In October 1899, When the Boer war broke out, Britain was at the height of her power and self-confidence. Nemesis came in the form of Dutch farmers from two small republics in Southern Africa. The Boer. In lord Carver’s words they were, a people out of the Old Testament. But they fought a more advanced warfare than the British had yet encountered. The British army, still partly living in the traditions of the Crimean War, came in for a rude shock. In Black Week December 1899, he British army suffered three serious reverses. Soon British forces were besieged in Ladysmith, Kimberley, and Mafeking.

Eventually Britain’s reformed military leadership (under Lords Roberts and Kitchener) plus superior resources won the day. By the middle of the 1900, 200 000 British troops were fighting 30 000 Boers.

Field Marshall Lord Carver is one of Britain’s foremost soldiers. His book, in co-operation with the National Army Museum, is essential reading for an understanding of the military aspects of the war as well as being entertaining and fascinating. It is based on mainly unpublished documents from the museum’s archives. Material from the High Command includes the papers of Lord Roberts and Kitchener’s weekly letters to Roberts. There are first rate accounts from the level of squadron, battery, company, and below. In Lord Carver’s words a clear picture emerges of what life was like for the soldier in this messy and unnecessary war. All is supplemented by seven maps and there are many high quality unpublished photos provided by the museum.