Pieter Johan Nicolaas Romswinkel van Os (1860 – 1933) was born on 24 March 1860 in the Swartland district of the Cape Colony. He was the son of Johan Carel Karel van Os and Dorothea Magdalena van Os, and grew up among a large family of brothers and sisters.
Marriage and Family
On 5 April 1893, Pieter married Hermina Maria Nefdt in Johannesburg, Transvaal. They went on to raise a family that included:
- Louis Phillipe Henri van Os
- Frances (Charlotte) van Os
- Souci van Os
- Eduard Andre van Os
- Theodore Frederik van Os
- and others
He was later also the husband of Helena Hendrika van Os.
Profession
By occupation, Pieter was a solicitor and resided at 5 Saratoga Avenue, Doornfontein, Johannesburg.
Service in the Johannesburg Vrijwilliger Corps
Before the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer War, Pieter Johan Nicolaas Romswinkel van Os served in the Johannesburg Vrijwilliger Corps. He held the rank of 1st Lieutenant Quartermaster on the Staff of the Cavalry, a role that involved overseeing logistics, supplies, and the readiness of mounted units.
This early service reflects his commitment to civic duty and to the defense structures of Johannesburg prior to 1899.
Boer War Service – Johannesburg Kommando
When the Anglo-Boer War broke out, Pieter joined the Johannesburg Kommando, where he served with the rank of Veldkornet.
At the time of his capture, he was living in De Korte Street, Clifton (today part of Braamfontein). Records show that he was captured in Clifton on 28 August 1901 – likely at or near his residence.
- POW Number: 24036
- Age at Capture: 41
- Captured: Clifton, 28 August 1901
- Remark: Noted as an officer and deported to India on 2 November 1901
On old maps of Braamfontein, De Korte Street can still be identified, marking the area where his arrest took place.
Final Years
After the war, Pieter returned to Johannesburg, where he resumed his civilian life.
He passed away on 3 July 1933, aged 73, at the Johannesburg Hospital, after suffering from carcinoma of the stomach. His attending physician was Dr. W. Josselsohn.
He was buried in the New Cemetery, Johannesburg.
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