Henry Harford's Zulu War Journal

Highly recommended, not only for the remarkable story itself but also the quality of its research, its presentation and readability.' — Adrian Greaves

'Charlie Harford's entertaining memoirs are among the most often quoted sources for the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, but a scholarly edition is long overdue. Professor Laband's thoroughly annotated volume fills this gap admirably, and will be an invaluable addition to any Zulu War library.' — Chris Peers

Henry Harford was a young officer in the British Army and the adjutant of his own regiment when tensions were rising between the British colonial government in Natal and the independent Zulu kingdom in 1878. In the face of these tensions, Harford volunteered for temporary special service and first served as a Lieutenant in the Natal Native Contingent before going on to resume his commission and adjutancy of his regiment in Natal during the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War. The Zulu War Journal tells the true story of his experience during this time, providing readers with fascinating eye-witness accounts of the conflict.

Harford’s journal chronicles key events in the Zulu Wars in captivating, eye-opening detail and pays tribute to all those who fought bravely alongside him. Among the episodes covered are: the disaster at Isandlwana; the heroic battle at Rorke’s Drift; the recovery of the Queen's Colour of the 1st Battalion, 24th Regiment, at Fugitive's Drift; and the hunt for the Zulu king Cetshwayo.

This comprehensive new edition of the journal offers readers even more insight into and details about the conflict thanks to a host of contemporary photographs and expert commentary from leading Anglo-Zulu specialist John Laband. A truly fascinating and dramatic testimony, this updated edition of Henry Harford's Anglo-Zulu War Journal is essential reading for anyone interested in military history.