The companion to Vol. 20 in the Series, this is an account of the suppression of the rebellion which the Matabele tribe staged against the Rhodesian settlers in 1896. More particularly, the book concerns itself with the Matabeleland Relief Force under the command of Col. Plumer, and with the series of peace Indabas (meetings) initiated by Cecil Rhodes. Amply illustrated with sketches and photographs, this is a clear and instructive record of the major engagements of the campaign written, refreshingly, from a trooper's point of view. Of the several outstanding chronicles of the Matabele Rebellion published, Sykes' book is probably of most practical use to those who like to browse around old battlefields, reconstructing events on the ground. It is an invaluable companion on visits to the grand Matopo Hills near Bulawayo with Sykes as guide, one is able to appreciate that there is as much of historical interest in them as there is of beauty. Francis (Frank) William Sykes, of the titled family of Sykes of Basildon, edited a country newspaper in Australia before coming to Rhodesia to serve with the M.R.F. Later, he was a prominent member of the Southern Rhodesian Native Department. The latter part of his life was spent in Queensland, Australia. He died in 1945.

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