Mobile app provides unique view of iSandlwana battle

The battle, which took place on 22 January, 1879, saw 20,000 Zulu descend upon a contingent of about 1800 British soldiers; it remains the worst defeat of the British Army at the hands of a technologically-inferior native force.

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Early interest

Allewell says his interest in the Anglo-Zulu conflict first arose after watching the film, Zulu, in the 1964, "The story of 140 men beating off an attack by 5,000 Zulu warriors was as inspiring for me as it was intriguing. I simply had to find out more about the small battle that garnered no less than 11 Victoria Crosses, and my interest eventually expanded to the Battle of iSandlwana."

The battlefield guide breaks down the events into chronological order, with high quality pictures of the battlefield as it stands today, along with a historic collection of portraits of key players, and journal entries from many of the men involved - few of whom survived. It is the most comprehensive mobile guide of its kind on one of the defining moments of the Anglo-Zulu War.

More detailed information

Allewell maintains that existing published material does not give the whole picture, which is why he approached Tourism Radio to produce the battlefield guide, "Whether you're an armchair historian, or have the opportunity to walk around the battlefield itself, this app will show you exactly who did what, and where. It's a simple way of experiencing the battle."

Tourism Radio's Jonathan Meyer says there are plans for similar guides in the coming months, "The Battle of Rorke's Drift is arguably one of the most harrowing tales of the Anglo-Zulu War and an important part of South African military history. Our aim is to fuel discussion on the events of the various battles, and bring existing knowledge up to speed with current technology."

To download, go to Tourism Radio City Guide - iSandlwana battlefield guide