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Here’s one I recommend.

Friday the 31st of August 1900., Belfast Eastern Transvaal. Fort-three year old Major General Robert Baden-Powell meets British Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Frederick Roberts. They discuss the idea of British High Commissioner Sir Alfred Milner to form a mounted force capable of dealing with rebellion in the two Boer republics of Orange Free State and Transvaal, now in British hands as the Army is required to combat the remaining Boer Commandos now fighting a guerrilla war. The result is the formation of the South African Constabulary, a paramilitary force with a military-police role.

Baden-Powell selects confident self-reliant "handy men" who possess excellent field craft skills. He arranges better pay for them than the army receives and organised them into small, effective squads. They prove their worth with success against greater numbers and later help Boer families returning to their homes and farms.

The South African Constabulary’s doctrine of independence, practical skills, and small-unit teamwork directly influences the principles Baden-Powell adopts when he forms the Boy Scoutsin 1907.

My copy of the SAC book has been on my bookshelf for many months. Inspired to make it my next read!
Cheers Steve

If anyone would like a PDF of this, send me a private message. Rob

Here’s another book I strongly recommend:

Johannes Meintjes's "President Steyn: A Biography” (1969)

This really is a great book. It is incredibly well researched and extremely well written. I will even go as far as to say that it is a beautiful book.

I’d heard of Meintjes and this book and was eager to read it. My youngest son found a copy and gave it to me for Christmas. Meintjes writing style immediately transports the reader to South Africa as it was before the War and although incredibly detailed, it flows beautifully and is a delight to read.

I love a good biography and this provides an insightful assessment of the character of Marthinus Theunis Steyn President of the Orange Free State and details his life and the challenges he faced during the War.

I thoroughly recommend this book.

Meintjes also wrote a biography of Paul Kruger (also received at Christmas) and a biography of Koos de La Rey which is on my wish list.