The town close by played a major
role during the Boer wars. It is a easy to find but at a
interesting site.
This is the first cache planted by my
wife. This is a neglected cemetery but it is part of the Anglo Boer
wars that took place at Chrissiesmeer.
Both Boer, British and joiners
(hensoppers) lay side by side. The only difference is that the
Boers are facing the correct direction while the Englishman and
joiners/traitors are facing the opposite direction. You will also
find a grave marked as “Unknown British soldier”. There is also a
monument for the Boers at this site; some of them were originally
from Ermelo.
Here you will also see the grave of a
British Hero, Lieutenant Arthur William Swanson, who saved a fellow
wounded man paying the highest price in the process. His fiancé
send flowers to his grave every year via the post office mistress
until 1961. This lady then stated that she is too frail and this
was possible the last box of flowers. She never married and stayed
true to her beloved without having the chance to visit her
beloved’s grave. The people at this town is now carrying on with
this tradition by placing flowers every year on his grave site
while singing “My bonny lays over the ocean, my bonny lays over the
sea….”.
More history at the following link:
(visit link)
Please click on Batwa Valley on the left side to see the relevant
history clips.
First to find honors goes to
CrystalFairy – Happy caching!!!!!
