OHV003

Site OHV3 – Colonial Period Structure (Bunker?). Site OHV3 (S33°01’23.5”; E27°54’24.5”) demarcates the locality of a Colonial Period structure, the true identity of which is at present unknown. The structure, built of shingle and cement with outer walls originally lined with stone, comprises of 2 small open entrances, both measuring approximately 1m² leading to 2 small covered areas again measuring 1m² each, positioned in an east-west direction facing the Buffalo River with an earth mound covering the structure. One possible interpretation is that the structure represents a bunker, with the present day earth mound originally having been a platform on which a canon could have been placed, with the small covered areas below possibly providing additional defense shelter for soldiers during times of war, most possibly WWII (1939-1945). However, documentary evidence available could not verify this interpretation.

The history of East London is closely tied with warfare, from its founding at the time of the 7th Frontier War (1846-1847) through to the Second World War or WWII (1939-1945). The Buffalo Volunteer Rifles, formerly the Kaffrarian Rifles, is an infantry regiment of the South African army. The unit was originally formed in July 1876 as the Buffalo Corps of Rifle Volunteers for service in the 9th Frontier War (or the Fengu-Gqaleka War, 1877-1879). The unit was disbanded in 1879, but reformed in July 1883 as the Kaffrarian Rifles, named after the region of Kaffraria, the 19th Century name of the greater East London area. In 1913 the unit was incorporated in the Citizen Force as the 5th Infantry / Kaffrarian Rifles, but regained its old name in 1932. The unit was temporarily amalgamated with the First City Regiment, as the First City / Kaffrarian Rifles from 1954-1956. The regiment was renamed the Buffalo Volunteer Rifles in 1999. The Buffalo Volunteer Rifles (and its predecessors) took part in all of South Africa’s armed conflict, including the Bechuanaland Campaign (1897), The Anglo-Boer War (1899), the 1st world War or WWI (1914-1918), the 2nd World War or WWII (1939-1945) and the ‘Border War’ (1975-1986) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaffrarian_Rifles).

Site OHV3 constitutes a structure pre-dating 60 years of age, the structure is formally protected by the NHRA 1999. The possibility of retaining the structure is again investigated, with the major concern being safety pertaining specifically to the walls of the structure and what is inferred to have been the top platform.

o RECOMMENDATIONS: Site OHV3, a Colonial Period bunker(?) (structure) pre-dates 60 years of age, the site is thus formally protected under the NHRA 1999, implying an automatic SAHRA High Significance and a Grade 2 Provincial Field Rating. The site is however ascribed a low to low-medium Colonial Period archaeological and heritage significance. Investigations into the possibility of retaining the structure is ongoing but with safety concerns pertaining to the walls and platform having been raised. Pending the outcome of the investigation the developer is reminded that any alteration / restoration to the original structure should be done under an ECPHRA Built Environment alteration permit. Should investigations prove that retainment of the bunker(?) would not be feasible destruction should be done under an ECPHRA Built Environment destruction permit.