Three Years' War

About this book

Three Years' War is a first‑person memoir by Christiaan Rudolf de Wet, a Boer commander who took part in the South African War of 1899‑1902. The book opens with de Wet’s promise to the reader that his account will be “nothing but the truth,” even if it cannot claim to be the whole story. He begins by describing the compulsory “Commando Law” that obliged every male burgher to be ready for service, the simple supplies they were expected to provide, and the chaotic early days of mustering in the Orange Free State. From that point he launches into a detailed chronicle of his own movements, first as a private, then as a vice‑commandant, through the initial campaigns, the election of commanders, and the march toward the Natal frontier, all framed by vivid observations of camp life, logistics, and the unfolding of hostilities.

The narrative is written in a straightforward, almost reportorial style, reflecting the author's military background and the late‑19th‑century Boer perspective. Its tone is earnest and unembellished, offering a blend of personal anecdote, tactical description, and occasional commentary on the British forces. Readers who enjoy authentic wartime diaries, military history, or insight into the Boer experience of the conflict will find this work rewarding, while those seeking a polished literary novel may prefer a different genre.