Melrose-huis as Britse hoofkwartier tydens die Anglo-Boereoorlog

Abstract

Shortly after the British occupation of Pretoria on 5 June 1900 during the Anglo-Boer War, Melrose House, residence of businessman George Heys in Jacob Maré Street, became the residence and headquarters, first of Lord Roberts as British commander-in-chief in South Africa, and from November 1900 of his successor, Lord Kitchener. In this house Roberts and Kitchener planned the strategy of the war and ensured the execution thereof. From this house telegrams were sent to their officers in the field in all corners of the South Africa and to the authorities in London, and reaction poured in keep Roberts and Kitchener informed of affairs in the operational areas or the government circles in London. In effect, Melrose House "experienced" the last two years of the war. For reasons this article provides a fresh look at the highlights and the low points that Melrose House and its occupants experienced during the Anglo-Boer War, with, as climax, the signing of the Peace of Vereeniging in the dining room on 31 May 1902. An important conclusion is drawn about the exact position of each signatory, because there might be incorrect perceptions in this regard.

Melrose-huis, die woning van die sakeman George Heys in Jacob Maréstraat, Pretoria, was kort ná die Britse besetting van Pretoria op 5 Junie 1900 die woning en hoofkwartier van eers Lord Roberts as Britse opperbevelhebber in Suid-Afrika, en sedert November 1900 van sy opvolger, Lord Kitchener, tydens die Anglo-Boereoorlog. Uit hierdie huis het Roberts en Kitchener die strategie vir die oorlog beplan en gesorg vir die uitvoering daarvan. Uit dié huis is telegramme aan hulle offisiere in die veld in alle uithoeke van Suid-Afrika en hulle owerhede in Londen uitgetimmer, en het reaksie van oraloor ingestroom om Roberts en Kitchener op hoogte van sake op die operasionele terrain of in die regeringsale in Konden to hou. Hierdie huis het dus as't ware die laaste twee jaar van die oorlog "beleef". Om daardie redes kyk hierdie artikel met 'n vars blik na hoogte- en laagtepunte wat Melrose-huis en sy opperbevelhebber-bewoners gedurende die Anglo-Boereoorlog beleef het, met as klimaks die ondertekening van die Vrede van Vereeniging in die eetkamer van Melrose-huis op 31 Mei 1902. 'n Belangrike gevolgtrekking word gemaak oor die presiese posisie van elke ondertekenaar, aangesien verkeerde perspesies in dié verband mag bestaan.