Leo Cooper, 1994

A succession of British disasters marked the early months of the Boer War of 1899-1902. For the first time the British Army had encountered a civilised enemy equipped with modern, long-range, rapid-firing weapons using smokeless propellants. It was the start of modern warfare - the empty battlefield. As will happen, a scapegoat was sought and found for the defects revealed. Ready to hand was Redvers Buller, the commander-in-chief during those first few disastrous battles until Lord Roberts superceded him. This is a re-examination of Zulu War hero Redvers Buller using much fresh material, revealing how a near conspiracy of the press, politicians, landed interests and military rivals succeeded in both destroying a fine officer and permanently damaging his reputation...