TOPIC:

Albert William Dreyer was a Cape Rebel from the Cape plains, apparently from around Wellington. Around the start of the second Anglo-Boer war, he left the Cape to join the Boer forces. Where he went and what commando he joined is unknown to me and all other family members I have asked. At some point he was sent to ST Helena as a POW where he carved a stone bible from the slate found on the island. The bible is engraved with the text; "Aandenken van DZ Mare 1902". For the name "DZ Mare" I have found a possible match in the forum's documentation. I believe DZ Mare was one of my Great Great Grandfathers comrades who perished in either the POW camp or in the field. Otherwise, I have already went through the websites documentation and lists of names with no success. The same goes for the Bloemfontein Museum of the Boer Republics' museum. Does anybody know of another source I might be able to use?

Thank you very much:

J.I.W

My grandfather told me that he was sent with a group along with a General to Ceylon, not St Helena.

If you have more information such as your grandfather's age, address and district it is easier to track down information as he was a Cape Rebel it is possible that he gave a wrong name and address when he was captured.

The Cape Rebels gave wrong names and addresses when they were captured and this makes it difficult to trace them as prisoners of war. You can also contact the Cape Archives for more information on your grandfather.
Regards

Elmarie

Through some further research, I have determined that he likely was sent to India as a POW, as the "trench art" bible he made shares many similarities between trench art from the Kakool/kakul camp in India. (The colour of the stone used and the carving styles match). I have also found a possible match to the name engraved on the bible, a Diedelof Ziegvried Mare who was also sent to India.

Thank you;

J.I.W

See this publications by the Taffy and David Shearing re Cape Rebels

Very interesting. I will try to look for a copy.

Thank you;

J.I.W