On 22nd January 1879, shortly after the British invasion of Zululand, Viscount Chelmsford established a camp at Islandlwana for his centre column, consisting of 1800 Europeans and 1000 natives. But while Chelmsford and about half of the Europeans were away trying to intercept a Zulu force, the camp was hit early in the morning by a surprise Zulu attack. All but 55 Europeans and 300 natives were killed. Returning the next day, Chelmsford discovered the ruined camp, strewn with bodies, and immediately fell back through Rorke's Drift to defensive positions. This book is a brand new look at the opening battle of the war, and one of the biggest disasters for the British in South Africa.