In the Shadow of Isandlwana: The Life and Times of General Lord Chelmsford and his Disaster in Zululand

Lord Chelmsford is an industrious and conscientious man, but nature has refused him the qualities of a great captain. He has suffered much and is entitled to certain commiseration. - Thomas Gibson Bowles,Vanity FairGeneral Lord Chelmsford's military career took him around the world, including the Crimean War, Indian Mutiny, and Abyssinian Expedition. He was humiliatedly relieved of his command at Isandlwana in 1879, which dogged him for the rest of his days. This new biography explores his personal character and military career.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2023
Publisher: Greenhill Books

Introduction:

General Lord Chelmsford's military career spanned continents and conflicts, including the Crimean War, the Indian Mutiny, and the Abyssinian Expedition. His most notable achievement was commanding the British invasion of the Zulu Kingdom in South Africa in 1879. However, his military career was marked by a catastrophic defeat at Isandlwana, which resulted in the loss of over 1,300 lives. Despite his subsequent victories at Gingindlovu and Ulundi, Chelmsford was relieved of his command and his reputation was forever tarnished by the Isandlwana defeat. In this comprehensive new biography, Anglo-Zulu War specialist John Laband delves into the personal character and military career of Lord Chelmsford, providing a well-rounded, well-balanced, and well-informed picture of this complex military figure.

Character and Background:

Lord Chelmsford was born in 1815 into a wealthy and influential family. He was educated at Eton College and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, where he developed a passion for military history and strategy. After serving in various military roles in India and the Middle East, Chelmsford was appointed as the British commander-in-chief in South Africa in 1877.

Chelmsford was known for his industrious and conscientious nature, and he took his responsibilities as a military commander seriously. He was a skilled organizer and planner, and he was known for his attention to detail. However, despite his many qualities, nature refused to him the qualities of a great captain.

One of Chelmsford's most significant weaknesses was his inability to adapt to the changing circumstances of the battlefield. He was a traditionalist who believed in the superiority of British military tactics and strategy, and he was reluctant to deviate from his plans even in the face of overwhelming enemy forces. This rigidity led to his defeat at Isandlwana, where his forces were outnumbered and outmaneuvered by the Zulu warriors.

Despite his setbacks, Chelmsford remained a dedicated and loyal soldier. He continued to serve in various military roles until his retirement in 1885, and he was respected and admired by his colleagues and subordinates. In his later years, Chelmsford became a prominent figure in British military history, and he was recognized for his contributions to the development of modern warfare.

Military Career:

Lord Chelmsford's military career took him around the world, and he served in a variety of roles and commands. He served in the Crimean War, where he commanded a brigade in the Battle of Alma, and he was praised for his bravery and leadership. He also served in the Indian Mutiny, where he was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Indian Army.

In South Africa, Chelmsford commanded the British invasion of the Zulu Kingdom in 1879. He divided his forces at Isandlwana in the face of the enemy, and the Zulu overwhelmed his camp, killing more than 1,300 of his defenders. Such a defeat was almost unprecedented in a Victorian colonial campaign, and it would have a lasting impact on Chelmsford's reputation.

Despite his defeat at Isandlwana, Chelmsford continued to command the British forces in South Africa. He led his forces to victory at Gingindlovu and Ulundi, but his reputation was never fully restored. He was relieved of his command in 1879, and he would never hold a senior military position again.

In conclusion, Lord Chelmsford is not a bad man. He is industrious and conscientious so far as his lights guide him. However, nature has refused to him the qualities of a great captain. He has suffered much and is entitled to certain commiseration. Despite his setbacks, Chelmsford remains a significant figure in British military history, and his legacy continues to be debated and studied by military historians and scholars.

Weight: 1100g
Dimension: 167 x 242 x 52 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784387709