prisoners Camp at Diyatalawa

The Opening of the First Church for British Troops guarding the Boer Prisoners Camp at Diyatalawa, Ceylon (litho)
1628927 The Opening of the First Church for British Troops guarding the Boer Prisoners Camp at Diyatalawa, Ceylon (litho) by Wright

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: With General Buller in Natal (litho)

With General Buller in Natal (litho)
1599312 With General Buller in Natal (litho) by Stewart, Frank Algenon (1877-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: With General Buller in Natal)

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: The Transvaal War, Scenes at the Front (litho)

The Transvaal War, Scenes at the Front (litho)
1599167 The Transvaal War, Scenes at the Front (litho) by Forestier, Amedee (1854-1930) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Transvaal War, Scenes at the Front)

Background imageBoer Prisoners Collection: Victims of the Battle of Elands Laagte, Boer Prisoners arriving at Pietermaritzburg Gaol (litho)

Victims of the Battle of Elands Laagte, Boer Prisoners arriving at Pietermaritzburg Gaol (litho)
1043428 Victims of the Battle of Elands Laagte, Boer Prisoners arriving at Pietermaritzburg Gaol (litho) by Hall, Sydney Prior (1842-1922) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)



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"Captured Courage: The Plight of Boer Prisoners in South Africa" In the midst of the intense guerilla warfare that engulfed South Africa, a series of captivating images emerged, shedding light on the lives of Boer prisoners. These poignant lithographs and engravings captured both the struggles and resilience of these individuals during one of history's most tumultuous periods. One such lithograph depicted a heart-wrenching betrayal within their ranks - a Boer who had turned against his own people, revealing their plans to the enemy. This act served as a stark reminder that even amidst war, trust could be shattered. The war itself was brought to life through powerful lithographs and engravings. They showcased scenes from battles like Reitz, where brave soldiers guarded captured Boer prisoners between fierce engagements. These images portrayed not only the physical toll but also highlighted the psychological impact on those involved in this conflict. Campaigns across Free State were immortalized in black and white photographs, capturing moments frozen in time forever. From Transvaal to Pietermaritzburg, these pictures documented the arduous journeys endured by Boer prisoners as they were transported from one location to another. Colorful lithographs painted vivid scenes along this journey; vibrant hues depicting Boer prisoners making their way from Paardeberg or being escorted by Lord Roberts himself towards Kroonstad. These illustrations offered glimpses into both despair and hope that coexisted during this turbulent period. Amidst captivity came moments of respite - illustrated through fascinating lithographs showcasing unexpected aspects of prison life. One showed boisterous games played at Bermuda's prisoner camp; ping-pong matches providing temporary relief from confinement's harsh realities. Yet it is crucial not to overlook humanity's compassion amid strife – an enchanting lithograph revealed how some British captors sought solace for imprisoned boys by reading stories aboard transports bound for unknown destinations.