CAMPAIGNING IN SOUTH AFRICA (Anglo-Zulu War)

A superb copy of the first edition of this very scarce title concerning the First Anglo Boer War, written and published by one of the participants in the war in 1880. 8vo. viii. 368pp. In the original blue cloth with gilt lettering and design on the front board. Top and fore edges uncut. SABIB Vol. 3. Page 359. A very good plus or better bright unmarked copy which has some light rubbing and edge wear with a couple of corners lightly bumped. The brown endpapers and hinges are intact and there are some scanty light foxing spots of the prelims. Most unusual in such nice condition.

Captain Montague of the 94th Regiment, was in quarters at Aldershot when orders were received for the Battalion to embark for South Africa, on the 12th February 12th, 1879. The activities and incidents of departure are given in detail, showing how unwieldy a machine even a small army can be. The call-up was the result of the attempts to suppress the Zulu Nation by military means when Lord Chelmsford was sent to invade Zululand. The resultant war was notable for several particularly bloody battles, including the Zulu victory at Isandlwana, where, on the 22nd January 1879, approximately 22,000 Zulu warriors defeated a force of approximately 1,350 British and Native troops in one of the first engagements of the Anglo-Zulu War. That battle remains the single greatest defeat for the British Army at the hands of a native army. This was a bitter experience to Victorian England and reinforcements were called up to achieve a decisive British victory and end the Zulu nation's independence. The book describes the trip from Durban and onwards to Ulundi. Several incidents, including the death of the Prince Imperial of France are covered.