However, his undertaking had lasting effects on the subsequent military operations, for henceforth the Second Boer War was also waged in British controlled areas and this gradually became an important theatre of war. The actions of a considerable number of rebel bands forced the British High Command to strengthen its forces in the Cape Colony at a time when it was hoped that the Second Boer War was nearing its end. The political outcome in the Cape Colony was even more serious, because the loyalty of the Cape Afrikaners became involved. Kritzinger's services was recognised by General Christiaan de Wet when the latter appointed him Assistant Chief Commandant of the Orange Free State and Chief Commandant of the Colonial Forces in the Cape Colony on 7 May 1901.