In 1881 the tension between Britain and the Boer farmers of southern Africa that had existed for 75 years boiled over into open conflict. The British entered the war full of confidence, yet in a few short weeks they had suffered three separate reverses before suffering their final humiliating defeat on the isolated summit of Majuba. George Colley's force were swept off their 'unassailable' position and into headlong retreat. It was a defeat that sent shock waves reverberating around the Empire. In this masterful examination ...
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In 1881 the tension between Britain and the Boer farmers of southern Africa that had existed for 75 years boiled over into open conflict. The British entered the war full of confidence, yet in a few short weeks they had suffered three separate reverses before suffering their final humiliating defeat on the isolated summit of Majuba. George Colley's force were swept off their 'unassailable' position and into headlong retreat. It was a defeat that sent shock waves reverberating around the Empire. In this masterful examination of the First Boer War Ian Castle looks at the battles of Laing's Nek, Schuinshoogte and the action at Bronkhorstspruit. Majuba is also looked at in particular detail. The commanders of the two sides and the opposing forces themselves are examined, as are their different ways of fighting. The regular British army proved incapable of taking on and beating irregular Boer commandos, who, favouring a defensive strategy, were happy to hold secure positions until such time as the enemy were about to close, at which point they would mount-up and retired to safety: this was, in many ways, the 19th century British army's Vietnam. Ian Castle's account does true justice to the conflict, explaining clearly how the British were comprehensively beaten by a small infant republic with no standing army.
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Add this copy of Majuba 1881: the Hill of Destiny (Praeger Illustrated to cart. $4.40, very good condition, Sold by Wonder Book - Member ABAA/ILAB rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Frederick, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2005 by Praeger Publishers.
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Very Good. Very Good condition. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp.
Add this copy of Majuba 1881: The Hill of Destiny to cart. $10.99, new condition, Sold by J.D. Writeworthy rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from JUNEAU, WI, UNITED STATES, published 2005 by Praeger Publishers.
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New. Covers bright. Spine straight, square and without crease. Binding tight. Spine edges and corners sharp; board edges and corners sharp. Text clean; illustrations excellent. No tanning. No library or remainder marks. SMOKE FREE. Sewn binding. Cloth over boards. Contains: Illustrations. Praeger Illustrated Military History. Audience: Military History.
Add this copy of Majuba 1881: the Hill of Destiny (Praeger Illustrated to cart. $31.14, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2005 by Praeger Pub Text.