Jan Celliers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Johannes Gerhardus Celliers
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 21 July 1861 Fraserburg, Karoo, Cape Colony |
| Died | 9 January 1931 (aged 69) |
| Nationality | Afrikaner |
| Profession | Police officer, Boer general |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  South African Republic |
| Years of service | 1880–1881, 1899–1902 |
| Commands | Lichtenburg and Marico |
| Battles/wars | First Boer War, Second Boer War
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Johannes Gerhardus Celliers (also known as Jan Celliers) was a brave Boer general. He was born on July 21, 1861, and passed away on January 9, 1931. Jan Celliers played an important role in the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902) in South Africa. This war was a big conflict between the Boers and the British.
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Early Life of Jan Celliers
Jan Celliers was born in a region called the Karoo in the Northern Cape. His parents were Jacob Daniel Celliers and Johanna Elizabeth Blom. When he was still young, his family moved to the Transvaal. This area was then known as the South African Republic.
First Boer War Experience
Jan Celliers joined the fighting early in his life. He was part of the Marico Kommando. This group fought in the First Boer War (1880-1881). This experience helped him prepare for future conflicts.
Jan Celliers in the Second Boer War
When the Second Boer War (also called the Anglo-Boer War) began in October 1899, Jan Celliers was a police officer. He worked in a town called Krugersdorp. During this major war, he became a general. He led soldiers from the Lichtenburg and Marico districts.
Fighting Style and Successes
General Celliers became very well-known for his unique fighting skills. He could fire his gun accurately while riding his horse at a fast gallop. He was also good at stopping British cannons from firing. In early 1902, he led fewer than 500 soldiers. They surprised British Colonel Stanley Brenton von Donop and his 1000 troops. Colonel von Donop's troops had to flee.
End of the War
The war was very tough, and many people wanted it to end. On May 29, 1902, Jan Celliers met with other Boer commanders. They gathered in a place called Vereeniging. General Celliers voted to stop the fighting. He believed it was time for peace.
He then became one of the people who signed the Treaty of Vereeniging. This important treaty officially ended the war. It was signed in Pretoria on May 31, 1902.
