Deneys Reitz was born in Bloemfontein in 1882 to Francis William and Blanca Reitz, and educated at Grey College.
His father was at that stage Chief Justice of the Orange Free State, but the family later moved to Pretoria, where Reitz Sr opened a law firm and later served President Paul Kruger as the Secretary of State for the South African Republic (Transvaal).
Reitz was 17 years old when the Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902) broke out, but he was rejected for service with the Boer forces as he looked considerably younger than he actually was.
Determined to join up, he approached his father and Kruger, who in turn introduced him to CommandantGeneral Piet Joubert. The latter not only arranged for him to join up, but gave him a new Mauser rifle and ammunition.
Reitz boarded the train for the Natal front with his brother and many other young men who were to confront the British forces marching up from Durban, and later saw action at Talana Hill near Dundee as well as at Vaalkranz and Spioenkop.
He was a keen student of tactics, which was to stand him in good stead for the rest of his life.
As the British advanced, Reitz found himself fighting rearguard actions and learning the art of sniping and escape and evasion. When Pretoria fell and the Boers decided on guerrilla tactics, he joined General Jan Smuts’s commando, whose mission was to enter the Cape Colony and stir up a rebellion among the Boer population of that region.
Denne historien er fra November 26, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 26, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.
