"Isandlwana and a Four-Letter Word" Topic

"The battle of Isandlwana on 22 January 1879 continues to gain attention from historians, authors and Zulu War enthusiasts, with at least two books being published on it and its connections each year. The interest is not surprising since the drama that unfolded on that fateful day has many aspects and left few survivors to tell the story of what happened. That the Zulu Army of some 20 000 overwhelmed the defences of the camp, leaving 1 329 British dead (Rothwell, 1881) is not in question, but how this could happen to the mightiest army of the time remains full of opinion and conjecture, the subject of many studies and opinions.

The author built and runs The Rorke's Drift Hotel and is favoured by looking at the site of this defeat almost every day, and of welcoming guides and visitors, who have come to discover and expound their own theories. One of the best aspects of being a hospitality provider here is that visitors love to share their own knowledge and to add generously to the known framework of events. Sometimes, they add to the store of knowledge and occasionally air theories that are quite inconsistent with the known facts, thus generating active and even emotional discussions. Every so often, a small piece of the history jigsaw falls into place, leading to a new perspective on events.

To an old soldier from the pre-digital era, the study of the command, control and logistical detail that is known about the battle is of great interest. Information regarding the collapse of the defensive deployment is not known and has now been speculated upon for generations. It remains a fascination and a continuing basis for ideas' that are formed from the available factual evidence. This brings us to the fourletter word which is the subject of this essay. The author promises that it is printable…"

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Armand

Fascinating read, many thanks, Armand!

Thanks – a great find.

Given the author's premise, is there reference in survivor accounts of the effects of powder smoke at Rourke's Drift?

I second Mollinary's thanks, above.

A votre service mes amis….

Armand