Like Wolves on the Fold: The Defence of Rorke's Drift

by Mike Snook, Huw Lloyd-Jones (Foreword)

Wednesday 22 January 1879 was one of the most dramatic days in the annals of military history. In the morning, a modern British army was swept aside by the onset of a seemingly unstoppable Zulu host at Isandlwana. Nearby, at a remote border outpost on the Buffalo River, a single company of the 24th Regiment and a few dozen recuperating hospital patients were passing another hot, monotonous day. News of the disaster across the river came like a bolt from the blue. Retreat was not an option. It seemed certain that the Rorke's Drift detachment would share the terrible fate of their comrades. Following on from How Can Man Die Better, Colonel Snook brings the insights of a military professional to bear in this strikingly original account. It is an extraordinary tale a victory largely achieved by the sheer bloody-mindedness in adversity of the British infantryman, fighting at the remarkable odds of over thirty to one. The heroics of all eleven VC winners are recounted in detail, and we are offered new insights into how the Zulu attack unfolded and how 150 men achieved their improbable victory. The author describes the remainder of the war, from the recovery of the lost Queen's Colour of the 24th to the climactic charge of the 17th Lancers at Ulundi. We return to Isandlwana to consider culpability, and learn of the often tragic fates of many of the war's participants. Like Wolves is a remarkable work, and the author's unbridled respect for the fighting qualities of British soldier and his abiding affection for the Zulu people shines through.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Military History, Military Fiction, Africa, War, British Literature

302 pages, Hardcover

First published March 2, 2006

Reviews

[Dimitri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who loves the Zulu War but not Rorke's Drift? Nobody. Even after Greaves and Knight, Snook's spyglass still turns up a few novelty details and drags a myth or two out of the cupboard.

For some reason the book's padded with an uninspired look at other events during the First Invasion and a lengthy anti Durnford discussion which feels more at home in How Can Man Die Better: The Secrets of Isandlwana Revealed

Luckily, we end with a gallery of post war biographies and the mementos of 1879 in the regimental mess of the 24th.

[Cropredy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are reading this, you will fall into one of four camps:

1) You saw the movie Zulu and want to know more about the true story of Rorke's Drift.
2) You were inculcated (probably as a British schoolkid) in the glories of the Empire and the 11 VCs awarded at the battle but really don't know anything more and are curious.
3) You are interested in military history, know something about the Zulu War (perhaps from The Washing of the Spears: A History of the Rise of the Zulu Nation Under Shaka and Its Fall in the Zulu War of 1879) and want a thorough book-length treatment of Rorke's Drift.
4) You know nothing about Rorke's Drift

OK, first of all, if you are at all interested in the story, either before or after reading "Like Wolves on the Fold", go watch Zulu, a movie that made quite an impression on me when I was 12. The movie was made in 1964 but there is an anniversary Blu-Ray on Amazon for $19.95.

Now, if you don't know anything about the Zulu War and Rorke's Drift, you might want to start with the author's first book, How Can Man Die Better: The Secrets of Isandlwana Revealed for the events leading up to Rorke's Drift earlier in the day when a British column was annihilated hence making the Rorke's Drift story even more amazing. Or, just take the annihilation as a given and pick up the action as the Rorke's Drift outpost learns of the disaster and sets out to take defensive measures.

Snook does a terrific job unfolding the battle minute-by-minute guided by modern day photographs of the station so you can appreciate the terrain and excellent maps for each stage of the battle (and I do mean excellent - right down to the mealie bag perimeter walls). Your visualization of the story is influenced by the movie if you've seen it. Snook takes pains to dispel some of the cinema's treatment of the battle but these are mere details. Since Snook was an infantry commander, he can tell the story from a soldier's point of view yet his writing style is that of a literate historian.

After the battle is over, Snook takes us back to Isandlwana and the field of dead British and colonial soldiers. If you know nothing of Isandlwana, this section is hard to follow as there are no maps (hence, either read about Isandlwana first or just accept the last chapter of Like Wolves on the Fold as is and satisfy your curiosity later.

I gave it 4 stars because I "knew how it ended". If you pick up the book with no prior knowledge it could be a 5 star book as the story is quite incredible.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a detailed discussion of what happened in Zululand. Movies have been made, and books written about this event, but in my mind, this is the definitive source.

Lt. Col Snook was actually with the impacted Regiment, so he was able to review many source documents. He presents these with detailed maps, sketches and artwork. It’s a tremendous read. He’s written one other book, How Can Man Die Better? about the slaughter at Isandlwana. I’ve not read this one yet, but want to.

You know how when you watch a post-game interview with a sports player (doesn’t matter what sport) they say all the trite clichés- “We went out and gave 110%” blah blah blah? Lately I’ve noticed that this trend has extended into all fields, example: “We know you’re giving 110%, but we’re gonna ask you to give 120%!” Well, what these men did at Rorke’s drift is a powerful illustration of what grit, wits, and pure gumption can attain. They didn’t sit around talking about how much they were going to give, or how they could contribute to the team’s shared goals: They dug in and commenced the grim work of defense.

Seems to me in modern times, we talk about it. But these men? They lived it. It’s a true story of winning against overwhelming odds. While I still like heartwarming tales, Miracle comes to mind (great film) this story is a quantum leap in bravery.

[James Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I saw the Movie Zulu the first time when I was about 7 or 8 and was so intrigued by the story, and I still read everything I Can about the Zulu history. At least 4000 or more. could be as many as 10000 Zulu,s against 130-150 British Officers and Men. After their victory at Isandlwana the Zulu's Attacked Rorke;s Drift. The battle at Rorke's Drift is text book study on Courage,Perserverance and Heroism. 11 Victoria Crosses were awarded in this battle alone, more would have been awarded except Brittish did not award the Victoria Cross posthmously. It is the highest award that could be awarded for Valor. The Zulu warrior was as couragous and as compitant as any soldier of the times. The Author was an officer in the Wales Regiment in the 1980 and has access to records and material from Regimental Historian. Tradition in the Brittish Army is treasured and very Important. GREAT BOOK

[Jim Mcclanahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who has seen the 1964 movie, Zulu will be interested in this book. the author provides an exhaustive description of the real historical events of the battle of Rorke's Drift. Those who were led to believe that the Zulu sacrificed their soldiers to "count the enemy's guns" or that they saluted the British before departing will have those images dashed. And there was no fortuitous cattle stampede either. What is described in the book is a tale of ordinary men (on both sides) in extraordinary circumstances. Sometimes a little more detail than required, e.g., I really didn't need to know how many mealy bags were stacked or to what height. But the authenticity that emanates from this book more than makes up for any shortcomings.

[Billy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clearly a must-own book for any aficianado of the Anglo-Zulu Wars.

The mark down is for two reasons. First, the book is a clunky read as the author seemingly attempts to place every single individual associated with Rorke's Drift in his proper spot. This involves a great deal of hopping back and forth in space and time, which kills the flow of the story.

Second, the final chapter is a post-mortem on the preceding disaster at Isandlwana, which is somewhat akin to writing a book on the Battle of the Bulge and concluding it with an assessment of the Normandy landings. Interesting reading, but it seems as if the chapter more properly belongs in the author's first book, which is actually about Isandlwana.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do 120 men, many of them sick and injured, and few of them infantry, manage to do what 10 times as many tried and died earlier? Read the book and find out. One of the great defenses at all time. If you've seen the movie, you can see why the Welsh, and the English more vicariously, regard this action as one of the greatest moments in the history of the British army. And well they should. How would Americans feel if Crockett, Travis and Bowie not only survived the Alamo but won? There's little of the mythology of the battle in this book written by a present day Colonel of the same regiment. You won't find the Welsh and the Zulu serenading each other as you did in the movie, but as in the movie, you will find a great deal of mutual respect for the bravery and skill of both sides. And you'll learn why the names of Bromhead, Chard and Hook, among others, remain as well known in Britain today as Crockett and Bowie do here.

[Ian Hallam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book which is written with clear incite & authority, I've seen both Zulu Dawn & Zulu but it was good to read the true story from an unbiased perspective.
What I particularly liked is that after recounting the defence of Rorke's Drift the author then went on to recount what happened to the major players in the defence. I also liked the fact the author gives a very comprehensive guide should you wish to visit the battlefields, along with advice on the precautions a traveller should take in the areas visited so that they stay safe.

[Grim Tidings]

I won't rate this one because I feel the preceding book How Can Man Die Better: The Secrets of Isandlwana Revealed has to be read before this one, or at least another book on the wider context of the Zulu war, to really appreciate this account. I have read on Rorke's Drift and the Zulu War before, but not in a while and so the immediate context of the battle (the earlier Isandlwana and both battles' importance to the war in general) was not apparent; while most books would provide the reader with a brief introduction to the war and the build-up to the battle, as the historian has covered this in How Can Man Die Better, in this account we get no context. Not a problem if you're well-versed in the Zulu war, but I couldn't properly get into this. Still it was as good read, I bought it from a charity shop hence not realising the importance of the preceding book, as a standalone read it covers its topic very well (though I prefer my battle books to discuss context much more than this one does), what it really is, is a bash-by-bash account of the defence of Rorke's Drift, going so far as to tell you exactly what happens at any given minute (as far as sources allow), what rooms the soldiers occupy and when they leave it, which key figures are involved and when they die, etc.

It goes into such a granular detail that I have never read before in a book focusing on one battle - your average Waterloo book for instance may well zoom in on the punchout at La Haye Sainte for a time, but cannot afford to give in pages what Snook does here. Probably because, when all you focus on is this battle, it is not a particularly complicated affair: at its most basic, it's a load of red coats stuck in a barn, shooting and bayoneting waves of dudes. Hence why it is so popular as a story of bravery and bloody warfare. Snook captures this element of the battle brilliantly, making his empathy for the 24th regiment and its brave enemies clear throughout. At the same time, its greatest flaw for me was the name dropping which at times was too much - in trying to showcase the individual bravery of the regiment, the book overloads us with names. Without knowing the significance of any one individual over the other, it's hard to know what to focus on. That said I did enjoy the historian's passion for telling the soldiers' story, even listing all their names at the back of the book. It feels like a book written out of passion, and by a soldier too - who understands the battle through the footsoldier's perspective more than your average historian. The drawback to that is this book is very matter-of-fact, and as mentioned tends to labour the smallest details a bit too much.

As a source on the battle singularly (which is what it sets out to do), you probably won't get any better. The detail is immense and Snook is careful to debate the sources within the text, determining fact from fiction as much as he is able. I loved the diagrams, literally drawing a picture of the hospital + storehouse, its defences, and (as the battle develops) the relative positions of the Zulus/defenders. There's 20+ pages of coloured pictures as well, contemporary paintings of the war and modern photos of Rorke's Drift today. It makes the battle incredibly easy to visualise. If you desire focusing specifically on the battle and nothing else, I would recommend this.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most iconic battles in the history of the British Empire, is the subject of this book by Col. Mike Snook. It is part of a pair of books dealing with the battles of Isandlwana, and of course Rourke's Drift. The first one, How Can Man Die Better, I have already reviewed. Like Wolves on the Fold doesn't mess around with too much background info, though of course there is enough to fill you in on the happenings at the time. It starts out with the usual happenings of the army camp, and quickly builds to the crescendo of battle.

This was no battle of maneuver. This was pure smash mouth, winner takes all warfare. It was a battle of utter destruction on one side, and one of survival on the other. If you think you know this battle from the movie, think again. While I enjoy the entertainment value of the movie, I will never watch it quite the same again. This is a story of fierce bravery, and undaunted courage.

Col. Snook, in my opinion, is one of the best historical writers out there. He is able to build the story, without any hyperbole, from the words and actions of the participants in such a way as to make it like a great novel. But instead of a fictional story, the action, bravery, blood, and guts are those of real men. He not only gives a vivid account of the battle but also a great analysis of Isandlwana. The end of this book gives short biographical accounts of the participants, Chard's report to the Queen as well as some good travel advice, and contacts, for those wishing to go see the ground themselves. The appendix also includes rosters for both actions.

I have read some accounts that try to explain away the quantity of VCs awarded for the action at Rourke's Drift as being a cover for Chelmsford's ineptitude in the campaign. In my opinion, nothing could be further from the truth. Those VCs were not just handed out like candy, they were earned by every man that was awarded one. Like Private Hitch, fighting on the front line even after his shoulder was shattered by a Zulu bullet, and when he could fire his rifle no longer he used Bromhead's revolver. When he could no longer shoot at all, he teamed up with another wounded man to distribute ammo during the fighting. I will guarantee you there were VCs given out for less. That man alone was worthy of every honor his nation had to bestow on him. And he was not alone. This book may shatter many of the notions you had about this battle. Sadly, and the author laments this as well, there is no information to share from the Zulu side. Had there been, this would have been one of the most remarkable books ever written.

While you can read the two books individually, I would heartily recommend reading them sequentially. Together they form a sweeping tale of that fateful day in January 1879.

[J.P. Harker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and an easy read. The author really knows his stuff - I was worried initially that, given the author's background and the obvious pride he has in his regiment, this would involve a lot of flag-waving, but that wasn't the case. The immense courage and skill of the defenders is indeed lauded, but so is that of the Zulu. Huge amounts of detail without feeling bogged down.

Anyone who's seen Michael Caine pretending he can do a posh accent should check this out for some extra info on the battle!

[sean gillis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fourth book ive read on the subject, far and away the best. Not only do we have a breakdown of events but an objective approach that removes the biases that have been placed on the men and their actions over the years and a clear analysis of the series of actions and commands that led to this great standoff. Plus transcripts of Chards report and Wilsone Blacks reports from the two times her returned to the battlefield. Amazing book. Includes travel advisories and turn by turn directions to get to major sites !

[Professor Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

The real story behind the 1964 film "Zulu." Much better than the movie, which doesn't even begin to capture the courage displayed on both sides. Chapter 4, in particular, is one of the most nerve-wracking passages I've ever read. Snook is an engaging and humane writer, but sometimes drowns the reader in detail and assumes too much familiarity with background material. Found myself referring to the index on roughly every other page.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my all-time favorite movies is ZULU, based on the events covered in this relatively good account of the defense of Rorke's Drift. I guess it was inevitable I would want to read about the battle, but it took me a while to get the book, thankfully to the interlibrary loan through RCPL. I thought the story is well researched and well told.

[Eric Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent accounting of the complex battle of Rorke’s Drift with fascinating historical documents in the appendices. Snook does a wonderful job of outlining the battle and follows survivors lives after. Well done.

[Bob Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a mature armchair reader it was really good

Excellent well put together. A must keep reading analysis of a remarkable time in England when men fought without question

[Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best read in conjunction with _How Can Man Die Better_. Snook tells a masterful tale, carefully grounded in the sources and terrain of Rorke's Drift.

[Old Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about a very famous battle. Respect is quite rightly shown to those on both sides. Makes fascinating reading, especially for fans of the best ever war movie 'Zulu'.

[Max Frankwicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Men that stood by one another in despair times and survived.

[Sean Meade · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting piece about Zulu and British history in South Africa. Watch the movie Zulu afterward.

[Max]

I lack the knowledge to rate this book properly. But I enjoyed it

[Ashton Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great depiction of the fight at Rorke's Drift during the Zulu War. Snook conclusions are based on evidence, and his interpretations are well thought out and insightful. This book also clears up some misperceptions that are often held about some of the players in the defense of Rorke's Drift (such as Hook, who was not a drunk [as depicted in the movie, Zulu] and in fact was quite a good man).

Snook finishes his book by taking a final look at the massacre at Isandwalla. While it was readable and interesting, it was very apparent that in order to fully appriciate this section of the book you would need to have already read his previous book regarding Isandwalla.

[William Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about one of the greatest British military stands in the Victorian era -- 135 members of the 24th Welch Regiment versus 3,000 skilled and heavily armed Zulus at Roarke's Drift 1n 1893 where 11 officers and enlisted men were awarded the Victoria Cross. It is an amazing story, best shown in the movie Zulu starring Michael Caine. The book isn't as colorful or exciting as the movie, but its purpose was to provide a detailed history, correct some errors in the film, and put it in the context of the previous Battle of Isandlwana, where the Zulus wiped out a much larger British force, and the overall South African and Boer Wars. Good history.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one quite a bit. Very detailed and well researched, while still exciting and readable- probably more of the first and less of the second than David Howarth's description of Waterloo, for comparison.

I did not read "How Can Man Die Better" first, and didn't really feel lost for that, but the last third or so of the book does deal mostly with conclusions on blame and aftermath for the massacre at Isandlwana (the actual story of which is obviously not included in this book). I still found it interesting, but certainly it would have been more so if I'd read the books in order!

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the fifth year in a row I've started with a history book about the Anglo-Zulu war of 1979. I'm getting quite used to it by now, so a lot of the material was not new to me. This was written as a sequel to Snook's book on Isandlwana, but it should have been all one volume, since he has some extra thoughts about that battle here as well. Not as good as his earlier one, since this fight is much better known and chronicled, leaving him with less to do. Rated PG for some war themes. 3/5

[Rock5blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best, most solidly researched and analyzed book ever written on the defense of Rorke's Drift (the Zulu wars). Very readable non-fiction. Outstanding in all regards. If you have any interest in the topic, this is a must read, as is "How Man Can Die Better", by the same author, which details the catastrophic loss of the regiment.

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alas, there is no singing of "Men of Harlech" as the embattled band of the 24th Foot defends itself against thousands of Zulu warriors. Overall, an excellent account of one of the most gloriest days in the history of the British Empire.

[Peter]

I have a game about the Battle of Rorke's Drift, so I'd like to read this book first to learn some of the history before playing the game.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good and interesting book,liked the information of who defended and names of medal winners.

[Susie Schroeder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Superb account of the Defense of Rorke's Drift, with many original pictures I had never seen beofre