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. Ian Castle examines not only the battle at Majuba, but also the previous engagements at Laing's Nek, Schuinshoogte and Bronkhorstspruit.

Contents:

• The Road to War 1881
• Opposing Commanders
• Opposing Armies
• Opposing Plans
• Opening Moves
• The Battle of Laing's Nek
• Battle of Schuinshoogte (Ingogo)
• The Battle of Majuba
• The Aftermath
• The Battlefields Today
• Chronology
• Further Reading
• Wargaming Majuba