The story of the mighty imperial British army’s defeat at Iswandlwana in 1879 has been much written about, but never with the detail and insight revealed by Dr Adrian Greaves’ research. In reconstructing the dramatic and fateful events, the Author draws on recently discovered letters, diaries and papers of survivors and other contemporaries such as Henry Harford, Lt Henry Carling of the Royal Artillery, August Hammar and young British nurse Janet Wells. These, coupled with his own detailed knowledge of the ground, enable the author to paint the most accurate picture yet of this cataclysmic battle that so shamed the British establishment.

We learn for the first time of the complex Zulu decoy, the dishonorable attempt to blame Colonel Durnford for the defeat, evidence of another ‘fugitives’ trail’ and the identity of previously unknown escorts for Lts Coghill and Melville, both awarded VCs for trying to save the Colors.

Isandlwana is a brilliant and fresh account of this most famous battle which will fascinate experts and laymen alike.

Reviews

“…well-researched volume by one of Britain’s foremost experts on the Anglo-Zulu War reconstructs the fateful events of January 22, 1879, when Zulus essentially wiped out a well armed but poorly led Anglo force during the initial British Invasion of Zululand in South Africa.

MILITARY HISTORY , 2011-10-31

“Certainly the clash has been well documented through the years, yet author Dr Adrian Greaves manages to deliver new insights and intriguing details…fresh details, anecdotes and evidence make it a worthy addition to the library of anyone interested in the circumstances of this 19th century battle and the war that triggered it.”

TOY SOLDIER AND MODEL FIGURE, 2012-04-19

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