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Boer Commando 1876–1902 Ian Knight | ||||||||||||
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Cena okładkowa: 11.99 GBP
Cena detaliczna: 59.00 zł
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| In 1877 Britain annexed the Transvaal in the face of widespread Boer opposition, and in 1881 the Boers revolted. Many Boers had an aversion to the authority of the British Empire, which they saw as interfering in Boer affairs. Regional fighting units (commandos) were established: all Boers between the ages of 16 and 60 were required to serve in these. The Boer lifestyle of hunting for sport and profit honed the skills of field-craft, horsemanship, and marksmanship, making them a formidable force in the field and well suited to guerrilla operations. The Boers inflicted a decisive defeat on the British at Majuba in 1881, bringing the first phase of hostilities to an end. With the outbreak of the Second Anglo-Boer War in 1899, the greatest mobilisation in Boer history took place. The Boers invaded the British colony of Natal, and a bloody campaign began. The British Army retaliated with entry into the Transvaal and anti-guerrilla operations, and in the face of this onslaught, the Boer army began to disintegrate. Some Boers became ’bitter-enders’, part of small roving guerrilla bands who harassed the British: those who were captured were sent to prison camps overseas, and many saw their houses and farms destroyed in retaliation. Many were driven to raiding African settlements to survive, and hostility increased between these groups. This title describes the life and combat experiences of a typical Boer in this key period. Using meticulously researched analysis and comment, and the experiences of a composite character, Johannes de Bruyn, a revealing portrait of Boer life and military operations is drawn. The actions at Laing’s Neck, Majuba, the Zulu Civil War (where Boers fought for adventure and financial reward above all) and the Second Anglo-Boer War are covered in this packed and informative treatment. | ||||||||||||