Neil Thornton
An avid military historian and keen researcher, Neil has written a wide range of books spanning many eras. His first book was the critically acclaimed Rorke's Drift: A New Perspective which was a best-seller praised for its source analysis and original research. Since then, together with co-author Michael Denigan, he has published another book on the Anglo-Zulu War. This book, Witnesses at iSandlwana, is the largest collection of primary accounts from the battle ever to be compiled. Known for his in-depth research, Neil travelled to Kenya to live with the family of Digby Tatham Warter who is best-known for carrying an umbrella through the battle of Arnhem during Operation Market Garden in the Second World War. The result was Arnhem Umbrella: Digby Tatham Warter DSO, which was also a best-seller.
His First World War titles include Led by Lions: MPs and Sons Who Fell in The First World War which was launched in a lavish event in Parliament, For Conspicuous Gallantry: Military Cross Holders of the First World War, and Todger - the biography of Runcorn's only recipient of the Victoria Cross. Neil was the chairman of a committee that commissioned a bronze statue of 'Todger' and he regularly holds talks to local schools and armed forces groups, doing all he can for military charities, including the Victoria Cross Trust, through donations and fundraising.
Outside of writing and publishing books, Neil has been in the chemical industry for over 20 years, and also runs a successful property development company. He is married, has two daughters, two grandchildren (and two cats!) He lives in Runcorn, Cheshire with his family.
Henry Hook VC: A Rorke's Drift Hero
Henry Hook is perhaps the most famous private soldier in British military history. It is his portrayal in the movie, Zulu, which has cemented this position, but the real Hook was a far cry from the hard-drinking scoundrel that he was portrayed as on screen. Unlike the character in the movie, Hook’s record was unblemished, and he would earn good conduct stripes as well as excellent character references from his superiors after leaving the army.
Posted to defend the Rorke’s Drift hospital with orders to protect the sick and wounded at the start of the battle, Hook stuck to his task with the utmost determination. Indeed, he was more than willing to lay down his own life in his duty to save the lives of those others who were less able.
Here, Rorke’s Drift expert, Neil Thornton, chronicles Hook’s life, including his early years, his turbulent marriage, and his later life, putting to bed a number of myths that have developed and grown over the years, whilst analysing Hook’s part in the Battle of Rorke’s Drift for which he was awarded the coveted Victoria Cross.
The Victoria Crosses of Melvill and Coghill: iSandlwana, 22 January 1879
As with many aspects of the Zulu War, many myths surround Lieutenants Teignmouth Melvill and Nevill Coghill, 1st Battalion, 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot, both of whom lost their lives on 22 January 1879, following the Zulu attack at iSandlwana.
Melvill had died after attempting to save the Queen's Colour of his battalion, and Coghill after returning into the fray to save his brother officer. 'The Dash with the Colours' featured in newspapers and magazines up and down Britain, propelling Melvill and Coghill into legend.
The public were captivated. Yet a large amount of what was circulated was not accurate. Here, authors Neil Thornton and Michael Denigan lay out what we know, and what has been muddled along the way, either by fault or design.
Featuring unpublished letters and correspondence between the Coghill family, the War Office and the King amongst others, the authors also show just how and why Melvill and Coghill came to be awarded posthumous VCs some 28 years after they had lost their lives. The answers will shock and intrigue.
