Monday, April 16, 2018

Rorke's Drift: A New Perspective Hardcover – December 30, 2016 by Neil Thornton (Fonthill Media )



I understand that this 19th century military engagement has been written about so many times that one might be forgiven for a "ho hum" response to another telling of Rorke's Drift, Natal Province 1879. Do so at personal loss as this is really a "New Perspective" as claimed by author, Neil Thornton.

This history boasts a solid bibliography including period newspapers and journals. Even more admirable, the footnotes are annotated. Eschewing footnotes, indicates an author is satisfied attracting "general readers"only and not including those with a more than casual interest in the subject.

There are included handsome color plates featuring contemporary portrayals of the battle and most importantly, computer generated views of inside the compound and hospital. The author's well constructed conclusions concerning the hospital defense are sound.

There is a detailed chapter devoted to the gallantry recipients not only including VC winners but also those awarded the DCM. Beyond this there are well told incidents of bravery and sacrifice. One sees a gallant Zulu inDuna with a plume headdress leading a charge three times into the hail of fire. There is Reverend George "Ammunition" Smith while handing out ammunition to his "charges" shouting, "Don't swear men don't swear.. but shoot them boys,shoot them."

The author's chapter "Defender Accounts", includes from The Natal Witness, dated January 21st 1961, an amusing conversation with one Private Thomas Buckley. This old Irish soldier of B Company the 2/24th Warwickshire must have surely been one of the last of the surviving "Braves" that wore the "Red Coat" on January 22-23.

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