Boers

The Case of De Jager: International Incident

In the book “International Incidents for Discussion in Conversation Classes”, in relation to this subject, L. Oppenheim wrote in 1909: De Jager, a burgher of the South African Republic, but a settled resident in Washbank in Natal when the war broke out, joined, in October, 1899, the Boer forces, which had occupied Washbank and held that town for about six months. He served with them in different capacities until March, 1900, when he went to the Transvaal, and took no further part in the war. In March, 1901, he was prosecuted for high treason, but endeavoured to exculpate himself by maintaining that, as the Boers had occupied Washbank when he joined their forces, he was not then living on English territory.