大象传媒

Like most Zulu enthusiasts David Glynne-Fox became interested in the subject after seeing the 1964 film 'Zulu', starring Michael Caine, he says:

"I came out of the Ritz cinema in Carlton in 1964 absolutely gobsmaked."

There began a lifetime obsession with the Anglo-Zulu War which has culminated in a personal library of 300 books about the subject.

Dr David Glynne-Fox and his Zulu weopans

In case you've never seen the film, Zulu depicts the Battle of Rorke's Drift in 1879, where 139 British soldiers successfully defended their garrison against 5,000 Zulu warriors. Earlier in the day a British force were completely wiped out at the Battle of Isandlwana.

Despite his passion for this period of history David has never been to the battlefields, he says:

"All of my friends, who are enthusiasts, can't believe it either. The trouble is I keep buying artifacts and spending all the money I could use to go [to South Africa]."

Some of the artifacts which David owns includes a Martini-Henry Rifle which was used in the film. He also owns Zulu warrior shields and spears used during the real battles.

David is hoping to travel to South Africa later this year to visit the battlefields.

Nottingham links to the Zulu Wars

Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead who was 2nd in command at Rorke's Drift actually lived in Newark, Nottinghamshire.

Dr David Glynne-Fox's Zulu shields.

Colour Sergeant Anthony Clarke Booth, who won the Victoria Cross during the Anglo-Zulu Wars, was born in Carrington, Nottingham.

Two other heroes from the battle were buried in unmarked graves in Ruddington Cemetery until just a couple of years ago, and a royal engineer who also took part in the battle is buried at the cemetery at the top of Derby Road.

To hear more about Dr David Glynne-Fox and his interest in the Anglo-Zulu War, click on the link below: