TOPIC:

Two more Sheppard photographs:

Z.1 - The Boer bridge constructed of Natal Govt. Railway materials by the Boers over the Tugela River to enable them to cross from North to South bank.

Z.22 - A Boer convoy. Officers and attendants.






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Like other photographs taken by Sheppard, the one of the Boer convoy shows some fascinating details. A very long ox wagon convoy is seen on the road in the distance, with dozens of wagons sans oxen, the oxen being taken away from the road to graze. To the right distance are visible some tents and buildings, and the presence of a smartly dressed cyclist suggests we are close to town. The Africans in the front are not agterryers but voorlopers = those who lead the ox wagons. Among the mounted men can be seen some with very long whips to encourage the oxen. The characteristic riding position of Boers is shown: long stirrups and straight legs. I suspect this picture shows the buildup to the invasion of Natal, given the scale of the convoy and the apparent confidence of the participants. It looks like typical highveld to me, before the rains have come in earnest e.g. October. I'll be very interested to hear other comments.

Rob, I would agree with the invasion of Natal timeframe. The photograph bears many similarities with the image captured at Sandspruit. The consecutive "z" numbers (21 & 22) may also be relevant. The distinctive industrial buildings on the right could be a clue as to the actual location. Possibly a mine?

I'm afraid the "very long ox wagon convoy" in the distance is no more than a line of trees!

Neville










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Neville, Rob, an intriguing picture. The landscape supports the Zandspruit location and the dress and freshness of the horses clearly put this picture before the battles. Zandspruit 176 was the main Boer assembly area prior to the invasion of Natal. The tree-line in the background looks like a river border, most likely the Buffel's Rivier. The cluster of commercial buildings and smokestacks in the background could be mining related although coal mining apparently only commenced on a commercial scale in that area after 1908. The tall structures could also be maize- or grain silos but I couldn’t find out for sure whether these were already used in that area by that time. Whatever the industry though, it would have made sense to locate any industry near a railway line/ station and that would make Brakfontein the most plausible candidate for the buildings in the background.