Like Wolves on the Fold: The Defence of Rorkes Drift

Snook, Lieutenant Colnel Mike

ISBN 10: 1853676594 / ISBN 13: 9781853676598

Published by Greenhill Books, London, 2006

About this Item

In 1879 a single company of the British 25th Regiment held off a force of 4,500 Zulu warriors in South Africa at Rorke's Drift, a hospital mission in Zululand. Earlier in the day the Zulu warriors had decimated the British Expeditionary force at Isandlwana. There is a center photo section with color & b&w illustrations, and several maps throughout. Contains an index, glossary, and a bibliography in the rear. This is a nice clean, tight and unmarked book with no interior or exterior markings, no owner names and no bookplates. The dust jacket in similarly nice condition with no chips, tears, or markings. ; B&W & Color Photos, Maps; 8vo, 8"- 9" tall; 302 pages.

Seller Inventory # 20166

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Like Wolves on the Fold: The Defence of Rorkes Drift
• Publisher: Greenhill Books, London
• Publication Date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1853676594
• ISBN 13: 9781853676598
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine

About this title

Synopsis

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.

About the Author

Mike Snook is a serving British Army Officer with a particular interest in the Anglo Zulu Wars. This, his second book, is the sequel to his critically acclaimed How Can Man Die Better: The Secrets of Isandlwana Revealed. He lives in Brecon, UK.