A Handful of Heroes, Rorke’s Drift: Facts, Myths and Legends

by Katie Stossel, Brian Best (Foreward)

Thanks to newly discovered letters and documents, A Handful of Heroes updates the history of the defense 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 defense of the small Mission Station. For example, it transpires that the isolated outpost was already well prepared for an attack by experts in field defense. While this in no way denigrates the heroic efforts of the heavily outnumbered defenders, it does help to explain the successful defense 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.

Genres: History

224 pages, Hardcover

First published June 30, 2015

Reviews

[Geoff Titterton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent piece of work.

I was always fascinated by how we were able to build such a huge empire given the baffoons in high places. This book has only heightened that fascination. I thoroughly enjoyed the treatment of the subject and applaud the research.

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellently researched. I was disappointed to learn there were few Welshmen at Rorke's Drift? What?! No singing of Men of Harlech?

[Shoshana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many years ago I saw the Stanley Baker film "Zulu." Before viewing it I was unfamiliar with the defense of Rorke's Drift, and with the Anglo-Zulu War entirely. Because I was curious about the accuracy of the movie, I read Donald Morris' masterful "The Washing of the Spears," which is essential reading for anyone interested in this subject. To Morris' tome I would add Katie Stossel's "A Handful of Heroes: Rorke's Drift."

This is a terrific book. Well-written and well-researched, Stossel doesn't miss anything. Due to newly-discovered historical materials we now know more about the defense of Rorke's Drift, including the fact that the defenders were more prepared militarily than was previously thought.

I highly recommend this book. The defense of Rorke's Drift was a gallant action in a little-known war, but it has an outsize reputation. It is worth knowing the truth of this action and its place in history.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Ron Baumer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An well done novel regarding a little known battle between the British and the Zulus. The story is well told and the author does a great job on dispelling falsehoods and misinformation regarding the events. A great read for the history buff.

Thank you to #NetGalley and Pen & Ink for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[George Polansky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written and well documented history of Rorke's Drift as part of the Anglo-Zulu wars.