The Petticoat Commando: Boer Women in Secret ServiceBrandt, Johanna
History
The Petticoat Commando: Boer Women in Secret Service
Brandt, Johanna
South African War, 1899-1902; Women in war -- South Africa
When, therefore, "General" Kock disclosed his purpose, Dr. Krause
jumped up, closed the door, confronted him, and, before he could
realise his position, had him under arrest, calling upon van Diggelen
to disarm him. Kock made an attempt to escape, but he was powerless in
the hands of two determined men. Some time elapsed before he realised
the hopelessness of the situation, as his last attempt to induce
Commandant van Diggelen to deliver a note to his men outside was met
with a blank refusal. The next thing to be done was to get rid of
these men, who evidently had been instructed by their "General" not to
leave without him, he probably fearing that something unforeseen might
happen to him. How now to get rid of these men? The following ruse was
adopted: Dr. Krause took up some telegrams, and, waving these in the
air, rushed out to where they were stationed, demanding to know who
the officer in charge was. He was met by a confusion of voices calling
out, "Where is our General?" "Oh!" was the reply, "your General is
still in my office, consulting on military matters, and I have just
received information that the British are advancing on the town from
the direction of the Gueldenhuis. Your General commands you to proceed
in that direction to reinforce the Boers, who are trying to stop the
advance. We will follow immediately with the rest of the men. Now! who
is in command?" "I am, sir--Captain McCullum." "Now, Captain," the
Doctor said, "ride for your life and do your duty."
The ruse was successful, and in a few minutes not a single man of the
band was in sight. The next question was, what was to be done with
Kock. The following plan was adopted: The arrest took place shortly
before the luncheon hour, and as the offices were generally closed
from one till two, Kock was detained in the Commandant's office until
one. All officials were then ordered to leave. Van Diggelen ordered
his dog-cart to be brought round, Kock was told to step in, and was
quietly driven to the fort, where he was detained by the officer in
charge.
During the afternoon General Botha and his staff passed through
Johannesburg, and came to see Dr. Krause, who reported what had
happened. General Botha approved of and confirmed his action in every
respect. The conference between the two officers did not last long,
and resulted in Dr. Krause being definitely instructed to remain in
Johannesburg in order to protect the town and its inhabitants, and to
see that all fighting burghers immediately left for their respective
commandos. The same evening Kock was sent to Pretoria, escorted by
several police, and handed over to the authorities there.
The great danger which had threatened the safety of the mines was in
this way averted.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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