Lyn

On ‎14‎/‎07‎/‎2013 at 15:52, brian conyngham said:

Artillerist Martinus Johannes Bekker State Artillery

 

Martinus Bekker was born around 1872 and lived in the Waterberg district.

 

He attested into the State Artillery with the outbreak of War with the British from the 11^th October 1899. He gave his rank as Adjutant on his Vorn “B”, however, there is another inscription placed by persons unknown that give him the rank of Artilleris.

 

The following actions are claimed by him:

Ladysmith (Siege) 1900

Biggarsberg (Battle of Dundee/Talana) 20/10/1899

Witrand?

Dalmanutha (Battle of Belfast Coalmine/Bergendal) 21-27/8/1900

Helmertia Machadadorp (Battle) 29/12/1900

 

En verskilende ander klein gevechte (English translation: And a number of other smaller battles/skirmishers)

 

He was captured on the 26^th October 1901 at Zusterhoek. On the 17^th January 1902 he departed South African shores on board SS Orient caring 1,050 prisoners for St Helena Island.

 

At St Helena he was held at Deadwood camp, where he is recorded as being an Adjudant. He was held at Deadwood until August 1902.

 

He was a late claimant for an ABO; his application being approved on the 22/3/1945.

 

No further info has been found on the life of Martinus Johannes Bekker.

Great photos, thanks for sharing