Synopsis
Commando: A Boer Journal of the Boer War is a memoir written by Deneys Reitz, a Boer soldier who fought in the Second Boer War (1899-1902). The book is a first-hand account of Reitz's experiences as a member of a Boer commando, detailing the battles, skirmishes, and hardships he and his fellow soldiers endured during the conflict. Reitz was only 17 years old when he joined the Boer army, and his youth and inexperience are evident in his early entries. However, as the war progresses, Reitz becomes a seasoned soldier and his writing becomes more mature and reflective. He describes the harsh conditions of life on the front lines, including hunger, thirst, fatigue, and disease. He also writes about the camaraderie and loyalty that developed among the Boer soldiers, as well as their fierce determination to defend their land and way of life.The book provides a unique perspective on the Boer War, as it is written from the point of view of a Boer soldier rather than a British or colonial one. Reitz's account is not only a historical document, but also a personal story of courage, resilience, and sacrifice. The book has been praised for its vivid descriptions, engaging narrative style, and authentic portrayal of the Boer perspective on the war.1929. Deneys Reitz, who is now one of General Smuts�������s political lieutenants and a warm supporter of the British Commonwealth, fought through the South African War as our enemy. He enlisted on the outbreak of the war as a boy of seventeen and went through it to the bitter end. His father was President of the Orange Free State, and after peace was concluded he and his family went into exile. Later he returned to his own country; and later still fought in the Great War on the side of the Allies, first in West and South Africa, and then in France, where he was severely wounded, and where he came to command the First Battalion of the Royal Scots Fusiliers. Commando abounds in interesting sidelights and portraits-Kruger, De Wet, Smuts, Kitchener. One of the most remarkable passages gives us a glimpse of the young Winston Churchill as prisoner of war in Pretoria. It is difficult to speak of this book in anything short of a string of superlatives. The spirit of it is magnificent; the uncomplaining courage of the boy-fighter rouses memories of all the stories down the ages about unrecking devotion to an ideal. And not one of them is a finer one than this.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
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