Death of Anglo-Boer War researcher leaves void
“We preserve artefacts from the Anglo-Boer War, and to lose a researcher of her calibre leaves an enormous void in the entire historical community.”
Colleagues of a well-known researcher of the Anglo-Boer War were shocked at her sudden passing last week.
Elria Wessels (72) passed away last week in her sleep due to natural causes, according to Gerhard Pretorius, communication manager for the Voortrekkermonument and Heritage Foundation.
“She was born in Dundee, Natal, and studied education at the University of the Free State after completing her school career,” said Pretorius
Wessels was appointed in 1979 as Senior Humanities Science Researcher at the War Museum of the Boer republics.
“She retired from the monument after 26 years of service.”
Dr Johan van Zÿl, senior expert on the War Museum of the Boer Republics at the national Vrouemonument, said Wessels’ contribution was invaluable.
“Elria was part of the golden years in the South African museum industry and museums thrived during her years of service.”
“Her achievements include her involvement with the 100-year commemoration of the Anglo Boer War in 1999 to 2002. She compiled the data basis about prisoners of war and replied to thousands of enquiries.”
He said the museum has a record of many letters of praise and thanks from the public addressed to Wessels, which includes a letter from a mayor from London and his partner.
“She wrote various books, such as Kwinkslag: Humor in die Anglo-Boereoorlog 1899-1902, Veldslae, Bannelinge in die vreemde, Boerespyse: Resepte en kospraatjies rondom die Anglo-Boereoorlog en Woam – thy name is valour: An overview of the role of the Afrikaner and uitlander women and children outside the Anglo Boer War concentration camps.”
Jaco Cilliers, head of the Heritage Foundation said Wessels had “an enormous spirit for heritage and history preservation”.
“We preserve artefacts from the Anglo-Boer War, and to lose a researcher of her calibre leaves an enormous void in the entire historical community.”
“Our sympathy to her friends and family; she will be missed greatly.”
He said after she retired she moved to Wolmaransstad, where her burial was held.
Wessels leaves behind three cousins, namely Elna Rutter, Marius van Wyk and James Bennett.
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