Description

The breech-loading, single-shot .458in Martini-Henry rifle has become a symbol of both the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 and the numerous battles in Egypt and the Sudan in 1884–85, but continued to be used by both British and colonial troops well into the 20th century. Its invention and introduction into British service were in direct response to the success of the Prussian Dreyse needle gun, which demonstrated that the breech-loading rifle offered faster loading, improved accuracy and superior range; significantly, the weapon could be loaded and fired from a prone position, thus offering the rifleman greater security on the battlefield. Due to the longevity of service, many Martini-Henry rifles survive today, both in museums and in private collections, and the weapon is highly prized by shooting enthusiasts. Featuring specially commissioned full-colour artwork and an array of arresting first-hand accounts and written by an authority on warfare in the Victorian era, this engaging study tells the story of the powerful Martini-Henry and its impact on the battlefield, from the Anglo-Zulu War to the opening months of World War I.

Product details

Published May 20 2013
Format Ebook (PDF)
Edition 1st
Extent 80
ISBN 9781780965079
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 45 b/w; 19 col
Series Weapon
Short code WPN 26
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Stephen Manning

  Dr Stephen Manning is Honorary Visiting P…

Illustrator

Peter Dennis

Peter Dennis was inspired by contemporary magazine…

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