Koos de la Rey

Full Name: Jacobus Herculaas de la Rey, known as Koos de la Rey
Profession: Boer General

Biography: Koos de la Rey was a Boer military leader who gained fame for his guerrilla tactics and activities during the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902) against British forces in South Africa. He was a general in the Transvaal forces and became one of the leading figures in the Boer resistance against British rule.

De la Rey was initially reluctant to go to war but became a key strategist and a rallying point for Boer resistance after the conflict started. He earned a reputation as one of the most able and humane of Boer commanders, often cautioning against unnecessary loss of life and advocating for honorable conduct. This stood in contrast to the scorched-earth policies and concentration camps implemented by the British forces.

His tactical brilliance came to the fore at battles such as Magersfontein, where his well-placed troops inflicted heavy losses on British soldiers. De la Rey was particularly skilled in guerrilla warfare, adapting to the rugged South African landscape to strike at British columns and then disappear. These tactics were emulated by other Boer commanders and have been studied in military academies to this day.

Although the Boers ultimately lost the war, leading to the establishment of the Union of South Africa under British dominion, de la Rey continued to be an influential figure in the post-war period. He was involved in efforts to reconcile the bitterly divided Boer and British communities and took on a role in politics. His advocacy for the rights of Boers, however, and his opposition to certain policies often led to tensions with authorities.

Koos de la Rey was accidentally killed at a police roadblock in 1914, a death that led to much public mourning and marked the end of an era for many South Africans. There were many that suspected his death was an assassination enacted by the government.

Born: October 22, 1847
Birthplace: , British Empire
Star Sign: Libra

Died: September 15, 1914 (aged 66)
Cause of Death: Shot and killed by police after his car refused to stop at a police checkpoint setup to capture the Foster gang