Deneys Reitz (1882–1944)

I reread this book after listening to all 143 episodes of Des Latham's magnificent podcast, The Anglo-Boer War, where he quotes liberally from it. The book is an amazing, laconic account of high adventure and fortitude. These guys were seriously tough. I have hiked and cycled in a lot of the mountainous country that he describes as part of a small group of Boers who try to reconnect with Smuts' commando in the Cape: Zuurberge, Swartberg, Kammanassie, Seweweekspoort, Die Hel, Namaqualand, Tankwa, Oorlogskloof, etc., etc. They thought nothing of riding and walking for 1000s of kilometres across massive mountain ranges for months on end in challenging weather without proper gear and clothing, often without their mounts, and always short of food - while being hunted by columns of British troops. Next time I have "a moment" on a tough hike, I'll think about these guys to feel better...… (meer)

I enjoy memoir because it usually takes you away from dry recitations of facts and lets you experience history thru the the thoughts and remembrances of people who were there. It gives history an added layer of humanity and reality. I've read just a little about the Boer war. A Henty book years ago perhaps and a book on Churchill's experiences. Reitz (pronounced "rates") was a older teen when the conflict started. He grew up hunting and riding horses and his experience stood him and his companions in good stead against the British who they often outshot because of their superior marksmanship.

He tells of the early days of the conflict where armies faced off against each other in more typical European style and then once the Boer's got the worst of that they moved to guerrilla tactics because of the significant numerical superiority the British had. The author relates a number of battles where people around him were killed or injured including friends and fellow soldiers of long experience.

He talks about their desperate movements around the country trying to stay one step ahead of the superior enemy troops and how they slipped around them and moved into the Cape Town part of the country behind enemy lines and the success those forces had there. Many incidents of courage and daring are related. All in all an entertaining and educational book.

My copy is the Folio Society edition from 1982. Excellent condition and very well put together slip cased book.
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