Oranjerivier (D 12)

Name:Oranjerivier

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Historic fact:
OranjerivierstasieThere’s a gentle, somewhat chilly, breeze blowing over the graveyard from the north. On it, I candetect a faint scent of boegoe. To my right, a male cicada trills out his tireless song from amongst theasbosse which now grow where once a hospital garden was laid out. My companions behind me arebent over double examining the ground and quietly exchanging observations. I find myself reflectingon the morose tranquillity in the place. We’re standing in the veld at the eastern edge of Doornbult, a farm in the Hopetown district. This is noordinary farm where pastoral activities are focussed solely on cattle, ostriches, sheep or cash crops.This is home of Lemmer and Rina Wiid, and of their three farmer sons; and the site of Lieutenant-General Lord Methuen’s headquarters prior to his march north along the railway line to relieveKimberley and also one of Field Marshall Lord Robert’s many concentration camps. The Wiidsbought the farm five years ago and have spent the last while painstakingly researching its history,restoring its archaeological sites and relating tales of people and the ravages of war to the visitors whoarrive in ever-increasing numbers to explore this place.Rina is a teacher by training, a farmer’s wife by occupation and an historian by chance. Though slightof build, a firm hand-shake and a direct gaze is your introduction to a radiant, engaging personality.When pressed, she’ll quietly avow to her simplicity, to her devotion to her husband, family andcommunity, and to her mission of telling all those willing to listen of Orange River Station as it was atthe turn of the century.Rina Wiid in the veldLord Methuen used Orange River Station as a staging post for the relief of Kimberley. He establisheda series of fortifications around the area; Fort Frederick above the river on its northern bank, ablockhouse (one of 8600 to be built throughout the country) at the southern end of the old railwaybridge, and a series of entrenchments on the crests of the koppies which overlook the station. All werelinked by heliograph to his headquarters below. A gentle stroll up the “cannon paths” which werecleared for the installation of his 15-pounders takes you directly to these fortifications, most of whichremain in excellent condition.

More:www.pelteret.co.za/pdf/research_notes/doornbult_at_oranjerivierstasie.pdf



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