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Item Ref# FS3125
General Koos de la Rey
This bust depicts the image of one of the most famous of the Boervolk's Generals, namely: Jacobus Herculaas de la Rey (22 October 1847 – 15 September 1914). It is available in bronze and resin and stands about 20cm high.
General In 1914, Gen de Wet and other Boer Generals rallied together in order to bring back their lost Republics against former Boer generals (Botha and Smuts) and Afrikaners (Cape Dutch) - because the British had loosened their grip on the Union of South Africa to join the First World War.
In very mysterious and suspicious circumstances, Gen de la Rey was shot dead during an unrelated road block.
The campaign was unsuccessful - but it was based on previous agreements amoungst the Boer generals in 1902 when they collectively contemplated Peace with the British.
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Boer Leadership
It was one thing to attack natives badly armed, it was another thing to face an organised army well equipped with death-dealing instruments. We were thus at a great disadvantage at the commencement of hostilities as far as leaders were concerned.
Gradually our staff of officers was improved, for the best men came to the front, and some of the older officers, who were unfit, were replaced by younger and abler ones. All these changes, however, took a long time, and were not effected before we had been subjected to two great disasters: one that of Cronje's capture on the 27th of February, 1900, the other, Prinsloo's surrender on the 1st of August, 1900, disasters which proved decisive epochs in the Anglo-Boer war.
Some of the Boer leaders, though inexperienced and untrained, proved themselves quite a match for their opponents. They have astonished military circles by their valorous actions and daring enterprises, and have merited imperishable honour and glory. Well may we be proud of leaders such as Louis Botha, Christian De Wet, and Jacobus De la Rey, men whose names deserve a place in the rolls of history.
Pieter Hendrik Kritzinger, Boer General
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But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 |