Henry Curling

Colonel Henry Thomas Curling was a British Army officer known for his remarkable survival during the Anglo-Zulu War. Serving in the Royal Artillery, he participated in significant military campaigns from 1868 to 1902, including the infamous Battle of Isandlwana, where he emerged as the sole British front line survivor. His experiences during the war were vividly captured in his letters, which provided a dramatic and personal account of the conflict. These letters were later compiled and published posthumously in 'The Curling Letters of the Zulu War: 'There Was an Awful Slaughter' in 2001, co-authored by Adrian Greaves and Brian Best, offering insights into the harrowing realities of war and the challenges faced by soldiers at that time. Curling's writings not only document the brutality of the Zulu War but also reflect the broader military and political context of the British Empire's engagements in Africa. His accounts have been significant in understanding the complexities of colonial warfare and the human experiences behind historical events. Through his letters, Curling contributed to the narrative of military history, providing a personal lens through which the impacts of such conflicts can be examined and understood, thus solidifying his legacy as a notable figure in British military history.