Episode 52 - Politics in a time of war and Freda’s brother survives a storm of bullets

This episode features what’s known as the Khaki election of 1900 in England, German mercenaries, Portuguese East Africa, and another update from the teenage schoolgirl called Freda who’s unique view of this war continues through her diary. It also the point at which Lord Roberts makes another proclamation after his September 1st declaration that the Transvaal Republic is now officially part of the Queen’s dominion. As we know, that was somewhat presumptuous as the British did not control the territory within South Africa, only the main railway line and cities. The veld remained unconquered. Transvaal President Paul Kruger and his government had been pushed inexorably towards the Portuguese EAst African territory and were based in Nelspruit, only 85 kilometers from the border. The British under Lord Roberts were about to strike at the town and a meeting of Boer leaders including President Steyn of the Free State had decided that Kruger would have to make a sea journey to Europe in an effort to beef up diplomacy. It was also to protect Kruger. Had he been captured its clear that most of the Boers would have surrendered so his leaving Africa would be both strategic and tactical. He bowed to the decision apparently as the sentence of God and on the 11th of September he bid farewell to his friends and his government at Nelspruit. Though he was really only taking leave for six months, most wondered if they’d ever see him again. He entrained for Delagoa Bay and while the Portuguese government received him with full diplomatic honours as he awaited his ship to Europe, he must have realised that this was symbolic of a circle which began with the Dutch colonising the Cape in the 1600s, leading to the Great Trek, the war, and now he was to return to the Netherlands amongst other European countries.