Summary of Adrian Greaves's Forgotten Battles of the Zulu War

Book excerpt: Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The battle of Rorke’s Drift, which took place on the 11th December 1878, was a defeat for the British Empire. It showed the world that the British Army was not invincible, and led to the terrible two Boer Wars of 1880 and 1899. #2 Lord Chelmsford, the British general, was tasked with invading Zululand and defeating the Zulu army. He devised a three-pronged invasion that would advance on the Zulu capital at Ulundi. Each prong or column was strong enough to engage and defeat the Zulu army if it ever stood to fight. #3 The Chelmsford Column was a coastal column that was sent to occupy the Zulu mission station at Eshowe before the Zulus destroyed the buildings. From Eshowe, the column was to advance on the Zulu capital, Ulundi. #4 The Chelmsford Column was ordered to form a portion of No. 1 Column, but to act separately, reporting to Colonel Pearson. They were to remain on the middle Tugela frontier until an advance was ordered and Colonel Pearson had reached Eshowe.