The Victorian soldier in Africa [Paperback]

The Victorian soldier in Africa re-examines the campaign experience of British soldiers in Africa during the period from 1874 to 1902 - the zenith of the Victorian imperial expansion - and does so from the perspective of the regimental soldier. The book utilises an unprecedented number of letters and diaries, written by regimental officers and other ranks (many of which were published in the metropolitan and provincial press), to allow soldiers to speak for themselves about their experience of colonial warfare. The sources demonstrate the ability of the British army to fight in different climates, over demanding terrain and against a diverse array of enemies. They also uncover soldiers' reactions to the army reforms of the era as well as the introduction of new technologies of war. The book includes commentary on soldiers' views of commanding officers and politicians alongside their assessment of war correspondents, colonial volunteers and African natives in their roles as auxiliaries, allies and enemies.

This book provides insights on imperial and racial attitudes within the army, on relations between soldiers and the media and the production of information and knowledge from the front line to the home front. It will make fascinating reading for students, academics and enthusiasts in imperial history, Victorian studies, military history and colonial warfare.

Introduction

1. Fighting the Asante

2. Campaigning in southern Africa

3. Battling the Boers

4. Intervention in Egypt

5. Engaging the Mahdists

6. The Gordon relief expedition

7. Trekking through Bechuanaland

8. Reconquering the Sudan

9. Re-engaging the Boers

Epilogue

Bibliography

Index

Edward M. Spiers is Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of Leeds