Rorke's Drift 1879: 'Pinned like rats in a hole' (Campaign)

The most famous engagement of the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. Rorke's Drift was an epic struggle against overwhelming odds. It pitted more than 3,000 zulus, fresh from their triumph at Isandlwana against the mission station's tiny garrison, a mere 150 British & Imperial soldiers. Hardcover, illustrated with maps, diagrams, historic drawings & photos

I wanted a concise history of Rorke's Drift, and this book more than fit the bill. Ian Knight is the undisputed expert on the Zulu War's, so that is a bonus, as are the wonderful illustrations and photographs that Osprey books are known for. You can't go wrong with this one. It is a wonderful, informative read.

This was a wonderful read, informative, concise and clear. The explanations of the cause of the war, the cause of this battle, the tactics used, the actual ebb & flow of the combat and the aftermath are all very well presented. The illustrations and photographs add quite well to the written information. If your only information on this battle comes from the movie Zulu, you really should pick this up and read it to get the real story, which is even more fascinating than the movie makes it out to be.

This book is highly recommended for anyone who wishes to acquaint themselves with battles of Isandlwana, and especially, Rorke's Drift. The author gives a brief history of the British presence in South Africa that led to the events of 22-23 January, 1879. Knight gives a detailed and accurate account of the battle at Rorke's Drift using battlefield drawings showing the movement of both troups, British and Zulu. The author also does a good job of disspelling many myths that have surrounded the battle for years. An added plus is the vast array of vintage photos of many of the key players in the Anglo-Zulu campaign. For anyone that wants to get a short(96 pages), concise, detailed history of Rorke's Drift, you will never need more than this book.

Very insightful on that Battle