A British war hero and prolific author, best known for his vivid accounts of the Battle of Rorke's Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War, which inspired the film Zulu.
Donald Featherstone, a British author and military historian, is renowned for his significant contributions to the world of wargaming and military history. With over 40 books to his credit, Featherstone's works have had a profound impact on the development of wargaming as a hobby and an academic discipline.
Born on March 20, 1918, in London, Featherstone's life was marked by a passion for military history and a desire to share his knowledge with others. During World War II, he joined the Royal Armoured Corps and saw action with the 51st Leeds Rifles Royal Tank Regiment. His experiences during the war would later be chronicled in his book, Lost Tales.
Featherstone's professional career as a physiotherapist took him to Southampton, where he worked with Southampton Football Club and Hampshire County Cricket Club. However, it was his introduction to wargaming that would ultimately define his life's work.
Featherstone's foray into wargaming began with H.G. Wells' Little Wars, a book that sparked a lifelong passion for the hobby. His first opponent was his brother, and later, Tony Bath, with whom he would collaborate on numerous projects. In 1955, Featherstone's wife discovered a description of a solo wargame being played in Southampton by Tony Bath, leading to their first meeting and a lifelong friendship.
In 1960, Featherstone and Bath began editing the UK version of the War Game Digest, a seminal wargaming newsletter founded by Jack Scruby in the United States. Featherstone's contribution to the digest was instrumental in shaping the direction of wargaming as a hobby. However, he grew disillusioned with the trend of articles attempting to present wargaming as a pseudo-science. In response, he launched his own periodical, Wargamers Newsletter, in 1962, which he would publish monthly for 18 years, producing 214 editions without a gap.
Featherstone's enthusiasm for wargaming led him to organize the first UK wargames convention at his home in Southampton in 1961. This pioneering effort was followed by the first National Wargames Championships Convention in 1963, which drew wargamers from across the country.
In 1977, Featherstone became one of the founder members of the British Commission for Military History, recognizing the value of wargaming as a tool for understanding military history. He appeared on the BBC in 1978 to promote the hobby, and his discussions with Paddy Griffith cemented his conviction that wargaming could greatly aid in the study of military history.
Donald Featherstone's legacy extends far beyond his numerous books and publications. He played a crucial role in shaping the world of wargaming, inspiring generations of enthusiasts and historians. His contribution to the study of military history has been invaluable, demonstrating the importance of wargaming as a tool for understanding the past.
Featherstone's life came full circle when he passed away on September 3, 2013, at the age of 95, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire and educate wargamers and military historians alike.
82 Years Old
Renowned for crafting historical fiction novels, particularly the Sharpe series, which brings Napoleonic Wars to life with vivid storytelling and meticulous research.
Born in 1925
Scottish author and screenwriter best known for his Flashman series of historical novels, which follow the misadventures of a cowardly British army officer during the 19th century.
Born in 1914
Renowned for crafting meticulously researched and immersive historical naval novels, particularly the beloved Aubrey-Maturin series, which has captivated readers with its richly detailed stories of adventure and friendship on the high seas.
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A French military leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and became Emperor of France, known for his military conquests and reorganization of Europe. He is also famous for his Napoleonic Code, which remains a foundation of modern law.
