Obituary in Western Mail (Cardiff, Wales), 8/15/2005
 

Zulu film actor dies aged 77.(News)

ZULU star James Booth has died at the age of 77.

The actor, a former British Army Captain, is remembered for his role as Welsh infantryman Private Henry Hook in the 1964 epic film.

The film, which was based on the battle of Rorke's Drift in 1879, tells the story of 139 soldiers from the South Wales Borderers who took on a 4,000 strong force of Zulu warriors in one of the most celebrated defensive actions in military history.

Booth's character, who became known as Henry 'Hookie' Hook was famed for fighting off the Zulus with only his bayonet, and winning the Victoria Cross.

Booth was married with two sons and two daughters.