As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Historical person
Frederic Thesiger, 2nd Baron Chelmsford, was the British general who commanded the invasion of Zululand in 1879. He divided his forces and was absent when the central column was destroyed at Isandlwana, a defeat that brought intense criticism. Remaining in command long enough to continue the campaign, he defeated the main Zulu army at Ulundi before being replaced.
Chelmsford is a central and controversial figure in novels about Isandlwana and the Anglo-Zulu War. Some portrayals emphasise arrogance, poor reconnaissance and an underestimation of Zulu capabilities; others stress the confused intelligence and logistical constraints of the campaign. His role gives historical fiction a way to examine command responsibility and the effort to restore reputation after disaster.
Series
Blackwood of the Empire follows the fictional Welsh officer William Blackwood through two major campaigns of the late Victorian army. The first three novels place him in the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, from the disordered opening invasion through Hlobane, Kambula and the final advance on Ulundi. The later…
All books in this series
