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The neutral attitude assumed by the United States was maintained throughout the war. With reference to any official recognition of the Transvaal as an independent State apart from the immediate purposes of war no action was taken. ... Read more

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"Life on Commando during the Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902" isa comprehensive, ground-breaking study of a hitherto neglected aspectof the Anglo-Boer War.This multi-faceted account, rich in contrasts,vividly portrays the real-life experiences of the Boer combatantsduring the war, dealing with the tragedy as well as the humor; thedramatic as well as the commonplace; the constant awareness of deathas well as the pranks and the jokes.These burghers were nosuperhuman heroes, but rather, ordinary mortals, subject, from time totime, to stubbornness and poor discipline, selfishness, anddishonesty.The four basic themes are: the physical and psychologicalexperiences of the combatants, the nature and availability ofsupplies, the role of discipline, and attitudes to, and relationswith, others involved in the war - particularly women, blacks andfellow combatants.The final chapter, 'The Bitter End' explores threefundamental questions: Why did these burghers remain on commando tillthe very end?Why did the Boer leaders opt for peace? And what wasthe psychological effect of the Peace of Vereeniging on the burghers?"Life on Commando" is eminently readable and absorbing. ... Read more

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A reassessment of the controversial Natal campaign of the Boer War, this book analyzes contemporary sources using previously unpublished reports and letters. It describes the actions of the campaign and discusses the roles of Warren, Roberts, Buller and White, questioning many long-established "official" views of this campaign. Many myths surround the events and personalities of this period of British colonial history, not least because reputations were protected, destroyed and subjected to scrutiny by a Royal Commission of Enquiry in 1902-1903. Who really lost Spioenkop and Ladysmith? Why did the campaign cost so much in money and lives? Were individuals or the Army hierarchy to blame for those reversals on the road to an inevitable victory? The author attempts to answer these questions in a controversial treatment of a notorious episode in British military history. He deals fully with the Royal Commission of Enquiry in London in 1902-1903. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

outstanding Information !!!
Discusses the stirring, often emotional events of the Natal Campaign of the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa, when from Oct. 1899 to Feb. 1900 the British Army was pushed across the Tugela River, & heroes of the British Empire met their downfall. Bobs Roberts, George White, Redvers H. Buller, & Charles Warren had to appear before a Royal Comm. of Enquiry in London to answer why an apparently one-sided conflict could have cost so much in terms of men, money & material. This fresh investigation sheds new light on the controversial strategies, directives, opinions & reports which permeated every element of the campaign. Illustrated

The official inquiry.
The British Army, "with armaments and reserves that would be insufficient for a third class military power", was embarrassed by its poor showing (225 surrenders) against a force of scruffy farmers (Boers) in the Natal Campaign of 1899-1900.
After the war, so costly in men and money, a commission was established to review the conflict to examine the failures and correct the deficiencies.This book skillfully weaves the proceedings of that Commission with admirably readable narrartive to uniquely illuminate that unfortunate episode of history, the echoes of which can be heard yet today in South Africa.
"What did the Commiussion achieve?It changed the way Britain made war in the future.It changed the structure of command.It changed the attitude of the common soldier, and it spelt the end of the cavalry charge...".
And it laid the groundwork for the British Expeditionary Force of 1914, one of the finest armies in history.
Excellent reading for the general reader of military history, and essential for students of the Boer War and the British Army.
(The numerical rating above is a default setting within Amazon's format.This reviewer does not employ numerical ratings). ... Read more

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Illustrated collection of translated contemporary Afrikaner newspaper storiesfrom 1898-1902. ... Read more

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This is an OCR edition without illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from GeneralBooksClub.com. You can also preview excerpts from the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Original Published by: G. Richards in 1901 in 539 pages; Subjects: South African War, 1899-1902; Fiction / Classics; History / Military / General; History / Africa / South / Republic of South Africa; Literary Collections / General; Literary Criticism / General; ... Read more