BOER GRAVE MARKER 21

Object/Artifact

-

Bermuda Historical Society Museum

Name/Title

BOER GRAVE MARKER 21

Description

During the South African apartheid era, the Boer War Cemetery on Long Island in the Great Sound was neglected, but in 1997, thanks to the efforts of David Lines, Andrew Bermingham, Bermuda National Trust, and the South African government, funds were donated towards the cemetery’s renovation. A team of Bermudians led by Stanley Hodgson replaced all the broken and crumbling headstones. The two markers on display were salvaged from the remains. The headstone numbered 21 is in memory of 16-year-old Hendrick Frederick “Henkie” BOSCH, who was shot and killed by a sentry as he tried to escape on April 28, 1902, just a month before the war ended. Henkie joined the Pretoria Commando at age 13, and on January 6, 1900, was wounded in action near Ladysmith, Natal. He was captured in Pretoria on June 5, 1901, and sent to Bermuda. Henkie was the only prisoner of war who did not die of natural causes in Bermuda. The story of his short life is well known in South African and Afrikaner military history.

Cataloged By

Sean MORRIS

Category

Boer War Artifacts and Memorabilia

Made/Created

Date made

1902

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Hendrick Frederick BOSCH, Pretoria Commando

General Notes

Note Type

2023 Inventory Notes

Note

BOER GRAVE MARKER 21. The headstone numbered 21 is in memory of 16-year-old Hendrick Frederick “Henkie” BOSCH, who was shot and killed by a sentry as he tried to escape on April 28, 1902, just a month before the war ended. Henkie joined the Pretoria Commando at age 13, and on January 6, 1900, was wounded in action near Ladysmith, Natal. He was captured in Pretoria on June 5, 1901 and sent to Bermuda. Henkie was the only prisoner of war who did not die of natural causes in Bermuda. The story of his short life is well known in South African and Afrikaner military history. [The Colin Benbow Gallery]

Note Type

Historical Note

Note

During the South African apartheid era, the Boer War Cemetary on Long Island in the Great Sound was neglected, but in 1997, thanks to the efforts of David Lines, Andrew Bermingham, Bermuda National Trust, and the South African government, funds were donated towards the cemetery’s renovation. A team of Bermudians led by Stanley Hodgson replaced all the broken and crumbling headstones. The two markers on display at the Bermuda Historical Society were salvaged from the remains.