The 24th Regiment of Foot - George Paton

The campaigns of a famous county regiment

George Paton’s comprehensive book describes the history of the 24th Regiment of Foot from its creation in 1689 to the time when it became known as the South Wales Borderers towards the end of the 19th century. Virtually all British regiments can lay claim to long and glorious histories and the 24th is no exception. However, for most modern readers this regiment is notable for its service during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, during which time men of the 24th fought to the last at Isandlwana and heroically defended the mission station at Rorkes Drift. Readers will be interested to note that a substantial portion of the this book is devoted to the activities of the 24th—ten of whose officers and men were awarded the Victoria Cross in this campaign—both before, during and after these momentous events in South Africa. Although the 24th campaigned all over the world and took an active part under Wellington during the Peninsular War against Napoleon’s French forces, the regiment was perhaps most particularly noteworthy on two occasions prior to the Zulu campaign, during the War of Spanish Succession where it fought at Blenheim, Ramilles, Oudenarde and Malplaquet, and during the Second Sikh War. The Battle of Chillianwallah was a particularly hard fought and savage experience for the regiment which suffered horrific casualties. The 24th also fought at Goojerat and later in the Indian Mutiny of 1857. This is an excellent regimental history and an essential component of every library of the Zulu War.

Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.