Welcome to Zulu Wars! Introduction This site is dedicated to the pursuit of the Anglo- Zulu War of 1879. Here you will find details of books, prints and a movie, all having been written, compiled or instigated by Ron Lock and Peter Quantrill, both ardent buffs and acknowledged experts.
You will also find details of Battlefield and Historical Tours that are personally conducted to all the major sites throughout kwaZulu-Natal.
The Anglo-Zulu War continues to fascinate a great cross section of people from many parts of the world. What started 130 years ago as a colonial conflict in a remote part of Southern Africa, resulting in humiliating defeats and resounding victories for both sides, has grown into a mini industry. It is an industry - if that is the right word - that not only promotes tourism to areas where support is welcomed, but helps us to remember the virtues of honour and courage that still resound at the mention of names such as Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift. It was much a war of heroes that prompted a Zulu commander to remark of a British fight to the last man:
"They fell like stones, every man in his place"; and the Commander in Chief of the British Army to remark "Nowhere in Central or Southern Africa did such a disciplined force of courageous men exist as lay at the command of the Zulu King". | | | The Books
In order of Publication | The Red Book, a compilation of newspaper reports of 1879 covering the Anglo-Zulu War. Three hundred pages comprising over 1000 individual reports concerning every aspect of the conflict. Many fascinating details that will not be found elsewhere.
An essential work for any student, and a much sought-after collector's item. | | Zulu Victory. The Epic of Isandlwana and the Cover Up. An in depth study of the Battle of Isandlwana including descriptions of the combatants on both sides, their regiments, weapons and way of life. And, finally, for the first time, a revealing account of the cover-up. Many illustrations , both black and white and full colour.
What the critics had to say: ". a fascinating read beyond the scholarly debate about who won the battle". Sunday Times.
". gripping in the extreme: blunder and heroism on a grand scale ." Oxford Times.
"The authors superbly weave the excitement of the battle, the British mistakes, the brilliant Zulu tactics and the shameful cover-up, into a dramatic, tragic tale. It's an exhilaratingly well informed introduction ."
Colonial Warfare. | | The Zulu War Through the Eyes of the London Illustrated News. Every report and illustration that appeared in 52 issues of the ILN for the year 1879, have been carefully scanned from the originals and with modern technology reproduced into a handsome volume of over 300 pages and 200 illustrations.
Furthermore, for the benefit of historians, researchers and students, an index has been added. The black and white illustrations are stunning in their scope and skill and are representative of a lost art. What the critics had to say: ". These skillful journalists provided some of the most evocative and eloquent copy ever to come out of this country".
David Rattray.
"This work adds immeasurably to the history of the war and is destined to become a collector's item. Highly recommended". The Meander Chronicle. | | Zulu Vanquished. The Destruction of the Zulu Kingdom. The sequel to Zulu Victory describes the second invasion of the Zulu Kingdom. This is the story of the lesser known - but by no means less furious - encounters of the Anglo-Zulu War. The bloody debacle of the colonial cavalry at Hlobane; the touch and go outcomes of mighty forces at Kambula and finally the battle of Ulundi culminating in the ruthless charge and pursuit by the British lancers and dragoons.
What the critics had to say: The authors .draw judiciously on a rich cross section of the many first hand accounts that survive. Some of these are decidedly pithy and there is a "warts and all" character to their descriptions. If it was written as fiction nobody would believe it. It's stirring stuff and a good read." Royal Engineers Journal.
"All who are interested in this campaign will find themselves racing through the pages towards the tragic battle of Ulundi and the capture of the awesome King Cetswayo." David Rattray. | | | | The Print - Isandlwana Camp Layout 22nd January 1879 After diligent research in a number of contemporary sources, the late John (Jack) Spencer Simpson, the well known architect/artist was commissioned to paint in water colour, the British camp at Isandlwana as would have appeared early in the morning prior to the battle on the 22 January 1879. This print on high quality cartridge paper has been selling steadily to enthusiasts for some years and a limited number remain. It was Jack Simpson's last work before he died. | | | | The DVD - Isandlwana Zulu Battlefield This is a 55 minute documentary - a documentary with a difference. There are no boring lecturing 'experts' - its action all the way. Mostly filmed on location by renowned cameramen, including helicopter footage. It uncompromisingly depicts this famous battle from beginning to end. Most intriguingly many of the battle scenes contain historical black and white footage secured from "Symbol of Sacrifice" filmed in South Africa in 1917.
Thus this footage is not only 90 years old and therefore of historical importance, it is now exclusive to our movie. The original advertising of "Symbol of Sacrifice" stated that a number of the Zulu extras actually fought in the Battle of Isandlwana which is indeed quite possible. The movie also incorporates scenes from the historic affiliation of the Royal Regiment of Wales with Zulu Battalion, South African Defence Force.
What the critics had to say: "Isandlwana - Zulu Battlefield" I will see that it is viewed at the highest levels in the South African National Defence Force. Well done, an excellent production". Major-General Ian Deetlefs SSAS, SM, JCD.
"This is a superb piece of work that adds a new chapter to the Anglo-Zulu War - lifelike and gripping." Nikki Moore, Tourism and Conservation News KZN.
"Absolutely first class; beautifully done and genuinely moving. I just wanted to record my sheer pleasure in seeing it." Angus McBride.
International Military Artist. | | | | Battlefields Africa An apt name for Ron Lock’s tours which he has been guiding professionally for fifteen years. His vast knowledge of kwaZulu-Natal encompasses not only the history of the Zulu nation, the Anglo-Zulu War, the Anglo-Boer War, but many other incidents of historical interest. | | | ABOUT THE AUTHORS |
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