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Osprey Campaign #41
Rorke's Drift 1879: 'Pinned Like Rats in a Hole'
Rorke's Drift sums up some of the best traditions of the British self-image: steadfastness against the odds, victory in adversity and the thin red line. The British stand deserves to go down in history as one of the most heroic actions of all time. The story of a mere 150 British and Imperial soldiers defending an isolated outpost against over 3,000 Zulu warriors summed up the experience of the colonial adventure for the Victorians and remains part of our heritage even today. Ian Knight recounts the course of this famous conflict in which no less than 11 Victoria crosses were won.
96 pages, Paperback
First published January 26, 1996
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About the author
Ian Knight
90 books26 followersIan Knight, BA, FRGS is a historian, author, battlefield guide and artifacts specialist internationally regarded as a leading authority on the nineteenth-century history of the Zulu kingdom, and in particular the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. He has a degree in Afro-Caribbean Studies from the University of Kent and has been researching and writing for more than thirty years. He has published over forty books and monographs, the majority of them on Zulu history and the rest on other nineteenth-century British colonial campaigns. He has appeared on-screen in a number of television documentaries. He is an Honorary Research Associate of the KwaZulu-Natal Museum in Pietermaritzburg.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 22, 2016
Part tour guide, part history, it does contain topographic maps of the battle sites, albeit in black and white. These are enormously helpful in understanding events such as the retreat down "Devil's Pass" during the battle of Hlobane.
September 29, 2016
My first Osprey. The classic Zulu was restored to DVD in late 2002. A year later I was dispatched to Waterstone's as a uni freshman to order mandatory reading and voilà this thin thing with an attrative cover and stunning artwork, written by a world authority to boot who supplied a lot of illustrations from his personal collection. Soon it was scarred with heavy pencil lines.
It remains Osprey at its best, with a talented duo of writer and artist tackling a small-scale engagement from its plentiful historical sources. The Zulu storming of Rorke's Drift bled white in less than 24h on a battlefield measured in meters and (on one side) a troop strength that leaves room for the individual to stand out.
Naturally, it disspels the inaccuracies of the movie. In this instance, it does not diminish the heroïsm of the silver screen. It replaces it with something bigger.
It remains Osprey at its best, with a talented duo of writer and artist tackling a small-scale engagement from its plentiful historical sources. The Zulu storming of Rorke's Drift bled white in less than 24h on a battlefield measured in meters and (on one side) a troop strength that leaves room for the individual to stand out.
Naturally, it disspels the inaccuracies of the movie. In this instance, it does not diminish the heroïsm of the silver screen. It replaces it with something bigger.
February 17, 2024
I like the Osprey books. The various books are always nicely illustrated, concise and easy to read, but still informative. Fast and easy reference guides that are also an enjoyable way to spend and hour or so if you want to know the highlights with some background, but don't have the time or inclination to read a 500 page work on the subject. A snob might take issue with Osprey, but I believe there is quality in the work. I own many of the various titles going back over twenty years. They have a place in my library and I will continue to purchase the company's product.
April 29, 2024
A Book that non only Describes/Analyzes the Campaign but Brings it to Life
Any review of this book would have to start off by mentioning that it is part of Osprey Publishing's ·campaign• series. As such it is relatively short, at only 96 pages. Of these 96 pages very roughly a third or so consist of illustrations of one type or another (i.e., 3-D topographical maps, contemporaneous illustrations of battle scenes, copies of paintings of prominent figures involved, etc.).Hence if one is looking for an in-depth academic tome on the subject this is not it. The relevant questions hence becomes how well does it do considering these limitations? The answer is quite well.
The book follows the typical· “campaign” series format and starts out by explaining why the war broke out. In short, because the English governor saw the Zulu state as a threat that had to be eliminated in order that his confederacy plans for South Africa could be implemented. There is, unfortunately, little analysis of whether this was also the plan of England (or the colonial army for that matter) or to what degree he brought this war on, on his own. Then again, considering the short length of this book this may be more than should be realistically expected (and a limitation of this format).
The book then goes on to discuss both side's commanders, their military objectives and their armies (including organizational structure and variables such as morale, equipment, etc.). Despite the short length a decent analysis showing both side's weaknesses and strengths. Then the book goes on to the lsandlwana Campaign that led to a disastrous military defeat for the English and how, the battle of Rorke's Drift, stemmed from that. Ironically the Zulu king had told his lower-level commanders to not launch at attack on Rorke's Drift but they disobeyed him and attacked anyway.
Finally, the book goes on to a description of how the battle played out. Unfortunately, this is primarily from the British side but considering the paucity of material from the Zulu side it would not have been possible to incorporate as detailed an analysis from that perspective. The battle itself was shown to be a very close affair despite the English being overwhelmingly outnumbered (some 150 vs 3000) (but also having a significant advantage in terms of weapons and defensive positions).
This description of the battle is very personal and up-close compared to nearly all other Osprey series Campaign books. Considering that the typical book in this series, however, detailing the movements and actions of tens of thousands of troops this rarely proves possible. In this particular book, though, the small numbers involved enable the author to
bring this battle to life and bring the reader right into the picture. Reading this book, unlike so many other books in this series, one feels as if one were actually there experiencing this battle.
All and all an excellent, albeit succinct, overview of this battle.
Any review of this book would have to start off by mentioning that it is part of Osprey Publishing's ·campaign• series. As such it is relatively short, at only 96 pages. Of these 96 pages very roughly a third or so consist of illustrations of one type or another (i.e., 3-D topographical maps, contemporaneous illustrations of battle scenes, copies of paintings of prominent figures involved, etc.).Hence if one is looking for an in-depth academic tome on the subject this is not it. The relevant questions hence becomes how well does it do considering these limitations? The answer is quite well.
The book follows the typical· “campaign” series format and starts out by explaining why the war broke out. In short, because the English governor saw the Zulu state as a threat that had to be eliminated in order that his confederacy plans for South Africa could be implemented. There is, unfortunately, little analysis of whether this was also the plan of England (or the colonial army for that matter) or to what degree he brought this war on, on his own. Then again, considering the short length of this book this may be more than should be realistically expected (and a limitation of this format).
The book then goes on to discuss both side's commanders, their military objectives and their armies (including organizational structure and variables such as morale, equipment, etc.). Despite the short length a decent analysis showing both side's weaknesses and strengths. Then the book goes on to the lsandlwana Campaign that led to a disastrous military defeat for the English and how, the battle of Rorke's Drift, stemmed from that. Ironically the Zulu king had told his lower-level commanders to not launch at attack on Rorke's Drift but they disobeyed him and attacked anyway.
Finally, the book goes on to a description of how the battle played out. Unfortunately, this is primarily from the British side but considering the paucity of material from the Zulu side it would not have been possible to incorporate as detailed an analysis from that perspective. The battle itself was shown to be a very close affair despite the English being overwhelmingly outnumbered (some 150 vs 3000) (but also having a significant advantage in terms of weapons and defensive positions).
This description of the battle is very personal and up-close compared to nearly all other Osprey series Campaign books. Considering that the typical book in this series, however, detailing the movements and actions of tens of thousands of troops this rarely proves possible. In this particular book, though, the small numbers involved enable the author to
bring this battle to life and bring the reader right into the picture. Reading this book, unlike so many other books in this series, one feels as if one were actually there experiencing this battle.
All and all an excellent, albeit succinct, overview of this battle.
June 16, 2019
On January 11, 1879, Lord Chelmsford's three British Colonial columns crossed into Zululand in Southern Africa, determined to teach the uppity Zulu Kingdom on their Natal border a strong lesson- and break its previous hegemony on the surrounding tribal groups. By the night of the 22nd, his central Column, had been gutted by an overwhelming attack on its base camp on the slopes of Mt. Isandlwana- the Zulu Impi wiping out the 1700 troops left to guard the camp. This was with Adowa, and Gandamak, the largest defeat of a European Colonial army in the period- and a jarring one for a Jingoistic British Empire at the height of the Victorian era. But on the evening of that same 1/22/1879, the rest of the mobilized Zulu army, some 3700 Warriors threw themselves against a little outpost the British had left to guard their logistical tail, Rorke's Drift, where less than 200 men, mostly Welsh soldiers of the 24th Regiment, held them off for a hectic evening and night. Immortalized in the films Zulu! and Zulu Dawn, this battle comes to life at the skilled authorship of Ian Knight, a premier writer on this topic.
It's all here- the set up of overweaning colonial grasp, the resolute Zulu response, the disaster (for the Brits- a Zulu Triumph), and the word getting to little Rorke's Drift. Knight then discusses the fortifications made to the outpost (originally a store/mission) and the attacks themselves. I should mention also that the Illustrations by the renowned Perry Brothers (they of the fabulous 28mm miniature line ) add lots of depth to a book already teeming with maps, diagrams, charts, and B/W pictures. It's a great little history packed into a classic Osprey Publishing 96 page format.
Knights prose is straightforward and a good challenge to a junior reader as young as about 10, while some of the concepts are adult, there is little gore. For the Gamer/Modeller/Military Enthusiast this book is great! There's even an article on how to wargame the period and the battle. This is the perfect wargame resource I like to find- one that would be great for the player who wants just one book to game a period- but also good the type of player who will use the book and its bibliography as a jumping off point to get into more Colonial era mischief. A very strong recommendation.
It's all here- the set up of overweaning colonial grasp, the resolute Zulu response, the disaster (for the Brits- a Zulu Triumph), and the word getting to little Rorke's Drift. Knight then discusses the fortifications made to the outpost (originally a store/mission) and the attacks themselves. I should mention also that the Illustrations by the renowned Perry Brothers (they of the fabulous 28mm miniature line ) add lots of depth to a book already teeming with maps, diagrams, charts, and B/W pictures. It's a great little history packed into a classic Osprey Publishing 96 page format.
Knights prose is straightforward and a good challenge to a junior reader as young as about 10, while some of the concepts are adult, there is little gore. For the Gamer/Modeller/Military Enthusiast this book is great! There's even an article on how to wargame the period and the battle. This is the perfect wargame resource I like to find- one that would be great for the player who wants just one book to game a period- but also good the type of player who will use the book and its bibliography as a jumping off point to get into more Colonial era mischief. A very strong recommendation.
January 22, 2022
As the British influence and control was creeping northward from the southern tip of Africa, there was an inevitable collision between the encroaching Europeans and the native communities. One of the most powerful opponents of further incursion was the Zulu nation. Like similar classes between Native Americans and European invaders, it was a case of a well-armed and disciplined force against a weakly armed more numerous enemy.
One of the most famous battles in the Anglo-Zulu War took place at an outpost called Rorke’s Drift. It was there that approximately 150 Imperial soldiers fought off an army of approximately 3,000 Zulu soldiers. It ended with a large number of casualties and at best could be considered a draw.
Yet, it was not. The large number of losses with no clear victory had a demoralizing effect on the Zulu nation. From that point on it was clear that the Zulu army could not stand against the disciplined troops of the British Empire.
Like so many battles of this type, it was a spontaneous event and not planned. Knight is very even-handed in his descriptions of the battle in the sense he praises the valor and courage exhibited by both sides. It is also made clear that the inferior nature of the Zulu weapons was the key factor in their “defeat.” Handheld spears are of little value against an enemy that can shoot accurately for several hundred yards.
A battle far more significant than the number of combatants would imply, the battle of Rorke’s Drift was a turning point. The British forces were awarded 11 Victoria Crosses and at the end it was clear to all that Zulu power could not stand against the might of the British soldier armed with modern weapons.
One of the most famous battles in the Anglo-Zulu War took place at an outpost called Rorke’s Drift. It was there that approximately 150 Imperial soldiers fought off an army of approximately 3,000 Zulu soldiers. It ended with a large number of casualties and at best could be considered a draw.
Yet, it was not. The large number of losses with no clear victory had a demoralizing effect on the Zulu nation. From that point on it was clear that the Zulu army could not stand against the disciplined troops of the British Empire.
Like so many battles of this type, it was a spontaneous event and not planned. Knight is very even-handed in his descriptions of the battle in the sense he praises the valor and courage exhibited by both sides. It is also made clear that the inferior nature of the Zulu weapons was the key factor in their “defeat.” Handheld spears are of little value against an enemy that can shoot accurately for several hundred yards.
A battle far more significant than the number of combatants would imply, the battle of Rorke’s Drift was a turning point. The British forces were awarded 11 Victoria Crosses and at the end it was clear to all that Zulu power could not stand against the might of the British soldier armed with modern weapons.
February 13, 2025
Impressed with the detail. I first saw this battle from a painting and it made a deep impression on me. 200 British soldiers were surrounded in their little headquarter by 4000 Zulus hell bent on killing. It must have been quite a sight. At the end, the British prevailed because light traditional Zulu infantry stood no chance against prepared positions with disciplined gunmen, the ground were littered with Zulus, in some positions the bodies stacked in 3 layers. One thing I didn't know that this book reveals is that the Zulus have guns too, they got it from Portuguese merchants, however, they are mostly of the older models with much lower accuracy and range. Plus, the Zulus were not afraid of bullets but were afraid of bayonet, because their shaman has prayed that they will be invulnerable to the former.
July 22, 2017
Following the disaster at Isandlwana the British Empire needed a victory and the defenders at Rorke's Drift provided that. A story which has lasted through the generations due to the number of VCs awarded and a movie 'Zulu'.
Osprey's Campaign series is a very detailed look at a particular battle or campaign and this is no different with full colour maps, pictures, and details of the movements of the British forces. This is a superb book for anyone interested in this battle, to see how different it is to the film version, and the impact (or lack thereof) it has on the rest of the Zulu War and the British Empire.
Osprey's Campaign series is a very detailed look at a particular battle or campaign and this is no different with full colour maps, pictures, and details of the movements of the British forces. This is a superb book for anyone interested in this battle, to see how different it is to the film version, and the impact (or lack thereof) it has on the rest of the Zulu War and the British Empire.
February 18, 2020
A good military summary of the events during the battle. Good illustrations. Not too much detail, which is a good thing. I didn't need to have an exact count of the mealie bags used as barricades. Not politcized. Also a good thing.
August 27, 2012
As with all Osprey books what you get is fact with some interpretation. The time frame is set, battle site described, the sides compared and the events outlined with a discussion of the aftermath. A useful chronology appears at the back of the book and it is filled with illustration. A good, solid run down of facts. I would recommend to anytime who was interested in a quick read to understand the basics of the confrontation and strategies involved.
February 13, 2014
First rate.
February 5, 2016
It was a helluva fight. Well researched and described.
April 10, 2017
The four stars are in this case given with a bit of a reservation, because I find no justification for this engagement to be included in 'Campaigns' booklet cycle. Let's be honest for a second - Rorke's Drift was an accidental sideshow of Isandlwana, without any lasting consequences other than being valuable contribution to British military mythology and tradition.
Having said that, I must admit that the small scale of the engagement renders it particularly suitable for ‘Campaigns’ format. The author does make the most of available space and the event is described with attention to detail seldom seen in ‘Campaign’ booklets’. As always, the supporting graphics are of absolute top quality. Overall, a very pleasurable reading experience and a good reference work for those interested in this particular battle and Zulu-British War as a whole.
Having said that, I must admit that the small scale of the engagement renders it particularly suitable for ‘Campaigns’ format. The author does make the most of available space and the event is described with attention to detail seldom seen in ‘Campaign’ booklets’. As always, the supporting graphics are of absolute top quality. Overall, a very pleasurable reading experience and a good reference work for those interested in this particular battle and Zulu-British War as a whole.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews