W H Tomasson

With the Irregulars in the Transvaal and Zululand: The Experiences of an Officer of Baker's Horse in the Kaffir and Zulu Wars 1878-79 W H Tomasson

With Colonial troops in South Africa

Many of the small wars of the Victorian era were fought in places where British colonists were attempting to build new lives in proximity to indigenous peoples. This led to hostilities and although regular troops were usually engaged they were often supplemented by locally raised forces. These could be native troops officered by Europeans or bodies of European 'irregular' soldiers. These forces were mixed blessings. They often included local settlers, farmers, traders or hunters who knew their enemy and his language and the terrain over which the campaign would be fought; they were usually expert marksmen and horsemen who were able to live off the country. These units also attracted soldiers of fortune and the sweepings of society who-whilst indisputably tough 'customers'-were notoriously difficult to command. The colony at the tip of southern Africa had been a place of confrontation and conflict since it was established. There had been numerous wars against the so called Kaffir tribes and in 1879 the British Empire determined to neutralise the most significant martial tribe of the region-the Zulus. All those interested in the period are aware of the consequences of that decision. The author of this book has left us a vital account of his time fighting in South Africa with one of these colourful colonial units and his book is, of course, absolutely essential.
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