Adrift on the Open Veld: The Anglo-Boer War and Its Aftermath 1899-1943; The Deneys Reitz Trilogy / Deneys Reitz

by Deneys Reitz

This is a trilogy of Deneys Reitz's three compelling works, Commando, Trekking On and No Outspan. Since publication in 1999, it has become an outstanding seller in its own right. It provides the reader with a lively, personal account of South African affairs from the Jameson Raid in 1895 to the start of World War II, when the author was Deputy Prime Minister of South Africa. It is also the story of a compulsive adventurer, nature lover and, of course, celebrated daredevil during the Anglo-Boer War who, in the words of Thomas Packenham, 'had the uncanny knack of living through war as though leafing through pages of an adventure story'. Truly, this knack persisted for the rest of the author's life; and Adrift on the Open Veld gives the reader a gripping insight into southern African affairs through the eyes of a remarkable man who ended his career as South African High Commissioner in London.

Genres: History, South Africa, Africa, Biography, Autobiography, Nonfiction, War

560 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1933

Reviews

[Darryl Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deneys Reitz’s trilogy, "Adrift On The Open Veld", comprises three non-fiction books that were originally sold separately: "Commando", "Trekking On" and "No Outspan". Combined, the stories cover the author’s life throughout the period 1899 to 1943. At seventeen, he fought valiantly with the Boers against the British, then when the First World War broke out, he forgot old prejudices and sided with the British. When the Second World War came along, he found himself in London during the blitz. His various exploits left him with some serious injuries but they did not inhibit his quest for adventure. In between wars he lived in Madagascar, travelled to the United States and other places and, later, was a distinguished South African politician. Many books have been written about the wars, but here is a book written by someone who was actually there – in all three – and in it, as the gifted writer he is, he describes what he is seeing and experiencing in vivid detail. It is history being documented in a journalistic way by a first-hand witness. It is understood that this trilogy is mandatory reading in South African schools.

He rounds off the trilogy with these words: “…I wrote this book because I like setting down things seen and experienced and also because I wished to prove that in spite of our racial and political squabbles, South Africa is a country of good will and good temper, and has the hope and prospect of unity into a single nation in years to come.” "Adrift On The Open Veld" is an extraordinary saga told by an extraordinary man.

[Tony Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite being a great admirer of Deneys Reitz's book "Commando," I never got around to reading his follow up book, "Trekking On."

As someone with a keen interest in South African history, I found his writings on the little known rebellion against the Botha government immediately prior to the First World War, very enlightening. Also, his experiences in the occupation of German South West Africa and the campaign in German East Africa, threw new light on that almost forgotten part of that terrible war.

I went on to read of his experiences on the Western Front where he ultimately commanded the Royal Scots Fusiliers. Quite a remarkable feat for a man who, 15 years earlier, had fought against the British in the Boer War!

His writings on the day to day struggle in the trenches, more than anything I have ever read, brought home the horrors of that war in a way I had not fully comprehended.

Highly recommended for any student of history.

[Bas Kreuger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second book by Reitz is interesting, but a little less so than "Van mannen en peerden" on the Boer War.
The first part was intriguing because of its description of the political situation in South Africa after the Second Anglo-Boer War up till 1914. The almost civil war like situation in SA was unknown to me and the fact that part of SA wanted to side with Germany in WW1 too.
Reitz then joins the efforts of the British Empire to defeat Germany in both Namibia and German South-East Africa, with all the peculiarities of fighting in the arid deserts of Namibia and in the jungles of East Africa (with the deadly tse-tse flies and malaria!).
Finally, Reitz moves to Britain and fights the remainder of WW1 in the trenches in France, incidentally in a regiment earlies commanded by Winston Churchill. His descriptions of the war in France are not as strong as those in Africa where he was probably more at home.

[George Hewitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this to anyone interested in the state of Southern Africa today. I bet you don't know who first passed apartheid laws and when - I thought I did, but I was wrong.

[Mike Smit]

I was struck by the passive way he viewed war. neither glorifying or criticizing. the seemingly unfeeling descriptions of mens lives being obliterated in an instant and just getting on with the job

[Jos Eijkelestam · Rating 3 out of 5]

If it was just Commando, I would have given it 4 stars, but the two other books are much harder to get through and don't come even close to being as interesting, hence 3 stars.

[Dave Muller · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me Commando is amongst the best writing to come out of Southern Africa. The final two books are less compelling but they do describe a period of South Africa's history seldom told. The sheer breathtaking drama of the life Reitz led carries this story, and to think, on top of all he acheived, he wrote three incredible books.

[Garth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second memoir by Deneys Reitz, and as good as the the first ("Commando"). Covering his role in the First World War, he intriguingly mentions a few specific incidents which featured in my grandfather's diary of his 1916 East African campaign. I was fascinated by it all.

[Kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Deneys Reitz trilogy. See my notes on Commando.

[Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book. A cracking autobiography of an exceptional man. A Well written & interesting wee book.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant - third read and enjoy it more every time. From a time when we walked tall - now we crawl.

[Derek Vice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just didn't grab me in the same way that commando did.

[Ryal De · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating personal action book. Wonderful traverse of the country!