On Commando By: Dietlof Van Warmelo (1872-1966)
On Commando by Dietlof Van Warmelo is a gripping and deeply personal account of one man's experience during the Second Boer War. Van Warmelo's memoir provides a unique insight into the life of a commando – a member of the Boer guerrilla fighters – and the harsh realities of war. The narrative takes place in South Africa during the late 1800s, a tumultuous era characterized by political tension and colonial conflicts. As Van Warmelo recounts his journey, he skillfully navigates the reader through both the strategic intricacies of the conflict and the human emotions that accompany such tumultuous times. One of the most striking aspects of this memoir is Van Warmelo's ability to convey the complexity and depth of the characters he encounters. From fellow commandos to British soldiers, each individual is fully fleshed out, exposing their vulnerabilities and revealing their motivations. This level of characterization creates a nuanced portrayal of the war, blurring the lines between good and evil. Furthermore, Van Warmelo's attention to detail is exceptional. His vivid descriptions of the landscapes, battles, and harsh living conditions transport readers to the heart of the conflict, allowing them to experience the relentless hardships faced by the commandos. This attention to detail not only adds to the authenticity of the narrative but also underscores the author's deep connection to the land and its people. Additionally, On Commando offers valuable historical insight. Van Warmelo provides a fresh perspective on a war that is often overshadowed by other conflicts of the period. Through his own experiences and interactions with native South Africans, he sheds light on the complex dynamics that shaped the Boer resistance and the broader implications of colonial conquest. While Van Warmelo's prose is eloquent and engaging, there are instances where the pacing feels inconsistent. Some sections lack a sense of urgency, diluting the tension that should be inherent in a memoir about war. However, these moments are relatively minor and do not detract significantly from the overall impact of the book. On Commando is a remarkable memoir that offers a profound understanding of both the human experience and the historical context of the Boer War. Van Warmelo's personal narrative combines intimate storytelling with a wider exploration of the futility and devastation of armed conflict. This book is a must-read for history enthusiasts and those seeking a profound exploration of war's effects on individuals and society as a whole. First Page: ON COMMANDO by DIETLOF VAN WARMELO With a Portrait Methuen & Co. 36 Essex Street W.C. London Colonial Library 1902 [Illustration: DIETLOF VAN WARMELO] PREFACE This book was written in 1901, while its author was a prisoner at Ahmednagar. It was written in Dutch, and has been put into English by a young lady from what was the Orange Free State. The author is a friend and relation of mine, son of a clergyman in the Transvaal, and of old Afrikander stock on both sides. His book is the more valuable because of the absence of all literary pretensions, and it may be taken as truly representative of the Afrikander spirit, which has been so much misconceived in England. FREDERIK VAN EEDEN WALDEN, N. HOLLAND, July , 1902 CONTENTS CHAPTER FOREWORD I. AT THE BOUNDARY ENTRANCE INTO NATAL DUNDEE LADYSMITH II. SIEGE OF LADYSMITH BATTLE OF THE ROOIRANDJES BLOWING UP OF THE CANNON III. THE EIGHT DAY BATTLE OF THE TUGELA TALK OF INTERVENTION RELIEF OF LADYSMITH IV. DEWETSDRIFT RETURN TO, AND FLIGHT FROM, PRETORIA V. TREK FROM MIDDELBURG TO RUSTENBURG BATTLE OF SELIKATSNEK VI. GUERILLA LIFE ON THE MAGALIES MOUNTAINS NARROW ESCAPE OF PRESIDENT STEYN AND GENERAL DE WET VII... Continue reading book >>

On Commando By: Dietlof Van Warmelo (1872-1966)

On Commando by Dietlof Van Warmelo is a gripping and deeply personal account of one man's experience during the Second Boer War. Van Warmelo's memoir provides a unique insight into the life of a commando – a member of the Boer guerrilla fighters – and the harsh realities of war.

The narrative takes place in South Africa during the late 1800s, a tumultuous era characterized by political tension and colonial conflicts. As Van Warmelo recounts his journey, he skillfully navigates the reader through both the strategic intricacies of the conflict and the human emotions that accompany such tumultuous times.

One of the most striking aspects of this memoir is Van Warmelo's ability to convey the complexity and depth of the characters he encounters. From fellow commandos to British soldiers, each individual is fully fleshed out, exposing their vulnerabilities and revealing their motivations. This level of characterization creates a nuanced portrayal of the war, blurring the lines between good and evil.

Furthermore, Van Warmelo's attention to detail is exceptional. His vivid descriptions of the landscapes, battles, and harsh living conditions transport readers to the heart of the conflict, allowing them to experience the relentless hardships faced by the commandos. This attention to detail not only adds to the authenticity of the narrative but also underscores the author's deep connection to the land and its people.

Additionally, On Commando offers valuable historical insight. Van Warmelo provides a fresh perspective on a war that is often overshadowed by other conflicts of the period. Through his own experiences and interactions with native South Africans, he sheds light on the complex dynamics that shaped the Boer resistance and the broader implications of colonial conquest.

While Van Warmelo's prose is eloquent and engaging, there are instances where the pacing feels inconsistent. Some sections lack a sense of urgency, diluting the tension that should be inherent in a memoir about war. However, these moments are relatively minor and do not detract significantly from the overall impact of the book.

On Commando is a remarkable memoir that offers a profound understanding of both the human experience and the historical context of the Boer War. Van Warmelo's personal narrative combines intimate storytelling with a wider exploration of the futility and devastation of armed conflict. This book is a must-read for history enthusiasts and those seeking a profound exploration of war's effects on individuals and society as a whole.

First Page:

ON COMMANDO

DIETLOF VAN WARMELO

With a Portrait

Methuen & Co. 36 Essex Street W.C. London Colonial Library

1902

[Illustration: DIETLOF VAN WARMELO]

PREFACE

This book was written in 1901, while its author was a prisoner at Ahmednagar. It was written in Dutch, and has been put into English by a young lady from what was the Orange Free State.

The author is a friend and relation of mine, son of a clergyman in the Transvaal, and of old Afrikander stock on both sides. His book is the more valuable because of the absence of all literary pretensions, and it may be taken as truly representative of the Afrikander spirit, which has been so much misconceived in England.

FREDERIK VAN EEDEN

WALDEN, N. HOLLAND, July , 1902

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

FOREWORD

I. AT THE BOUNDARY ENTRANCE INTO NATAL DUNDEE LADYSMITH

II. SIEGE OF LADYSMITH BATTLE OF THE ROOIRANDJES BLOWING UP OF THE CANNON

III. THE EIGHT DAY BATTLE OF THE TUGELA TALK OF INTERVENTION RELIEF OF LADYSMITH

IV. DEWETSDRIFT RETURN TO, AND FLIGHT FROM, PRETORIA

V. TREK FROM MIDDELBURG TO RUSTENBURG BATTLE OF SELIKATSNEK

VI. GUERILLA LIFE ON THE MAGALIES MOUNTAINS NARROW ESCAPE OF PRESIDENT STEYN AND GENERAL DE WET

VII... Continue reading book >>

This book is in genre
War stories

eBook links
Wikipedia – Dietlof Van Warmelo
Wikipedia – On Commando

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