Kritzlnger’s Career.

Manawatu Herald, 6 March 1902, Page 2

Kritzlnger’s Career.

There is some uncertainty as to Commandant Kritzinger’s origin. He is believed by many people to be the son of British subjects residing near Grahamstown. But although a young man, probably not more than 80, he is said to have resided lor some time previous to the war in the Orange Free State. Consequently it is not clear (says a writer in The Times) whether he dan now be treated as a rebel, for even though his parents may have been colonial Dutch he ie probably olosely related by blood ties with the Orange River Colony, and has resided with them long enough to satisfy the easy qualifications for burgher rights which existed under thS Republican Government. Kritzinger first came into prominence in the autumn of 1900 as one of Christian De Wet’s trusted lieutenants in pressing the guerilla warfare. He was entrusted with a command, consisting for tbo most part of colonial rebels, of the preliminary invasion into {the midland districts of Cape Colony, simultaneously with Hertzog and Brand’s invasion of the western districts. The object of this invasion was to pave the way for De Wet’s grand onslaught. How this invasion failed is now a matter of history, but ever since that date Kritzinger has, with a following that has varied in strength from 800 to 10 men, carried on a campaign in the northern districts of Gape Colony and the southern stretches of the Orange River Colony. No commandant has been more skilful in crossing and re-crossing the Orange River. All through the late South African winter he successfully evaded the combinations which were organised by Colonel Haig to suppress him and his coadjutors, Hotter, Scheepers, and Malan, and, as is shown by the proclamation, a translation of which recently appeared in these columns, be considered himself in Command of the whole of the guerillas in the Cape Colony, and took upon himself the authority of representing the interests of the late Orange Free State in districts which be claimed to have re-annexed.. On June 2nd Kritzinger eluded Colonel Gorringe’s pursuit, and captured and looted Jamestown. On June 18th he had penetrated as far "oath as Gradoek, and on the 20th he surprised the camp of the Midland Mounted Rifles at and inflicted considerable. loss upon that body. At the beginning of August he announced hie intention of shooting all natives in Britieh employ, whether armed or unarmed. On August 16th he was reported to have been driven north across the Orange Biver by Colonel Gorriuge; but on Sept. 20th, in trying to force his way back again, he rushed the camp of Lovat’s Scouts,' and killed Colonel Murray, but failed to effect his object. Since that time he has been captured.