Good-bye Dolly Gray: the story of the Boer War

by Rayne Kruger

Taking his title from that bade farewell to an era, Rayner Kruger brilliantly describes the background, the arms and armies, the campaigns and personalities of the war in which soldiers from across the British Empire marched to a succession of brave defeats at hands of sharpshooting farmers. These were calamitous blows, struck not only at an immense British Army but - as the old century passed into the new - at Victorian prestige, assumptions and complacency.

Genres: History, Africa, South Africa, War, Military History, British Literature, Nonfiction

540 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Ed Stoddard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written over 60 years ago, this account of the Boer War is now clearly dated. Many a historical revision has appeared since and many more will be written in the future - this is what history is about. But I read this because I enjoy narrative history and great writing - especially while on leave at X-Mas time - and this is brimming with both. The anecdotes can be as funny as they are revealing. As fortune-seekers streamed into Johannesburg, various faiths applied for building lots for their houses of worship. Oom Paul Kruger granted the churches two lots, but to the rabbi only one because "You only use half the Bible."
Written at the end of the 1950s, the war in Rayne Kruger's rendering was a conflict between Boers and English - often referred to as "two white races" - and Africans seldom play a role in the narrative, except as "Natives" who can be excitable. All works of history must be placed and read in their historical context. A "woke" criticism would be easy. And Kruger notes that: "The Boers said the war was for liberty. The British said it was for equality. The majority of the inhabitants, who were not white at all, gained neither liberty or equality."

[Julian Cribb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent general history of the Boer War for anyone just starting to explore the literature of this fascinating, troubling conflict in southern Africa whose echoes are still with us today. It covers all the main actions, from the series of spectacular British bungles which began the war, to the departure of Roberts (who thought he had done the job) to Kitchener's brutal war of repression against the fast-moving Boer commandoes and the Boer people. It's easy history, written with narrative flair and, in places, a degree of passion. It doesn't come quite up to Tom Packenham's masterwork as a history, but is thoroughly enjoyable and fascinating nonetheless. It leaves one with an unbounded admiration for the grit, toughness and determination of both the Boer fighters, and the British soldier at the high watermark of the Empire. I commend it to those who want to understand more about the story of South Africa.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on the aspect of the Boer struggle in the Boer War. Properly depicts the Boer's as a fighting guerilla unit, try to defeat the Goliath like British, whom through frustration of the Boer's guerilla methods result to inhumane tactics to end the struggle.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very detailed history of the war, with amazing character studies for each of the important generals and political actors, incredible detail around the individual battles and tactics used, and a good narrative of how the strategic situation changed over the course of the war. You come to feel like you know the region and all the major characters intimately by the end, and to feel some of the pain and determination felt by those fighting the war.

Probably too detailed for someone not really interested in military history, or this particular war.

[JustEvan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, comprehensive military history of the Boer War. Fantastic attention to detail of battles and their aftermaths. A must for anyone interested in the history of South Africa and the British Empire.

[Penny Parus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting easy to read book. Never heard of the Anglo Boer war blockhouses before. Amazing.

[John Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best book on this dreadful war that I’ve read. A balanced, well thought out narrative that deals with the issues as they were perceived at the time.

[Nerine Dorman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for history buffs but I simply DON'T have the time to finish reading it at the moment. I'll get there one day when my plans of writing a novel set during this time actually come into fruition.

[Patricrk patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

the practice war for world war I.

[Ian Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pakenham's Boer War probably beats it by a nose. Still a very good read though.

[Robert Eales · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written book but now slightly out of date. Pakenham is the preferred general source.