Fingz wot I frow paint at

[HMS Priapus]

[Jeremy]

Thanks!

[BaronVonWreckedoften]

What proportion of your Zulu force is firearm-toting skirmishers? I've just read Mike Snook's two books on the AZW (How can man die better and Like wolves on the fold) and he seemed to think it varied from about 1 in 6, to as many as 1 in 4.

[Jeremy]

1 in 12 at the moment, though I had been considering dropping that to 1 in 6 with the addition of another unit. I suspect the ratio changed greatly after Isandlwana.

[Jeremy]

I've just read Mike Snook's two books on the AZW (How can man die better and Like wolves on the fold)

Worth reading Brendan?

[garyp]

Worth reading Brendan?

I've just finished both and they are an absolute must read. A little bit of rose-coloured spectacles when looking at the 24th foot, but fantastic books nonetheless.

[Jeremy]

Thanks Gary!

[BaronVonWreckedoften]

I would endorse what Gary says, although I would excuse the rose-tinted view of the 24th by reason of some of the utter crap that has been written about them in the past. They are the only books I have read on the AZW, but the number of people who have read very widely on the subject that I have seen enthusing over them suggests they are excellent works of history. His treatment of the "final hours" at Isandlwhana (for which there are no British sources for obvious reasons) using inherent military probability, accounts of the relief force and burial parties, and Zulu oral records of the battle, is first class. I would recommend them unhesitatingly - and I warn you, once you have read Like wolves on the fold you will never be able to watch "Zulu" again without yelling at the telly!

[Jeremy]

Thanks Brendan, I purchased the Kindle versions last night on sale for £3 odd each. I’ve started the Isandlwana one and am enjoying it

[Essex Boy]

These reviews are quite interesting. I read these before I read the books.

http://www.azwrs.com/view.php?book=15

http://www.azwrs.com/view.php?book=54

Iain