The Road to Isandhlwana: Colonel Anthony Durnford in Natal and Zululand 1873-1879

About this book

This biography of Colonel Anthony W. Durnford R.E. is a revised version of the authors 1982 doctoral dissertation at the University of South Africa. It is the most comprehensive and up-to-date biography of an officer who occupies a special place in the historical memory of Natal. His career as Colonial Engineer his association with the Colensos his leadership of the ill-fated expedition against the Hlubi rebels and his death in battle at Isandlwana have surrounded him with a romantic aura. He was the good soldier of the British empire a thorough professional devoted to duty and very much a man of conscience. Drooglever brings out these virtues but also Durnfords shortcomings notably his failures in leadership - an impulsiveness at the prospect of combat and irresolution when under fire - and his flaws of personality.