General Louis Botha on the Natal Front 1899-1900

This detailed and engaging study, newly translated into English, offers an exciting account of the confrontation between the Boer commandos and the British army on the Natal Front from the beginning of the Anglo-Boer War in October 1899 up to the British relief of Ladysmith in February 1900. Chapters are focused on major battles including Talana, Colenso, Spioenkop, and Vaalkrans. The focal character is Louis Botha, of whom this book is also a partial biography: it traces his rise, all within the space of five months, from an ordinary burgher to Commandant General and details his accomplishments as military tactician. The book makes C. J. Barnard’s meticulous research in the Dutch and Afrikaans primary materials available for English readers, and also offers revised maps and a rich trove of photographs, some never before published.