The battle has become legendary: 85 British soldiers, in a small outpost, holding off six full-scale Zulu attacks with only 27 casualties. But a brand new look at this infamous clash reveals that several things about the myth just don't add up. While there was certainly incredible courage, there was also some astonishing cowardice, and increasing evidence reveals that the legend of Rorke's Drift was created to divert attention from earlier mistakes that led to the slaughter at Islandlwana.

Originally published: London: Cassell, 2002.

The invaders of Zululand -- The Zulus -- Springboard to war -- Isandlwana, 22 January 1879 -- Rorke's Drift; the prelude -- The Battle of Rorke's Drift -- The aftermath of battle -- Helpmekaar -- Explanations -- Pulling the strings-awards and campaign medals -- War's end -- Medical treatment of the wounded -- Personalities and defenders at Rorke's Drift -- An examination of the rolls of Rorke's Drift defenders -- The Rorke's Drift medal citations -- Origins and history of the 24th regiment -- Archaeological investigations of the battlefield -- A visitor's guide to Rorke's Drift.