Commando Paperback – January 5, 2009

There's a good reason that this memoir has become a classic. After initially purchasing a cheaper paperback edition I "traded-up" to this hardcover and was not disappointed. The print is larger and there are numerous and interesting photographs throughout. The relatively few footnotes, often to translate an Afrikaner word or term but also to provide background history, are useful and not intrusive.

Deneys Reitz was one of the revered leaders in what would become South Africa. One of the Boer Commandos who fought against British oppression. An exciting true first person account of the Anglo/Boer war. A very modest man who would become great in his own time. Reitz also served in WW I as part of the South African contingent serving under the British flag. The Boer war is a very complex historical period. One comes away with a feeling that the Boers were very much like the founders of the United states in that they valued freedom, had a strong religious faith and opposed British tyranny and imperialism. This is an excellent book that documents the life and time of a very important South African historical figure.

If you are a serious student of military history and the use of small arms this read is a must. It clearly confirms the worth of the individual rifleman.Time and time again a greatly outnumbered force of "farmers" shot to pieces its adversary. Convincing story of hardship, deprivation and strong will in the face of overwhelming odds. A very enjoyable read. This tale will remain in my library.

As a student of military history Reitz's book is well worth the read. However, the current copy was reprinted by [...] or some such place that obviously does not have a proof reader or editor on staff. In many places they made up new words to be inserted in place of the correct word. This occurs nearly every other page. In many cases these obscure words totally change the meaning of the paragraph. I have read the original and it does not contain such errors.

Great book! Nice to read of someone who actualy lived it!

An Amazing story, That is all true. This really sheds some light on what the Boers did and how they staid in the field so long. Shines some light on the leading hisorical figures of the war.I found that this book gave me more information on the boer war then any other book I have ever read.

An enthralling memoir, there's a good reason why this is a classic of the Boer/English War. However, while inexpensive this edition is in small print, lacks footnotes, and has no photographs. Pay a bit more for the hardcover edition by Ostara Publications and you will not be disappointed.

Many do not know anything about the Boer war, and this puts you there.

Very interesting story written by one of those who took part. The initial attitude of the Boers was too relaxed and confident against such a formidable and organized opponent and the conclusion of the conflict was easy to foresee.Two or three maps would have been very helpful to the non South African readers.

What's not to like? Well and engagingly written, informative, exciting, and one of the few accounts from the Boer side of the war. The Author is a likeable, principled, brave and entertaining writer who sets out his recollections with humour, honesty and humanity. What a great read - highly recommended both as an essential historical source and as a plain old tail of adventure and heroism.

Written originally in Dutch in 1903 and translated into English this is a story out of Boys Own advetures where a 17 year old boy joins the Commando against the might of the British Empire and endures hardships but keeps true to his ideals and comrades. For one who saw the worst of the British military burning of the farms and carrying off of women and children into Concentration camps, he has a remarkable lack of hate for things British. Amazingly, he supports Union of the Dutch Republics and the British Colonies and goes to war for Britain in 1914. The follow on book, "Trekking on" is also recommended

It is an extraordinary story, and extraordinarily well told. I read the rest of the trilogy as well. Clearly a life well lived in interesting times. Unusual perspective of South Africa in a period about which little is actually written - at least from the Boer perspective. Reitz’ love for his country shines through and makes his writing very warm, though the events are often tragic in the extreme. Highly recommended.

An absorbing account of the Boer War from the other side on the ground, describing the 'hit and run' tactics which were successfully adopted by the Boers against the British. Essential reading for someone studying the Boer War, by an Afrikaner who subsequently became a trusted member of Smuts's government and High Commissioner in London during the early part of the War.