door This postcard is an example of early 20th-century postal correspondence from St. Helena to the Netherlands. It was sent from St. Helena on May 7, 1902, and addressed to G. A. H. van Trotsenburg in Zaandam, Netherlands. The postcard arrived in Zaandam on May 28, 1902. The front of the card features a postage stamp from St. Helena, overprinted with a value of “One Penny” (1d), and bears the cancellation mark of St. Helena dated May 7, 1902.
The postcard also has a notable censor mark—a violet triangle stamp with the words “PASSED PRESS CENSOR.” This indicates that the postcard underwent censorship by military or colonial authorities, as was common practice during times of conflict or in colonies where political stability was of concern. The “Press Censor” marking suggests that this correspondence was related to a media-related communication, likely subject to additional scrutiny given the sensitive political situation at the time.
The handwriting on the postcard is addressed formally to “Heer G. A. H. van Trotsenburg,” a form of addressing a gentleman in Dutch. The word “Holland” is written at the top, indicating the destination country. The address is written in a neat cursive style typical of the early 1900s.
The postcard is associated with the period of Boer War prisoner internment on St. Helena, an island that served as a detention site for captured Boer fighters during the Second Boer War (1899-1902). During this period, Boer prisoners were held in various camps, one of which was called “Blikjesdorp,” or “Tin Can Town.” Blikjesdorp was an area within Deadwood Camp, a location specifically designated for Boer prisoners. The camp earned the nickname “Blikjesdorp” due to the use of tin cans and other metal materials by the prisoners to construct makeshift shelters and other structures. Conditions in Blikjesdorp were harsh, with limited supplies and rudimentary living arrangements, which highlighted the challenges faced by the Boer prisoners during their internment.
A related postcard image of Blikjesdorp provides additional context to this correspondence. The image depicts a row of makeshift shelters constructed from corrugated metal and other rudimentary materials. These shelters, arranged in a line with small gaps between them, formed a community-like layout typical of an internment camp. The living conditions were clearly tough, with metal-clad huts providing minimal shelter from the elements. The foreground of the image shows a barren, dusty area, reflecting the harsh conditions at the camp. Several metal containers and buckets are scattered around, likely used for carrying water, storing food, or other necessities. The mountainous terrain in the background adds to the sense of isolation.
The photograph also captures several Boer prisoners standing outside their shelters, engaged in everyday activities. Some are seen interacting with each other, while others are occupied with camp tasks. Many of the men are looking directly at the camera, providing a human element to the otherwise bleak setting. The men are dressed in practical clothing, highlighting the simplicity and functionality of their attire under such conditions.
The bottom of the related postcard image includes a printed caption that reads: “Blikjesdorp (Tin Town) Boer Prisoners enclosure, Deadwood Camp” on the left side, and “Greetings from St. Helena” on the right side. This caption provides a clear indication of the location and nature of the scene. Below this caption is a handwritten message in Dutch: “Hartelijk dank voor de Flor de Santo,” which translates to “Heartfelt thanks for the Flor de Santo.” This phrase suggests that the postcard was written as a thank-you note, possibly referring to a specific item, such as a type of cigar or gift, that had been sent to the sender. The note is dated “6.5.02,” adding a personal dimension to the historical context of the postcard. The publisher’s mark, “27 A. L. Innes, St. Helena,” indicates the photographer or publisher responsible for producing the postcard, suggesting it was part of a series documenting life in the camp.
The Boer War, and particularly the internment of Boer prisoners, holds historical importance in the context of Dutch-Afrikaner relations. The Boers, also known as Afrikaners, were largely descendants of Dutch settlers who had arrived in South Africa in the 17th and 18th centuries. They maintained strong cultural and linguistic ties to the Netherlands, and many in the Dutch population felt a kinship with the Boers during their struggle against British forces. The Second Boer War was seen by many in the Netherlands as a fight for self-determination by their distant kin against British imperialism, and this sentiment led to widespread sympathy and support for the Boer cause.
During the war, Dutch citizens organized support efforts, including fundraising for the Boer families and advocating for their rights on the international stage. The Dutch press extensively covered the conflict, often portraying the Boers as freedom fighters defending their homeland against a vastly superior military force. The public sentiment in the Netherlands was pro-Boer, and this sympathy extended to the conditions faced by Boer prisoners on islands such as St. Helena. The postcard, therefore, represents not only a personal communication but also serves as a symbol of the connection between the Dutch people and the Boers, highlighting the broader geopolitical and cultural implications of the conflict.
The message on the postcard likely contained neutral or possibly personal information, but it would have been subject to censorship regardless, as indicated by the triangular “Passed Press Censor” marking. The censorship of correspondence from St. Helena was part of the broader effort by the British authorities to monitor and control information that could impact public perception of the war or the conditions faced by the Boer prisoners.
This postcard is a historical artifact, providing insights into colonial-era communication, military censorship practices, and the transportation of mail between distant regions. The reference to Blikjesdorp adds a layer of historical context, illustrating the conditions faced by Boer prisoners on St. Helena. Additionally, the postcard reflects the cultural and historical bond between the Boers and the Dutch, offering a glimpse into the ways in which the Dutch population supported and sympathized with the Boers during their struggle. The censor’s stamp also adds value to philatelic collectors interested in military and censored mail, especially from historical events like the Boer War.
The postcard will be on auction on November, 30. Lot 5702, Sheraton & Peel auction 68. René Hillesum Filatelie, Zwijndrecht.
