After 250 years, the incredible secret behind Britain’s colonization of Africa finally is revealed in a new book.

It all began in 1795 when British forces seized  the Cape of Good Hope at the southern end of the continent of Africa from the Dutch.

That was just the start. In the following 120 years Britain colonized large parts of the African continent. They subverted the indigenous peoples, drew boundaries that paid little or no attention to the homelands of tribal groups, and exploited the continent’s wealth of minerals, agriculture and human labor.

Eventually, the phrase Cape to Cairo summarized the British colonization of areas that combined to form a continuous chain from south to north through the continent.

If the British had lost that first battle and failed to oust the Dutch, history would undoubtedly have been vastly different.

How did the British win that war, known today as the Battle of Muizenberg?

Not through sheer force, superior weaponry or more skillful fighting prowess.

They won largely by using disinformation, cunning and strategy.

As a result, few lives were lost on either side even though thousands of troops were involved in the battle.

Had the Dutch not believed the British misinformation they might well have won the war and ousted the British forces.

The full exciting true story is told in Defeat by Deceit.

Fully illustrated with maps, illustrations and contemporary prints.