What do you think?
Rate this book
A Russian on Commando: The Boer War Experiences of Yevgeny Avgustus
'Lucid, evocative and perceptive, this combat memoir is a delight.' - Fransjohan Pretorius, Emeritus Professor of History
In January 1900, galvanised by the daring of the Boers in taking on imperial Britain, the young Russian officer Yevgeny Avgustus set off for the Transvaal to fight in the Anglo-Boer War. Like most of the foreign volunteers who flocked to the Boer cause, he ended up on the Natal front.
Avgustus and his companions joined the Krugersdorp Commando, and their experiences in the field are portrayed in vivid detail. The central part of this gripping account covers the Battle of the Tugela Heights in February 1900 and the Boers' subsequent retreat. The immediacy of Avgustus's writing captures his trepidation and excitement as he approaches the battlefield for the first time, as well as his experience of life on commando.
The keen eye of this foreign volunteer brings to life a turning point in South African history. Avgustus is a gifted writer, and his narrative officers both acute observation and thoughtful introspection.
A gripping portrayal of human frailty and courage in the face of mortal danger, A Russian on Commando highlights both the strange attraction and the absurdities of war.
In January 1900, galvanised by the daring of the Boers in taking on imperial Britain, the young Russian officer Yevgeny Avgustus set off for the Transvaal to fight in the Anglo-Boer War. Like most of the foreign volunteers who flocked to the Boer cause, he ended up on the Natal front.
Avgustus and his companions joined the Krugersdorp Commando, and their experiences in the field are portrayed in vivid detail. The central part of this gripping account covers the Battle of the Tugela Heights in February 1900 and the Boers' subsequent retreat. The immediacy of Avgustus's writing captures his trepidation and excitement as he approaches the battlefield for the first time, as well as his experience of life on commando.
The keen eye of this foreign volunteer brings to life a turning point in South African history. Avgustus is a gifted writer, and his narrative officers both acute observation and thoughtful introspection.
A gripping portrayal of human frailty and courage in the face of mortal danger, A Russian on Commando highlights both the strange attraction and the absurdities of war.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2022
4 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
August 20, 2022
In 1899, a young Russian officer heard about the war between the Boers and the British. He set off from Russia and ended up on the Natal front fighting on the side of the Boers as a member of the Krugersdorp commando. This observant young man kept a diary, which, with academic add-ons, is the subject matter of this book. The major part is the Battle of Tugela Heights and the retreat into which the Boers were forced. It's his first experience of battle and life as a Boer commando. Avgustus writes with such detail and immediacy that you almost as if you were on the battleground with him. Even if you aren't interested in the Boer War, the book is engaging enough to make you want to read and finish it. It will give pleasure to anyone with an interest in history.
Displaying 1 of 1 review