Douglas Rattray presents a powerful and immersive account of the Battle of Isandlwana – one of the most dramatic and devastating encounters of the Anglo-Zulu War.

Continuing the storytelling tradition established by his father, David Rattray, Douglas brings to life the human experience of the battlefield: the decisions, the courage, the confusion, and the profound cost of conflict.

This one-hour lecture offers a deeply moving exploration of one of the most significant events in British and Zulu history, focusing not only on the course of the battle, but on the individuals who lived, fought, and died there.

Booking information

To book tickets, please visit Eventbrite.

This event has not been organised by the Society. If you have any questions or require assistance with your booking please contact the event organiser, Fugitives' Drift Lodge, via nicky@fugitivesdrift.com 

Venue information

Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), 1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR. Please use the Exhibition Road entrance.

Accessibility at our events

We want everyone to feel welcome at our events. Key accessibility features of this event include:

  • Step-free access to the event
  • Accessible toilets
  • Assistance dogs are welcome
  • Hearing loop

For full details, please visit our accessibility page. If you have any questions or specific access requirements, feel free to get in touch with us on access@rgs.org

You may also be interested in...

  • ExhibitionPink map collage.

    Skin maps: semi-permeable cartography

    A new exhibition of collages and reworkings of historic maps from the RGS and other archives by Steph Morris.

  • ExhibitionPeople at photography exhibition at the royal geographical society.

    Earth Photo exhibition

    The Society is pleased to showcase the winners and best in class from our international competition dedicated to engaging with still and moving image makers sharing the prescient issues affecting the climate and life on our planet.

  • WorkshopGroup of five people in graduation gowns celebrating and raising their certificates.

    Choosing geography at university summer workshop

    An in-person workshop preparing students for geography at university.

Key Information

Open to all
Thursday 29 October 2026
7.00pm-8.30pm
London

In-person
From £36.00
Book now

Interested in hiring our venue?

Find out more about one of London’s most charming and iconic venues.