Discovering the Battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu War - Ken Gillings

Discovering the Battlefields of theAnglo-Zulu War - Ken Gillings

Interest in KwaZulu-Natals battlefields especiallythose of the Anglo-Zulu War has soared since the film Zulu first screened in1964, followed by Zulu Dawn in 1979 (the centenary of the Anglo-Zulu War).During the centenary, the famous battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorkes Driftwere made tourist-friendly by the then Natal Provincial Administration andcontrols were put in place by the heritage authorities to prevent relics frombeing plundered. Supported by effective marketing from the Battlefield Route Associationand the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Tourism Authority, the battlefields havebecome a must-see. Indeed, Rorkes Drift has become a tourist icon. Specialistbattlefield guides have been trained and are considered to be among the best inthe world. New hotels and lodges have been built with battlefield tourismresulting in the creation of an estimated 7,500 permanent jobs in what istermed the Battlefield Region. 

There are, of course, many more Anglo-Zulu Warsites to be seen: Discovering the Battlefields will enable visitors to findthem and to read an account that is not too lengthy yet has sufficient contentto bring it to life. GPS co-ordinates will enable those wishing to undertake ajourney of exploration. The book is also a useful training manual forprospective battlefield guides. Above all, however, the author shares hisknowledge gleaned from over 50 years of researching the Anglo-Zulu War. He hasblended first-hand accounts passed on from participants on both sides tosubsequent generations with official or newly-researched information that hasbecome available in recent years. It is written in a style that is neithertechnical nor dramatic, is extensively illustrated with photographs ofpersonalities and places and includes comprehensive maps of all the battlesites.

Paperback, 256 pages with illustrations & maps

Published November 2013