Zulu:The Battle of Rorke’s Drift: 22-23 January 1879

Military History Online ^ | 2002 | Gilbert Padilla

[HoustonCurmudgeon]

I'm mildly surprised it got filmed at all, considering that it was shot in South Africa at the height of apartheit with South Africa Army soldiers as extras.

I asked a couple of people in South Africa that question in the late 80's. I believe it was a slap in the face to the ANC as most Zulu's hated the Xosha dominated, communist ANC. The Zulu's were the closest things the white government had to friends. Also SA was trying very hard to get the movie industry to film there as it is (or was) by far the most advanced area of Africa.

[investigateworld]

For any FReeper interested, one can get a Henri Rifle of that era from advertiser in Shotgun News for about $550. No Federal Firearm License required.

[ijcr]

Ian Knight wrote that the county designation of the 24th Regiment in 1879 was the 2nd Warwickshires; they didn't change their title to the South Wales Borderers until 1st July 1881 - almost exactly two years after the war had ended.

True, the Regimental Depot had been established at Brecon, in South Wales, in 1873, and from that point there was a small but significant increase in Welsh recruits in the ranks. In fact, however, recruits for the regiment - like every other battalion in the British army - were signed on at recruiting depots across the country, and the 24th consisted of men from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.


The most that can be said is that the Welsh connection had, by 1879, led to a rather higher proportion of Welshman in the ranks than was common elsewhere. Nevertheless, even the most optimistic search of the regimental roll can find only 19 men of B Company, 2/24th, with any sort of Welsh connection - out of a total strength of more than 80.

Of course, there were detachments of numerous other units - including Colonial Volunteers - present at the battle, making a total garrison of about 145. So the Welsh contingent comprised no more than 15% of the total.


And no-one, I'm sorry to say, sang Men of Harlech; the regimental march in 1879 was "The Warwickshire Lads""."

http://www.hafodlane.fsnet.co.uk/Myfanwy.mp3

The site above features the Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir singing Myfanwy,just beautiful and emotional music.

[DCBryan1]

Artist Chris Collingwood's "This Heroic Little Garrison"

Excellent print available from Cranston Military Art. This painting as well as "Hail to Odin", "SPQR", "Spartans", and "Thermopolyae" hang prominately in my office.

[Alberta's Child]

The stand at Rorke's Drift snatched victory from the jaws of defeat and the memories of the shocking defeat of the British Army at Isandlawana(which occurred on the same day) lies forgotten.

What is often overlooked is that the battle at Rorke's Drift could very well have ended in the same disastrous manner as Isandlawana, but for one key factor: Rorke's Drift was a supply depot, so the British soldiers who defended it were able to rely on a nearly-unlimited source of ammunition.

[Former Dodger]

I agree, the Zulus were shown as a well disciplined army, using tactics, not just fatalist, savage attackers.

Technology and a defensible position, along with a lot of courage defeated them, but they fought well.

From: http://www.rorkesdriftvc.com/index.html
At Rorke's Drift, eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded. Seven to the 2nd Battalion, 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot, one to the Army Medical Department, one to the Royal Engineers, one to the Commissariat and Transport Department and one to the Natal Native Contingent.

And here: http://www.victoriacross.net/unit.asp?unit=15
for the 24th Regiment (later The South Wales Borderers)VC Awards.

[poetknowit]

Thanks much. MUCH!

[poetknowit]

...."from the Southwest Sir - thosands of them"....

[poetknowit]

..."you'll upset the lads'...

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

One of my favorite liks for info on this;

http://www.rorkesdriftvc.com/isandhlwana/isandhlwana.htm#

[ops33]

Yes, I got the names mixed up.