An attempt to give an objective evaluation of the war. Not entirely possible from CD's standpoint of class and the fact that he was a doctor for part of the war in Blomfontein but relatively interesting. Not as scholarly a work as Pakenham's 'The Boer War' but if you wish to know what battalion was engaged in a minor skirmish in the latter stages of the conflict then the chances are they get a mention in this work. CD interviewed hundreds of soldiers during and shortly after the war so even if slightly biased, the accounts have an attractive immediacy.
He tries to be even-handed in attributing soldierly qualities to Boer and Brit/Commonwealth participants. He tries to set the record straight by recording and explaining some of the actions and conducts that had been questioned by story- and scandal-seeking yellow press in England. The underdog does not always have the moral high ground as the media often suppose.
This is overall a little dry and not really reading for pleasure or escapism despite CD's skill as a story-teller.