1.) DIARY OF A NATIONAL SCOUT 1900-1902 (1974) & 2.) THE FIVE-DAY BATTLE, Frederikstad 20-25 October 1900 (2020)

1.) DIARY OF A NATIONAL SCOUT

First edition, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria 1974.

Publisher's orange cloth binding with dust jacket.

Institute for Historical Research Source Publication No. 2.

This copy is from the library of late academic and author Stephen Gray and has his customary neat and tiny signature on the top corner of the front endpaper.

122pp. Illustrated. 5 maps.

From the preface:

'The diary illustrates in the first place the agonising despair of a cultured Afrikaner to whom the war had begun to seem futile, and who gradually began to consider surrender. His inner conflict grew in intensity until it reached breaking point and he laid down his arms to join the enemy. Du Toit not only describes his role as a patrol guide for the British until hostilities ceased, but also recounts several skirmishes and an important battle like Frederikstad (20-25.10.1900) in which he took part while he was still on the Republican side.'

2.) THE FIVE-DAY BATTLE, Frederikstad 20-25 October 1900 by Johan Wolfaardt

First edition, Heritage Potchefstroom, 2020.

Softcover. Signed by author. Edition of 100 copies only.

38pp + 10pp (appendices). Illustrated.

This is still a very recent publication by ties in with the Diary of P. J. du Toit who was present at the battle while he was still fighting on the Republican side.

'Johan Wolfaardt of the President Pretorius Museum in Potchefstroom has written a comprehensive account of the battle of Frederickstad, 20-25 October 1900.

It bears the imprint of the Heritage Potchefstroom Erfenis, of which Johan is the chairman.

Using both Afrikaans and English accounts, it is a blow-by-blow account and covers the battle, the strategic background and its aftermath. There is a detailed casualty list with large numbers of killed and wounded on both sides, testimony to the fierce fighting over the five days. Surprisingly, very little has been written about this clash on the main railway line between Krugersdorp and Potchefstroom. There are detailed accounts in both the Times History and the official history but journalists seem to have largely ignored what was a serious armed encounter. Significant numbers of armaments were employed on both sides as the casualty list bears witness. Boer forces outnumbered their British adversaries but lack of discipline caused De Wet's exasperation and eventual withdrawal in frustration.

This is a well-researched book on a battle that has been largely neglected. The author is a well-respected professional authority on the Anglo-Boer war of long standing and this book is a worthwhile addition to the literature of the war.'