G Hamilton-Browne

A Lost Legionary in South Africa: The Recollections of an Officer of the Natal Native Contingent During the Zulu War, 1879 G Hamilton-Browne

An essential first hand account of the Anglo-Zulu War

The author of this book, sometimes known as 'Maori Browne,' had a long career as a colonial soldier. He left posterity with three books based either on his career or the experiences of men he knew. They focus on warfare as experienced by men like himself-tough, resourceful individuals who enjoyed fighting and were expert marksmen, horsemen and seasoned campaigners. Irrespective of who they were and where they fought Browne affectionately refers to them as the 'Lost Legion'-those upon whose blood and toil the British Empire (in his opinion) was built but who received scant recognition, praise or reward for their sacrifices. Browne writes in the thoroughly entertaining and often amusing 'gung-ho' style of the Victorian Imperialist. He intends to 'spin a good yarn' and in that he succeeds magnificently, possibly 'with advantages.' Some doubt has been cast on Browne's veracity since his own Maori War experiences as a despatch rider took place after the end of hostilities, however, to be fair to him, the principal figure in With the Lost Legion in New Zealand bears a fictional name though the contents are undoubtedly mostly factual. The anecdotal 'yarns' in Camp Fire Yarns of the Lost Legion are also attributed to others. There can be no doubt about Browne's Zulu War experiences however. He writes in the first person and was present as the British invaded Zululand. As an officer of the N. N. C. Browne was present at Isandlwhana camp both before and after the battle and took an active role in the campaign making his a genuine 'first hand' voice of the period. For those interested in the wars of the Queen Empress all three of Browne's books are available from Leonaur in a complementary set.
Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket; our hardbacks are cloth bound and feature gold foil lettering on their spines and fabric head and tail bands.