Isandlwana 1879

A highly illustrated account of the greatest defeat suffered by the British Army during the Victorian era, from a world-leading authority.

This title is a study of Isandlwana, the most famous battle of the Zulu War, and the greatest defeat of the British Army during the entire Victorian era. The volume presents evidence from an archaeological dig in 2000, which offers a new interpretation of the battle's course of action.On 20 January 1879, the Centre Column of the British invasion force under the British Commander in Chief Lord Chelmsford, reached Isandlwana. Chelmsford's spies suggested a Zulu army was on its way to attack, so on 21 January he took a strong force of auxiliaries into the hills to scout them, leaving some 1700 white and native troops at camp. This action was futile as the main Zulu army of 24,000 men had moved across his front and was marching towards Isandlwana. This title employs new research to describe the formidable battle in greater detail, providing a brand new interpretation of the course of the action.