On Commando

"On Commando" by Dietlof Van Warmelo is a gripping historical narrative that plunges the reader into the heart of the Second Boer War through the eyes of an Afrikaner soldier. Written from a prison cell in Ahmednagar, the book recounts the author's personal journey from eager participant to hardened veteran, as his commando sets off with high spirits and shiny new gear, only to confront brutal realities of scarce supplies and constant peril. The author recounts significant conflicts while pondering the deeper meanings of warfare, brotherhood, and the grim existence of a soldier. The story juxtaposes the soldiers' initial zeal with their growing disenchantment, highlighting the sobering impact of war on the human spirit and laying the groundwork for the in-depth stories that unfold.