Rorke's Drift 1879: The Small Stand To Victory

On 22 January 1879 a 20,000-strong Zulu army decimated the British camp at Isandlwana. Moving first-hand accounts reveal the brutal nature of the battle. Biographies of the commanders and soldiers involved explore the differing tactics and motivations of both sides. On 22 January 1879 a 20,000-strong Zulu army decimated the British camp at Isandlwana. On the back of this victory 3,000 4,000 Zulu warriors swept towards the garrison of Rorke's Drift, expecting to devastate the c.500-strong British and colonial force there. However, this small, but stalwart group of brave British soldiers withstood this overwhelming force over the next forty-eight hours and ultimately repelled them in a British victory that has been immortalised in books and film. Eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded for this extraordinary feat. To understand what happened and why - read Battle Story. Moving firsthand accounts reveal the brutal nature of the battle. Biographies of the commanders and soldiers involved explore the differing tactics and motivations of both sides. Paintings, illustrations and rare photographs place you at the centre of the action. Orders of battle detail the composition of the opposing forces' armies. Packed with fact boxes, this short introduction is the perfect way to explore this legendary battle. AUTHOR: Edmund Yorke is Senior Lecturer in War Studies at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and has written and researched extensively on the Zulu War. He was the historical consultant for the History Channel television documentary on Rorke's Drift. He has also written Zulu! The Battle for Rorke's Drift and Battle Story: Isandlwana (both, The History Press) and Battle Story: Maiwand and Battle Story: Kabul.