Information on Hjelmar von Dannevill

Dr. Hjelmar von Dannevill, a remarkable figure in New Zealand's history, presents a compelling story of identity, struggle, and resilience in the early 20th century. Born in Denmark in 1860, von Dannevill arrived in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1911, claiming to have studied medicine in Switzerland and having worked as a correspondent during the Russo-Japanese War in 1905. Von Dannevill's life in New Zealand was marked by controversy and hardship, primarily due to her non-conformity to gender norms of the time.

Von Dannevill's arrival in New Zealand with little documentation began a series of events that would see her investigated and imprisoned during World War I. The New Zealand authorities, influenced by her short hair, masculine style of dress, and foreign accent, suspected her of being a German imposter. This suspicion led to a forced medical examination by the military to determine her sex, culminating in her internment for six weeks on Matiu/Somes Island in Wellington Harbour in 1917. She holds the unique distinction of being the only woman to be interned on the island during this period.

After her time in New Zealand, von Dannevill moved to San Francisco in 1918. Here, she continued to face challenges with local authorities, including an arrest in 1925 for "masquerading as a man." Nevertheless, she persevered and ultimately obtained a permit to wear masculine clothes. Von Dannevill's life in San Francisco continued until her death in 1930.

Von Dannevill's experiences have led some modern historians to speculate that she may have been a lesbian, based on her personal letters and the circumstances of her life. Notably, there are spelling variations of her name, including Hjelman, Hjelmar, Dannevill, Dannevil, and Danneville, reflecting the historical complexity and the lack of consistent documentation surrounding her life.

Dr. Hjelmar von Dannevill's life story is not just a tale of personal struggle and resilience but also serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by individuals who did not conform to the gender norms of their time. Her experiences in New Zealand, marked by suspicion and internment, highlight the societal attitudes and governmental policies of the early 20th century towards gender and identity. In modern times, her story has gained recognition and become a subject of historical interest, shedding light on the complex interplay of gender, identity, and societal norms in New Zealand's past.

Further information can be found at:

• wikipedia.org