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A Handful Of Heroes, Rorke's Drift : Facts, Myths and Legend
Alan
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Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 1530
Location: Wales
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This is another book which suggests it contains previously unknown facts. I'm not sure what the picture of Sister Janet on the cover is all about.

This is the description I found.

"Thanks to newly discovered letters and documents, A Handful of Heroes updates the history of the Defence of Rorke's Drift, which will forever be one of the most celebrated British feats of arms. Remarkably after such prolonged historical scrutiny, the author's research proves that there is yet more to discover about this famous incident of the Zulu War 1879 and her superbly researched book reveals a number of myths that have distorted what happened during the gallant defence of the small Mission Station. For example, it transpires that the isolated outpost was already well prepared for an attack by experts in field defence. While this in no way denigrates the heroic efforts of the heavily out-numbered defenders, it does help to explain the successful defence against seemingly overwhelming odds This fascinating and highly readable account goes on to examine in detail the famous Chard Report which has long been relied on by historians and authors. Doubts emerge as to its accuracy and evidence is provided which suggests the Report's author was coerced by a senior officer in order to protect the latter's reputation.Likewise the letters of August Hammar, a young Swedish visitor to the Mission, put Reverend Otto Witt's false account into perspective.

These and other revelations make A Handful of Heroes a fresh and important addition to the bibliography of this legendary Zulu War engagement."


Last edited by Alan on Wed Apr 15, 2015 10:38 am; edited 1 time in total

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peterw


Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 865
Location: UK
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The presence of Sister Janet is due to a previous book on her by the author. Hopefully there is more evidence in the book to justify her position.

Peter
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Alan
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Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 1530
Location: Wales
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I found this alternative cover.


Confused? This doesn't have Myths in the description.

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AMB


Joined: 07 Oct 2005
Posts: 921
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As long as the publisher puts RD in the title they'll sell a few copies.

Any one know/heard of the author?

AMB
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Martin Everett


Joined: 01 Sep 2005
Posts: 786
Location: Brecon
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Yes, she is a nurse and the wife of the heart consultant who treated Adrian Greaves.

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Martin Everett
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The Scorer


Joined: 27 Nov 2006
Posts: 338
Location: Newport
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Amazon says that it's going to be published by Pen & Sword on 30th June, and the price should be �19.99.
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The Scorer


Joined: 27 Nov 2006
Posts: 338
Location: Newport
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The Scorer wrote:
Amazon says that it's going to be published by Pen & Sword on 30th June, and the price should be �19.99.


Amazon are now saying that the publication date is 1st July 2015, but also that it has not yet been released as of today.

The price remains �19.99, but at least two suppliers are offering it ("New") for around �15.00.

Has anyone seen this at all, please?

Thanks.
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Robin


Joined: 16 Jan 2007
Posts: 135
Location: Nottingham Road KZN RSA
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I think I have the "myth" edition
Chapter 4 extract from first paragraph (page 24)
'The Zulus opened the battle by covertly moving their army behind and to the flank of the British camp during the night of 22 January and moving to attack Isandlwana shortly after dawn'
I am not an expert but personally found the book full of "myths"
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Damian


Joined: 12 Aug 2007
Posts: 105
Location: Pietermaritzburg KZN
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Is it worth getting hold of Robin?
Did you get it locally or did you import it
Thanks
Damian
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Alan
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Joined: 30 Aug 2005
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Location: Wales
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Robin, that quote doesn't make sense to me. In any event, did he mean the early morning of the 22nd?
Where is he getting his information. Were there credits?

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peterw


Joined: 30 Aug 2005
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Alan
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Joined: 30 Aug 2005
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Location: Wales
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It sounds like we've all had to wait for this in order to get the true facts. I'm almost tempted to buy a copy. Almost.

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Robin


Joined: 16 Jan 2007
Posts: 135
Location: Nottingham Road KZN RSA
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Damain.. I bought locally WC Books Nottingham Road R400 They will always source for me, local or import
Alan, she is "assisted" by AZWHS, Alan Greaves, Ian Knight et all

Its clearly a mistake, I think she meant the evening of the 21st

I have 2 "queries"
She states that the Zulu corpses were cremated and buried at RD. I have never heard of them being cremated. Welcome advice

2nd The Hlubi were Sesotho, I accept that the Hlubi were "driven" into Lesotho by Durnford at Bushman River Pass, but I think they retained their Hlubi identity closer to Zulu than Sesotho. Again I welcome advice. Ken???
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Damian


Joined: 12 Aug 2007
Posts: 105
Location: Pietermaritzburg KZN
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Thanks Robin
I will pay a visit to White Cottage Books at Nottinghman Road next weekend
I will probably buy a copy
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The Scorer


Joined: 27 Nov 2006
Posts: 338
Location: Newport
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Damian wrote:
Thanks Robin
I will pay a visit to White Cottage Books at Nottinghman Road next weekend
I will probably buy a copy


I think that I'll spend my money on something else!

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A Handful Of Heroes, Rorke's Drift : Facts, Myths and Legend
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