Rorke's Drift 1879: 'Pinned like rats in a hole'

Description

Rorke's Drift sums up some of the best traditions of the British self-image: steadfastness against the odds, victory in adversity and the thin red line. The British stand deserves to go down in history as one of the most heroic actions of all time. The story of a mere 150 British and Imperial soldiers defending an isolated outpost against over 3,000 Zulu warriors summed up the experience of the colonial adventure for the Victorians and remains part of our heritage even today. Ian Knight recounts the course of this famous conflict in which no less than 11 Victoria crosses were won.

Ian Knight was born in 1956. He was a freelance writer on military history for ten years before studying Afro-Caribbean History at the University of Kent. He has written widely on Zulu history and travelled extensively in Zululand. Ian was the editor of the Victorian Military Society journal for many years, and has written several books for Osprey. Alan Perry was born in 1961 and bought up in North London. He has worked for Games Workshop and Wargames Foundry for 22 years and 16 years respectively as a sculptor/designer. His previous work for Osprey includes Campaign 54: Shiloh 1862 Michael Perry is the twin brother of Alan and has also worked for Games Workshop and Wargames Foundry. He has illustrated several books for Osprey, specialising in Chinese subjects, including Men-at-Arms 275: The Taiping Rebellion 1851-66.