During the Anglo-Boer War from 1899 to 1902, the British established a concentration camp on the outskirts of Howick. Natal had several concentration camps namely at; Ladysmith, Eshowe, Howick, Colenso, Pinetown, Pietermaritzburg Jacobs, Wentworth and at Merebank.
The second concentration camp to open in Natal was at Howick during January 1901. (The first camp was at Pietemaritzburg) The 3300 inhabitants of this camp, who came from both the Free State and the Transvaal were all housed in tents.
This camp at Howick was known as one of the better camps during the war. Most amenities were available to the notoriously republican inhabitants of this camp, while many worked on farms in the area or relaxed next to the Umgeni River and the bigger boys were also allowed to work as laborers on farms in the vicinity, thus earning a little money with which they were able to buy certain medical necessities and additional food.
The cemetery used to hold 64 British graves and 84 Boer graves, but all the graves remains were placed under the memorial – a monument to honour the women and children who died during their incarceration in the camp which marks the location, and was erected by the War Graves Commission. The Military Cemetery is close to the site of an Anglo/Boer War military hospital and concentration camp.
Howick, located in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, has a rich and varied history. Here’s a brief overview: Early Inhabitants: Before European colonization, the area around Howick was inhabited by various indigenous peoples, including the San and Nguni peoples. They lived off the land, practicing hunting, gathering, and later, some agriculture. Colonial Era: The colonial history of Howick begins in the early 19th century when British settlers arrived in the region. In 1837, the British established a military outpost in the area, which later became known as Howick. The settlement was named after Henry Grey, the 3rd Earl Grey, who was the British Secretary of State for War and the Colonies at the time. The Howick Falls: One of the most prominent natural features in Howick is the Howick Falls. This majestic waterfall on the Umgeni River has been a significant landmark for centuries and was named after the town. Zulu Conflict: Howick and its surrounding areas were also affected by the conflicts between the British settlers and the Zulu people during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. Battles and skirmishes took place in the region, leaving a mark on the local history. Agriculture and Development: The fertile lands around Howick were well-suited for agriculture, and farming became a significant part of the local economy. The town continued to grow and develop over the years, becoming a hub for trade and commerce in the region. Apartheid Era: Like much of South Africa, Howick was deeply affected by the apartheid policies of the mid-20th century. Segregation and discrimination were rampant, and the town played a role in the struggle against apartheid. Post-Apartheid Era: With the end of apartheid in 1994, Howick, like the rest of South Africa, entered a new era. Efforts were made to promote reconciliation and development in the town and the surrounding region. Today, Howick is a vibrant town known for its natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural diversity. It attracts tourists from all over the world who come to admire the Howick Falls, explore the surrounding Midlands Meander, and learn about the town’s rich history. During the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), the British established concentration camps to detain Boer civilians, primarily women and children, who were displaced by the conflict. One such camp was located in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Here’s a summary of the Boer concentration camp at Howick: Establishment: The Howick concentration camp was established in 1901 by the British authorities as part of their strategy to control the Boer civilian population during the war. The camp was located on the outskirts of Howick. Conditions: Conditions in the concentration camps were extremely harsh and unsanitary. The camps were overcrowded, with inadequate shelter, food, and medical care. Diseases such as typhoid, dysentery, and measles were rampant, leading to high mortality rates, especially among children. Internment: Boer civilians, mainly women, children, and elderly people, were forcibly interned in the camp. Many of them had been displaced from their homes as a result of the British scorched-earth policy, which aimed to deprive the Boer guerrilla fighters of support by destroying farms and homesteads. Mortality: Like other concentration camps across South Africa, the Howick camp experienced a high mortality rate among its inmates. Hundreds of people, mostly children, died in the camp due to disease, malnutrition, and poor living conditions. Legacy: The concentration camps during the Anglo-Boer War remain a contentious and tragic chapter in South Africa’s history. They are often cited as examples of the brutality of colonial warfare and the suffering endured by civilians caught up in conflicts. Memorialization: In recent years, efforts have been made to memorialize the victims of the concentration camps, including those at Howick. Memorials and museums have been established to commemorate the lives lost and to educate people about this dark period in South Africa’s past. Overall, the Boer concentration camp at Howick serves as a sobering reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of remembering and acknowledging past atrocities. #boerwar Howick #memorial #jonty #jontyknine #jontyk9 #durban #biker #dogs #kawasaki #dogsofyoutube #adventure #travell #bikerdog #southafrica #africa #bmw #f800gs
