The British invasion of Zululand was planned as a quick knockout blow. Rifles and artillery would make short work of the Zulus ('they only have spears, you know') and then it would home to London for tea and medals. In an atmosphere of breezy arrogance, three columns of British soldiers marched into Zulu territory. Then, as anyone who has seen the famous film ZULU knows, the Zulus caught one column by surprise and wiped it out. British honour was restored by the epic resistance of a single company of the 24th Foot at Rorke's Drift and the award of eleven VCs for one action. It is a remarkable tale, vividly recounted by an acknowledged expert on the colonial wars of the Victorian era and illustrated with period photographs.