TOPIC:

The following two are not candid photographs, the subject was clearly aware of the camera.
But I'm very keen to get high resolution versions of both these photographs, if any member has one.
The portrait of Botha by Jan van Hoepen was part of a photoshoot in Natal Dec 1899 of 4 (or more?) images, when Botha became a celebrity after Colenso.
Thanks, Rob

Here is a candid photograph, from the Free State archives. It shows President Marthinus Theunis Steyn (right) in conversation with two dispatch rapportryers, the right-hand of whom is Captain Danie Theron (great grand uncle of the more famous Charlize).
(This photo, like EFVs, shows how, when film was scarce, a snap might be taken if it showed a VIP like Meyer or Steyn).

Carrying on with the same theme, here is another snapshot of President Steyn in the field, again from the Free State Archives, showing him with Jakob de Villiers.




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Here are a few more Kilburn photographs.

1. General De la Rey's Army on the Trek (De la Rey's Staatsartillerie)
2. The Boer Artillery on the firing line at the great Battle of Dalmanutha [Bergendal / Belfast]
3. The 18th Creusote gun in action at the Battle of Dalmanutha (the Boers only had 6 of these guns, so not sure what "18th" refers to)
4. The British Regulars [including Hampshire Regt] camped on the Modder River, South Africa

The Bergendal shots show the Creusot gun in action during the battle and, as such, are not posed.

Kilburn invented a "photo gun camera" (see below), which allowed him to take shots without having to set up a tripod in advance. This, I imagine, is how he was able to capture the "candid" photographs which appear to have been his trademark. He published roughly 245 stereoviews relating to the conflict.

It is worth noting that Benjamin West Kilburn's US nationality allowed him to move from one side to the other with apparent ease. He therefore took many similarly un-posed photographs of British combatants.

More examples of Kilburn's ABW output can be found here: The Heritage Portal - B.W. Kilburn

SEE ALSO: Carol Hardijzer's Catalogue of Kilburn's ABW Photographs (245 titles)



















SEE ALSO: Wikipedia - Benjamin W. Kilburn

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Another Kilburn photograph: "Taking Breakfast on a Boer Farm, S.A."




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Hi Neville / Rob,

I’m currently conducting research on the Carolina Commando, and I hope to share my findings soon.

Attached is the well-known photograph of the Carolina Commando, which was recently discussed here. The original caption reads:

“…photographed on Spionkop who 2 hrs after were engaged and suffered heavily…”



However, we now know that this photo was not taken on Spionkop itself, nor just two hours before the battle, as the engagement began in the early hours of 24 January 1900.

According to F.J. Grobler’s thesis, there were two laagers in the area at the time: one was the Carolina “Tent Camp,” and the other was the main “Wagon Camp,” where General Botha was positioned.

Refer to the image below:



During my visit to Spionkop earlier this year, I recall the road passing near the “Wagon Camp.” Based on Grobler’s map, I would place the two camps/laagers in the following locations:



Looking again at the photograph of the Carolina Commando, tents are clearly visible. Additionally, there’s a distinctive natural formation that appears to match both the photo and satellite imagery:



Given this, what are your thoughts on the possibility that the photo was taken at the Carolina “Tent Camp,” perhaps a day or two before the battle?

Regards,
Shaun