Rorke's Drift, 1879 - The highest number of Victoria Crosses awarded in a single action You have visited rorkesdriftvc.com times. This action was at Rorke's Drift, Wednesday 22- Thursday 23 January, 1879, when some 150 soldiers defended a supply station against some 4000 Zulus, aided by the Martini-Henry rifle 'with some guts behind it'. Since the Victoria Cross was instigated by Queen Victoria in 1856, only 1358 have been awarded (the double awards for Arthur Martin-Leake , Charles Hazlitt Upham and Noel Godfrey Chavasse are included in the total). UPDATE: RDVC.com supports the forces charity Help for Heroes - you can donate online here: more details : 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.

(click here to find out more...) There may possibly have been more VC's awarded but the posthumous VC was only started in 1905, among the first recipients in 1907 were Lts Melvill and Coghill who were killed whilst saving the colours from Isandhlwana on the 22nd. of January. One other VC winner on the 22nd. of January was a Private Samuel Wassall from Birmingham. He rescued a comrade who was drowning in the Buffalo River during the retreat from Isandhlwana. He went on to live until he was 70. He is buried in The Barrow-in-Furness cemetery, section 3.B. plot 1952. There was another VC winner who died at Isandhlwana. He was Private William Griffiths, born in Ireland. He won his VC in 1867 at Little Andaman Island. His grave is unmarked on the battlefield at Isandhlwana. The action at Rorke's Drift is well covered by the numerous publications and web sites which are devoted to the subject as well as the details of the lives of the VC recipients and their action in the defence.

These are well worth exploring for the information which they give, and there is an extensive list of links available. My only aim, as an amateur enthusiast, is to offer the chance to bring tangible reality to those who have an interest in the subject. To visit the graves of the VC recipients allows one to make some contact with the participants of this historic event. My interest with the individuals involved led me to visit the graves of all the VC winners of Rorke's Drift who are buried in this country, as well as the grave of Dalton in South Africa whilst on our visit to Rorke's Drift . You will also see that there are sections for other interesting aspects of the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, as it is very difficult to remain specialised! My next project is to visit the grave of Bromhead in Allahabad, in India. One, (Cpl. Schiess NNC) , was buried at sea off the coast of Angola. The links on the left form as accurate a guide as I can give to anyone who is interested in visiting the graves of the VC Defenders of Rorke's Drift, along with information about the events leading up to the "immortal defence".

BBC NEWS | UK | Wales | Rorke's Drift 125 year anniversary Rorke's Drift 125 year anniversary Rorke's Drift was defended by 145 men against thousands of Zulus The 125th anniversary of one of the most celebrated moments in Welsh military history is being marked on a distant battlefield. Just 145 soldiers from the 24th Foot, which two years later became the South Wales Borderers, held off an army of thousands of Zulu warriors at the battle of Rorke's Drift during South Africa's Anglo-Zulu War in 1879. The losses of the British garrison were reported as 17 dead and 10 wounded, with the Zulus losing 450 men before retreating. Ex-soldiers in the Borderers, which has since merged with other regiments to form the modern-day Royal Regiment of Wales, have flown to Africa to join Welsh First Minister Rhodri Morgan, Zulu chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi and British High Commissioner in South Africa, Ann Grant, in remembrance of their heroic predecessors on Friday.

Rorke's Drift was always regarded as significant in south Wales, but the film Zulu really helped fire the imagination Rodney Ashwood The defenders of Rorke's Drift were awarded seven Victoria Crosses - the largest number awarded to a regiment for a single action - for the defence of Rorke's Drift, which was later given cinematic treatment in the 1964 classic film Zulu, starring Michael Caine, Stanley Baker and Ivor Emmanuel. Four other Victoria Crosses were awarded to other regiments for their role in the two battles. Links between the Zulu nation and Wales have been forged since the legendary battle and a largely Zulu regiment in the modern-day South African army awards a bravery medal named after Rorke's Drift soldier John Chard - the character played by Rhondda actor Baker in the film. Retired Royal Regiment of Wales soldier Rodney Ashwood, from Brecon, said the battle of Rorke's Drift had always had a prominent place in the folklore of Welsh troops, but the film had made the stand famous to the wider public.

Rhodri Morgan will attend a staging of the Battle of Isandlwana Mr Ashwood, who is a trustee of the Regiment's museum, in Brecon, said: "There are records of Rorke's Drift being commemorated in the 1920s and 1930s with re-enactments taking place. "It was always regarded as significant in south Wales, but the film Zulu really helped fire the imagination. "Zulu is a wonderful film, but historically there are a number of errors. "The film takes place in daylight, whereas in reality, the battle began at 4.30pm and went on throughout the night. "In the film, Private Henry Hook is a drunk, but in real life, he was quite the opposite. "It is also inaccurate that the Zulu army stopped on top of the hill and sang to the Welsh soldiers.

"In reality, they had been on the march for four or five days and simply withdrew when they started sustaining casualties." Eleven Victoria Cross medals were awarded after Rorke's Drift The 125th anniversary service in Kwa-Zulu Natal province will feature a re-enactment of the battle of Isandlwana in which 1,500 soldiers from the Borderers were killed by Zulu forces, who then marched on the isolated border post of Rorke's Drift, defended by a much smaller force from the same regiment. First Minister Rhodri Morgan flew out on Thursday to take part in the commemorative events. "The battles of Isandhlwana and Rorke's Drift have a particular significance for the people of Wales and the Zulu nation," he said. "The South Wales Borderers (24th Foot) was one of the most famous and distinguished regiments in Wales. "Their heroism at Rorke's Drift was recognised with the largest number of Victoria Crosses awarded to a single regiment for any one action.

"The supreme bravery of those 145 men who beat thousands of attacking Zulu warriors into retreat has now passed into the realms of popular folklore and been forever immortalised in the film Zulu. "The Zulu victory at Isandlwana, immediately before Rorke's Drift, was one of the British army's worst and bloodiest defeats." Mr Morgan will be presenting a commemorative sword to local dignitary Chief Mangasuto Buthelese. His visit will also include a visit to a school twinned with Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llanharri. 'Wrong men' given VCs at Rorke's Drift - Telegraph 'Wrong men' given VCs at Rorke's Drift By Charlotte Edwardes 12:01AM BST 19 Oct 2003 The wrong soldiers were awarded Victoria Cross medals after the British Army's battle with the Zulus at Rorke's Drift, while the true heroes went unrecognised, a new BBC documentary will claim this week.

In stark contrast to the film Zulu, in which Lt John Chard and Lt Gonville Bromhead, the commanding officers of the Rorke's Drift outpost, are portrayed as heroes, the BBC programme depicts them as dithering and "hopeless". The documentary also claims that the pair sought to flee during the battle in 1879, which has become renowned as one of the Army's most inspiring actions. It claims that the real hero of the action was James Dalton, the acting assistant commissary in the Army's supplies section. He is depicted in Zulu as a wimpish character. The documentary, however, shows Dalton as leading the defence when the British garrison of 140 men in the South African bush comes under repeated attacks from the 3,000-strong Zulu army. Related Articles Rorke's Drift relics sold for £41,400 12 May 2001 Rorke's Drift is the most famous action in the Zulu War, which began on January 11, 1879 when the Army, commanded by Lord Chelmsford, invaded the Zulu kingdom in an attempt to extend British control in South Africa.

Eleven days later, the British suffered a disastrous defeat at Isandlwana, where 1,350 soldiers died, after under-estimating the Zulus' fighting capabilities. However, British honour was retrieved the same day by the valiant defence of Rorke's Drift, 10 miles from Isandlwana. Eleven VCs medals were awarded in recognition of the men's bravery - the most gained in a single action. The BBC's claims that some of the medals were undeserved has prompted an angry reaction from historians and enthusiasts for the Zulu campaign. They described the BBC's conclusions as "rubbish" and insisted that the medals given to Lt Chard and Lt Bromhead were justified. Saul David, a historian who acted as a consultant to the makers of the BBC documentary, insisted, however, that the trumpeting of the two senior officers' alleged achievements had been a deliberate ploy to mask the defeat at Isandlwana. "Few remember that the battle of Rorke's Drift was fought on the same day that the British Army suffered its most humiliating defeat at nearby Isandlwana," he said.

"It suited those responsible for the disaster to exaggerate the importance of Rorke's Drift in the hope of reducing the impact of Isandlwana. The true story of the day is one of unprovoked slaughter, heroes ignored and the guilty protected." Dr David cites documents from the time that describe the two commanding officers in less than flattering terms. He said: "Many of their fellow officers were amazed that they were recommended for VCs. "One senior officer wrote: 'Bromhead is a great favourite in his regiment and a capital fellow at everything except soldiering . . . He had to be reported confidentially as hopeless.' Another described Lt Chard as 'a most useless officer fit for nothing'." Dr David said that Dalton, who was eventually awarded a VC after intensive lobbying in the press, had been overlooked initially because, as a former non-commissioned officer, he came from the "wrong background". At least two other soldiers, Commissary Walter Dunn, and Colour Sgt Frank Bourne, had also deserved the VC for their bravery, he said, but had not received the honour.

Furthermore, Dr David claims that the two scouts, Lt Teignmouth Coghill and Lt Nevill Melvill of the 24th Regiment of Foot, who were honoured with posthumous VCs after they were killed trying to save Queen Victoria's colours at Isandlwana, were not heroic, but were in the process of "bolting" from the scene. He said: "Did they deserve the VCs? They were, after all, simply fleeing the site of the disaster. Some have even suggested that they took the colours with them as an excuse." Dr David quotes Sir Garnet Wolseley, who succeeded Lord Chelmsford as the Army's General Officer Commanding in South Africa, as saying: "It is monstrous making heroes of those who saved or attempted to save their lives by bolting." Brian Best, the secretary of the Victoria Cross Society, criticised the suggestion that the men should not have received their medals. "Even if there were truth in the view that by today's standards some of the VCs may not have been awarded, there is no doubt that these men were brave and deserved to be honoured," he said.

'It's stupid to say they are undeserving of the VC." Alan Critchley, who has studied the conflict since 1969 and runs a website devoted to the history of Rorke's Drift, also described the BBC's argument as "rubbish". He said: "It's all sour grapes. The BBC are trying to be controversial and the truth is there is some controversy surrounding the event, but the BBC have pandered to people who resented the fact that these soldiers won VCs. "It's nonsense to say that they tried to flee or that they were not heroic. Bromhead was almost completely deaf, so many people misunderstood that for stupidity. He wasn't stupid. The facts speak for themselves. What those soldiers did was magnificent." The BBC film reserves the most scathing criticism for Lord Chelmsford. He is depicted as lying and blaming others for his own error in under-estimating the Zulus, and as being ultimately responsible for the deaths of the 1,350 British soldiers.

At the time, Lord Chelmsford blamed the defeat at Isandlwana on Col Durnford, who died in the battle, claiming that Durnford had disobeyed orders to defend the camp. Dr David said that this was wrong. "The truth is that no orders were ever given to Durnford to take command. The actual order was later found on the battlefield, but suppressed for a number of years," he said. "Chelmsford used Rorke's Drift against his critics. Though undeniably heroic, the importance of the defence of Rorke's Drift was grossly exaggerated by both the generals and politicians to diminish the impact of Isandlwana." Zulu: The True Story will be broadcast on BBC2 on Friday at 9pm.

rorkesdriftvc.com - A Zulu Perspective We, "The Children of Isandlwana": Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift Revisited* BY THEMBA MTHETHWA: B.PROC, LLB (NATAL) "One hundred years ago, King Cetshwayo's people's army spoke to the invading enemy with their spears at the battle of Isandlwana, it engaged and defeated the pride of the British colonial army - a feat which has gone down in history as one of the most glorious and spectacular achievements in world struggles to resist foreign domination.ï¿½ Faced with the might of the superior army, our heroic warriors knew no fear.ï¿½ They shed rivers of blood to remain free in the land that was undoubtedly theirs.

In a war which was deliberately provoked by the enemy, the people's army gave a clear motive that a time comes in the life of people when there is only one way out - the way of challenging oppression by force and violence In doing so, they added a glorious page to a long history of our people's heroic resistance to the invasion of the land of their forefathers.ï¿½ Isandlwana has left us with a heritage, whose spirit of no surrender, whose spirit of sacrifice and discipline inspires and guides our whole nation in the battles to come, a heritage which is a challenge to all of us - the children of Isandlwana"1 In the heart of Mitchell Street, Darwin, in Australia's Northern Territory, I came across a British Redcoat, similar to those who fought at Isandlwana.ï¿½ On a closer look, it was a cafï¿½, called " Rorke's Drift bar/cafï¿½ ".ï¿½ï¿½ It called prospective patrons to come and enjoy "the best of British hospitality in the heart of Mitchell Street." Darwin is well known for its tropical climate and as a major tourist destination, but is also known for being the major target of Japanese bombings during World War

 II.ï¿½ Well known for having survived cyclone Tracy, well known for the "'Dingo Baby" case fiasco, well known for mandatory prison terms for theft, a crime closely associated with poverty and juveniles, this inevitabley led the Aboriginal people being well and over represented in only one Northern Territory Government's institution - the Territory's prisons.ï¿½ Fairly recently, its Supreme Court's dismissed a claim for compensation filed by the survivors of the "Stolen Generation".ï¿½ It was this judgement and other interests, that brought me to this city at the Top End of the country Down Under.

Before I trampled on a Redcoat next to the door of the Rorke's Drift bar/cafï¿½, and as an indigenous person myself, I found it to be a warm city; I was impressed with its cosmopolitan multi-culturalism compared with other cities in mainstream Australia. Earlier I had disembarked in Perth, I happened to be the only African to disembark there.ï¿½ I also happened to be the only one to be subjected to physical search by the Customs officials. I braced myself to see the best of Australian apartheid. Probably having been the only African of Zulu descent to dine in the bar/cafï¿½, I enquired as to what motivated the naming of the bar/cafe "Rorke's Drift", when the real Rorke's Drift was across the Indian Ocean, thousands of miles away.ï¿½ The answer came loud and clear on the menu:ï¿½ ï¿½"This is the Story of Rorke's Drift: In 1879, on January 22-23, the most extraordinary and dramatic events took place at Rorke's Drift, Natal, South Africa.

On being alerted of the most disastrous of defeats at nearby Isandlwana, British troops numbering less than 150 prepared to defend the mission station at Rorke's Drift against 4000 Zulus.ï¿½ This was a brutal, unrelenting assault, continuing on its ferocity for twelve hours.ï¿½ Sheer courage, bravery, tactic and determination brought the battle to an end, the remaining Zulus retreating from the station and (their) humble kingdom saluting the bravery of the victorious British soldiers left standing. Eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded for their bravery and to date this is the most that has ever been won in one battle.ï¿½ From this, the inspiration was born to create a unique theme bar/cafï¿½ unlike any other in the world, the idea being to provide 'the best of British hospitality in the heart of Mitchell Street'."2 To me, this was the best of British patriotism in the heart of Australian soil.

In honour of the British army, I expected the menu to be full of the best of English dishes, something like Pulleine's Mince, Durnford's Stew or Melvill and Coghill Buffalo Wings, but I came across Impi Aphrodisiacs, Shaka Zulu Chicken Wings, Zulu Wedges and Rorke's Native Nacho's. Despite the name of the bar/cafï¿½, to me the menu appeared to be in honour of the Zulu army who fought in Rorke's Drift or Isandlwana . It was a "people's army," an army of ordinary people, armed with spears and shields fighting a professional army, armed with state- of- the- art arms at the time. They attacked a British military post (it was no longer a mission station). This regiment comprised of warriors who were well over their forties. They had traveled in excess of 100km on foot, for almost five days they had little sleep and little to eat. They had to fight in the dark, which was not within the Zulu army fighting skills and tactics. The fortitude to attack the fortified position of the British army through out the night has to be applauded.

The question to be asked is whether Rorke's Drift was of such strategic importance to the British army to warrant such a defence and if so, whether the eleven Victoria Crosses won on that day were justified. To answer the first question, one has to understand why this Swedish mission was commandeered into a military post. The answer is simple. It was to be a depot and provide supplies to the advancing British army and, of course, a hospital. It was indeed strategic, but once the British army was wiped out at Isandlwana , to me it lost its strategic value in toto. The army that needed the supplies was no longer there. When the news of the disastrous defeat at Isandlwana reached Lieutenant JRM Chard , who was in command of the depot at the time, it did not occur to him that he should engage in a strategic retreat to Helpmekaar as the fugitives earlier did. It appears he simple decided to dig-in.ï¿½ He was an Engineer having not seen combat before.

At some stage he was described as "a plodding dogged sort." and "Hopelessly slow and slack."3 The second in command was Lieutenant Bromhead , once described as "fearless but hopelessly stupid", and nicknamed "The Deaf Duffer". 4 It still remains a mystery as to why the evacuation of the depot was never ordered despite the fleeing of Lieutenant Henderson/Stephenson with two squadrons which effectively reduced the strength from approximately 450 to less than 150 men.5 There was enough time to evacuate from the time of receiving the initial report on the defeat and the initial attack. Almost two hours lapsed! 6 This was an unnecessary battle, which would have been avoided with no loss of life on both sides. Probably the "slowness and slackness" of Lieutenant Chard combined with the "fearlessness and stupidity" of Lieutenant Bromhead contributed to the decision not to retreat or evacuate but to defend a non-strategic depot hence the Battle of Rorke's Drift .

The VC can only be bestowed for action "in the presence of the enemy", between 1858-1881, which caters for 1879, it also included action "under circumstances of extreme danger". But what if the incumbent misjudges the situation or creates a situation for such action when same could have been avoided? Gallantly defended as it was, Rorke's Drift never played any meaningful role for the remainder of the Campaign.ï¿½ It may be argued that no matter what fortitude the defenders of Rorke's Drift showed, the decision to dig-in and fight for a non strategic depot was profitless and a bad one, and as such the dishing out of so many highest medals, especially to those who took the decision to defend, was a bad one too, but understandably so in the light of the Isandlwana defeat. The morale of the troops was low and had to be boosted for Britain to reclaim the superiority of its army in battles to come, hence so many Victoria Crosses. A tally, which was never to be matched in any single engagement even in both World Wars. It is unlikely that it will ever be matched.

Who can argue, using Rorke's Drift's yardstick, that there were no eleven brave man deserving VCs among those who fought in Delville Wood or among those who stormed the beaches in Normandy? Interestingly, only one VC was won in D-Day landings7. Even among the Wars, which Britain fought alone after Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift, one is alarmed by the scarcity of VCs in various important engagements, as a matter of fact; they make credibility of those awarded at Rorke's Drift really questionable. From Majuba to Spioenkop the scarcity of this most sought after medal is obvious. Fairly recently, during the Falkland Islands War, the British Army fought approximately nine battles on its march to Port Stanley, the Battle of Goose Green was "arguably the longest and toughest battle of the war"8, 172 British troops against 200 Argentines were to perish in this battle. Again the Rorke's Drift VC record was not broken. Only one VC was won in this battle, albeit posthumously. All in all only two VC's were won in the Falkland Islands War and both posthumously9.

At Isandlwana, out of six companies of the 24th Regiment who were engaged in battle, or rather on the firing line, not even one man survived, a record unknown even in modern warfare, or at least I could not find. Out of 1700 British troops, who defended the camp, less than 450 were to live to tell the tale. Even 11 VC's that were to be awarded later, probably to overshadow this military history in the making, failed. Surprisingly, the only informative web site on the Victoria Crosses does not include the Rorke's Drift record among its "Unusual VC's" category10. Over one hundred years had passed since the defeat of the British Army at Isandlwana , but the Zulus tactics appears to be still inspirational even to the modern British Army. During the Falkland Island War, and during the battle of Two Sisters, the Z company of the 45 Commando were shouting " ZULU!!" which is their "war cry" as they advance towards the enemy, as the Zulus were shouting " USUTHU!!" advancing towards them a century ago11.

Probably the disciplined and controlled volley fire, with the Officer Commanding only shouting orders, which characterized the well drilled British infantry is now a thing of the past. Friedrich Engels, a well-known international Social Scientist, writing soon after these events, had this to say: "We have witnessed quite recently examples of this bravery in Africa. The Zulu.did what no European army could do. Armed only with pikes and spears and without firearms, they advanced, under a hail of bullets from the breech-loaders, right up to the bayonets of the English infantry--universally acknowledged as the best in the world for fighting in close formation--throwing them into disorder and even beating them back more than once; and this, despite the colossal disparity in weapons and despite the fact that they have no such things as military service and do not know what military exercises mean."12 This is in sharp contrast to Ian Knight's assertion that "throughout the Anglo Zulu War, neither side held a monopoly of courage and sacrifice."13 One must compare apples with apples.

More closer to home, Bishop Colenso shared Engels' views, He had this to say about the Zulu: "were merely armed people, not a standing army."14 If the decision to award the medals were left to Engels or Colenso, it would be interesting to know if those eleven Victoria Crosses would have been awarded at all or if they were to award same to the Zulu army, how many Victoria Crosses would gone their way. On the other hand, it has been argued that King Cetshwayo had given clear instructions that his warriors should not cross the Umzinyathi River. He was fighting a defensive battle. He wanted it to be seen who the aggressors were. It has been argued that Prince Dabulamanzi kaMpande acted contrary to the King's instructions when commanded the army into Rorke's Drift . It should be remembered that he was never reprimanded for his actions, as the doctrine of hot pursuit was well known even within the people's army.

As a matter of fact, his regiment, which formed the right horn at Isandlwana, did not take part in the fighting earlier in the day but had to remain on guard and cut any reinforcement or retreat to or from Rorke's Drift, which they did.15 They did the pursuit. The doctrine of hot pursuit was applied, though it was to be ruthlessly applied by the British at Gingindlovu, Khambule and Ulundi. In any event the land west of Umzinyathi River and west of Ncome River had been a matter of dispute for sometime between the Zulus and the Boers. Late in 1877 a British Commission was formed to investigate the matter and find in favour of the Zulus. As a matter of irony, it sat in Rorke's Drift, which within few months was to be a centre stage of fighting. As if this was not enough, Col. A Durnford, who was to die at Isandlwana few miles away in few months time, was part of the Commission. The Commission's report was not welcomed by the protagonists of the war like Governor Sir Bartle Frere who wanted to use the land dispute as an excuse for the invasion.

It was to be withheld until his wishes were achieved, and as such, it can than be argued that Dabulamanzi did not act outrageously. It is interesting to note that 29 farms in this area have now been returned to the Zulu families by the South African Land Commission.16 Thanks to the non-protagonist, Henry Bulwer who initiated the Commission; our country has avoided Zimbabwe upheavals when it comes to land redistribution in this area. The British defeat at Isandlwana is synonymous with the American's defeat in Vietnam or the French's defeat at Dien Bien Phu17. Isandlwana, Vietnam and Dien Bien Phu became the symbols of hope and determination in the fight by indigenous people against foreign domination and imperialism.

In 1979, to mark the 100th Anniversary of the victory at Isandlwana, and in line with its tradition, the African National Congress, then a liberation movement, declared 1979 the "The year of the spear" because of the central role played by the spear at Isandlwana.18 A specialized Unit called "Isandlwana Detachment" was formed within UMKHONTO WESIZWE (The Spear of the Nation), the now disbanded military wing of the African National Congress. It was more successful in the field compared with the "Luthuli Detachment" which fought in Wankie, Rhodesia in 1967.19 As long as people still talk about Isandlwana , they will also talk about Vietnam and Dien Bien Phu. It is generally known that the most of the American " Vietnam Veterans" returned with a condition that was later to be referred to as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder ("PTSD"). I randomly picked two of the winners of Victoria Crosses at Rorke's Drift to determine how they lived after Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana.

One Cpl Ferdnand Christian Schiess , a Swiss national, died as a tramp aged 28, on a Vessel to England after the members of the Public contributed to pay for his passage. He was buried at sea off the coast of Angola.20 The other, one Robert Jones , died aged 41. He committed suicide. The Coroners records states that Jones suffered nightmares following his hand-to-hand combat at the South African mission station Rorke's Drift. Verdict: Suicide whilst temporarily insane.21 It appears that the trauma of Rorke's Drift was too much to bear and was to take its toll years later. A long train of "movies" was to emerge in America potraying the Americans as " Heroes" and Vietnamese as "Villains" who probably succeeded because of their numbers. The similar trend had emerged in English "Films". Of particular note is a 1964 film " Zulu ", starring Michael Caine and Stanley Baker. Not surprising, it failed dismally to capture moments of glory of the People's Army. Same can be said about " Zulu Dawn ".

On the other hand, the first American films on the Vietnam war, in the heroic mould, like the "Green Berets" were released when the American public was well informed and knew better, the movie audiences stayed away in droves and they were box office flops. Those who were anti-heroic, or rather portrayed what may have been the true events, were indeed successful, I have in mind films like " Apocalypse now", "The Deer Hunter" and " Platoon." Probably the British audience still has to know what really happened in 1879, but it may be difficult to achieve this if British writers like Ian Knight , who is considered as an "authority" on the Anglo-Zulu war still refer to Zulu victory at Isandlwana as "the massacre at Isandlwana."22 We, the Children of Isandlwana, have to ensure that there exists a proper historical adaptation of these events in the form of art. Mbongeni Ngema's stage play, "The Zulu" is a step to the right direction in setting the record straight though it failed to capture some important facts like the death of Prince Imperial, the last Survivor of the Bonaparte dynasty.

His death, at the hands of the Zulus, marked the death of the Royalist dream in France.23 It corroborates the fact that, to a certain extent, the Zulus were not only fighting the British but also the European Army. It may have been over dramatized to the extent of potraying the warriors drinking paraffin thinking it was rum after taking over the British camp. This is not documented and may be a mere folklore. It is, in any event a good play, at least for the British audience to hear and see the other side insteadï¿½of spending their pounds in the Lodges next to the battlefields and pay the guides to tell them what they want to hear. I regard myself as one of the children of Isandlwana referred to by the late President Oliver Tambo in his speech quoted in the opening of this article. At the beginning of January 2001 after my wandering and trampling on the Redcoat in Darwin I visited the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift .

The purpose of my visit was to determine if, we, the children of Isandlwana, have in fact restored the dignity and honour of those soldiers of the people's army who fell in those battles. When I arrived at the main gate of the battlefield of Isandlwana the only conspicuous item was the British Union Jack flag flying solo among three flagless masts. That was the first insult to those who fell in that battlefield or rather to those who were victorious, the "people's army." It should be remembered that the British flag, the Queens/ Regimental Colours, were lost when the battle was lost, a sign of decisive defeat. It was to be recovered few days later along the banks of Umzinyathi River. Melvill and Coghill, who were assigned to carry The Colours, were killed and the Colours lost.24 Because of the circumstances under which they were killed, it is very unlikely that the Colours would have been found had the Zulus knew what they symbolize. This makes the posthumous award of the Victoria Crosses to them even more questionable.

The security guard advised me that in order to gain access to the battlefield I would have to go and pay at the information centre a few metres away. Having travelled for almost 400km I needed to make use of the toilet. At the information centre they pointed me into a toilet, which to my surprise did not even have running water, another insult. I was denied access to use the toilet at the Lodge close by, as I was not one of their guests. Now having paid, I proceeded straight to the gate and gained access to the battlefield. Few metres from the gate there was a huge bronze artefact, which to me resembled Isinqu, an informal bravery award, associated with the Zulu army. It bears no names and the reason why it is there. To a non-Zulu, it is a meaningless huge bronze bracelet. I was disappointed but still hopeful that somewhere next to the mountain there was something recording and commemorating the decisive victory of the people's army but I only came across unmarked English graves and more closer to the mountain there were various monuments in honour of the British army.

The one that struck me was from Maritzburg College Old Boys in honour of the "Old boys" who died at Isandlwana fighting on the side of the British army. I, one of the children of Isandlwana left Isandlwana disappointed and proceeded to Rorke's Drift . I decided against taking the fugitive's route down to the fugitive's drift but took the ordinary route. I had to cross the Umzinyathi River Bridge. As I was crossing the bridge, there was a board reminding me that I was officially crossing Buffalo River , and not Umzinyathi River as was and still known to local indigenous people. Seven years into Black majority rule, colonial names still haunt us, shame unto us, the children of Isandlwana. The museum at Rorke's Drift was well organized, as I expected. They had running water and a state-of-the-art computer with clearly defined defence lines, the plan with audio-visual assimilation material. I failed to comprehend why there was such disparity between Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana, but it soon dawned on me when I realised who were the victors there.

Seven years into Black majority rule, there is no proper, I mean proper memorials dignifying those who were buried like dogs in those two mass graves. Shame unto us, the children of Isandlwana. The decision by the Chief of Staff of the South African National Defence Force, Gen. Siphiwe Nyanda to honour an invitation by the Zondi Committee to attend the unveiling of the plaque in honour of Bhambatha ka Mancinza Zondi on the 16th December 2001 has to be applauded. The fact that it was a family affair has to be condemned. The 1906 Bhambatha Rebellion was not a family affair. It was to go down in history as the last armed rebellion conducted in "the spirit of Isandlwana".

The government of the people should have taken the initiative To this day, seven years after the Black majority rule, there exists a " John chard medal" and a "John chard decoration" within the South African National Defence Force.25 This medal and a decoration in named in honour Lt JR Chard, an Englishman, who was in command of Rorke's Drift on the night of January 22-23, 1879. What about Dabulamanzi ka Mpande, Jobe ka Matshana, Ntshingwayo, Sigcwelegcwele, Mavumengwana, Hinsa, Sikhukhuni and many more. Having found the best of British patriotism in the heart of the Australian soil, I failed to find any African patriotism in South African soil in the form of Isandlwana or Rorke's Drift, but did find, once more the best of British patriotism in the form of John Chard Decoration and John Chard Medal right in the heart of the South African National Defence Force- shame unto us- the children of Isandlwana, a shame to King Cetshwayo's People's Army.

Year 2001 has been declared "THE YEAR OF THE AFRICAN CENTURY for democracy, peace and development" by South Africa's governing party.26 Like the biblical "Children of Israel", may the "Spirit of Isandlwana" guide the "Children of Isandlwana" in battles at hand; battles against poverty, illiteracy, disease, racism and battles for Black Economic Empowerment, prosperity, peace and the African Renaissance. But how will the "Spirit of Isandlwana" prevail if the honour and dignity of those who fell there is not properly restored? Written in Memory of Troop Sergeant Major Khambula, DCM, an African: Who for all the wrong reasons, but in good faith, fought bravely and loyally for the English Army from the beginning to the end of the Anglo-Zulu War. He was with the Natal Native Horse. ï¿½He fought for "The Great White Queen" at Isandlwana, Hlobane, Khambula, Nondwengu and Ulundi. He guided his European Comrades through the African bush he knew better.

He opened a path, which was later to be referred to as "The Fugitives Route/ Drift" for his Comrades to escape the slaughter at Isandlwana. He fired at his African Brothers across the Buffalo River for more of his Comrades to escape. The Citation in his Distinguished Conduct Medal (WO 146/1) reads: "This non-commissioned Officer. saved the life of an Officer of the Frontier Light Horse by bringing him out of a very heavy fire behind him on his horse." After the award, Rev. Owen Watkins of the Methodist Church of which Khambula was part of the flock, wrote, "Simeon Khambula had truly served The Great White Queen, he received the medal from the hands of an English General at a parade of the troops. Had he been a White Man, he would have received The Victoria Cross"27. So wrote the man of the cloth. Troop Sergeant-Major Khambula was ostracized by fellow Africans as a traitor and denied the Victoria Cross by the English because of the colour of his skin. Let us learn from his mistake; let us know who we are. We are the Children of Isandlwana.

Reference: 1. MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH AFRICA ON THE 67TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS, January 1979, by late former President of the African National Congress, Oliver Tambo. From: SECHABA, APRIL 1979. 2. MENU OF THE RORKE'S DRIFT BAR/CAFï¿½, DARWIN, AUSTRALIA'S NORTHERN TERRITORY. Author unknown, illustrations courtesy of Reed Publishing, London, United Kingdom. 3. THE BATTLE OF RORKE'S DRIFT-22/23 JANUARY 1879 by Graeme Smythe, former curator of Rorke's Drift Museum: 4. THE BATTLE OF RORKE'S DRIFT-22/23 JANUARY 1879 by Graeme Smythe, former curator of Rorke's Drift Museum: . 5. RORKE'S DRIFT: SEQUENCE OF EVENTS [22/23 JANUARY 1879] by Major P.R Naish (retd): . 6.

RORKE'S DRIFT: SEQUENCE OF EVENTS [22/23 JANUARY 1879] by Major P.R Naish (retd): . 7. SEE SEE as well under Battle of Normandy. 8. GOOSE GREEN: A BATTLE IS FOUGHT TO BE WON ï¿½ï¿½by Mark Adkin. 9. SEE Go to the VC's awarded 10. SEE . SEE "unusual VC's" category 11. SEE Go to Falkland Islands War and scroll to the "Battle for Two Sisters"ï¿½ï¿½ 12. THE ORIGIN OF THE FAMILY, PRIVATE PROPERTY AND THE STATE by Friedrich Engels (1884). Page 80. Foreign Languages Publishing House, Moscow, USSR, 1940. 13. BRAVE MEN'S BLOOD: THE EPIC OF THE ZULU WAR, 1879 by Ian Knight, page1, Green hill Books, London, 1996 14.

CETSHWAYO'S DUTCHMAN, BEING THE PRIVATE JOURNAL OF A WHITE TRADER IN ZULULAND DURING THE BRITISH INVASION, C.VIJN, translated, edited and annoted by J.W Colenso, London, 1884,page 142 and quoted by Jeff Guy in " THE DESTRUCTION OF THE ZULU KINGDOM" page 55, University of Natal Press, 1994. 15. THE SUN TURNED BLACK: ISANDLWANA AND RORKE'S DRIFT-1879 by Ian Knight, page 151. William Water Publications, 1995 16. PROF. S.J MAPHALALA, former Professor of history at the University of Zululand, South Africa. Interview with the writer HPS Simulations: The Drift 1879 LINKS ï¿½1990-2017 HPS Simulations The HPS Logo and all series/game titles on this site trademark (TM) HPS Simulations. All other logos trademark of their respective owners.

HPS Simulations is proud to announce the release of A JLSSG Game: The Drift 1879 On the afternoon of 22 January 1879, two survivors from Isandlwana ï¿½ Lieutenant Adendorff of the 1st/3rd NNC along with a trooper from the Natal Carbineers ï¿½ arrived at Rorke's Drift bearing news of the shocking defeat and destruction of the British Army at Isandlwana. They carried with them one other bit of information of importance to the garrison at Rorke's Drift. A part of the Zulu impi, some 3000 to 4000 strong, was now headed directly their way. Upon hearing the news, Chard, Bromhead, and Acting Assistant Commissary James Dalton had to make a quick decision. Attempt a retreat to Helpmekaar or defend their tenuous position at the Drift. Dalton pointed out that a small column, traveling in open terrain, burdened with carts full of wounded and ailing, would be easily overtaken and defeated by the numerically superior Zulu force. The only acceptable course was to stand their ground and fight.

Under the command of Lieutenant John Chard of the Royal Engineers, the Battle of Rorke's Drift immediately followed the British Army's staggering defeat at the hands of the Zulu at Isandlwana earlier in the day. The defense of Rorke's Drift stands out as one of the most courageous actions in military history. With eleven Victoria Crosses awarded, its legend remains part of British military heritage to this day. $29.95 (CD + Download) $24.95 (Download Only) The Drift 1879 is designed to be a fast user friendly turn based game. Players may perform any available action at any time during their turn segment's movement/combat phase. The British begin the game with the initiative (turn segment) and must first place the garrison's defenders in position before the impending Zulu assault. The Fort Inside and Out The Drift 1879 uses a variable distance scale of 30 meters per grid cell outside the fort and 3 meters inside. This allows players to uniquely experience the different flavors and characteristics of the engagement, from the initial stage crossing the open fields to the perimeter and the desperate hand-to-hand fighting inside.

Units are comprised of 3-6 men, with each turn spanning about 5 minutes of battle. (Click for full size) Fire in the Hole (Click for full size) The Drift 1879 is easy to play, but tough to master, from either side, as players find themselves amidst the furious, gritty action at close quarters. True to the reality of the battle, the game includes: Critical human characteristics, such as morale, leaders, command and control, and fatigue. Historical weapons effects, from rifles, muskets, bayonets, iklwa and assegai (spears). Vicious close combat resolution. Fog of War and night effects. Special circumstances, such as the ability to set buildings ablaze, or evacuate medical patients/wounded. An AI 'Adjutant' capable of issuing orders for the human player, plus the ability to give Standing Orders settings (SOP's) which direct the AI how to act in the absense of specific orders. The Drift 1879 allows players to explore any number of 'what if' scenarios, including: Different Zulu force size, allocation, and command capacity.

The arrival of British reinforcements (Stephenson's Native Natal Contingent, Rainforth's Company G). Variations in force morale/resolve base levels and breaking points. Allocation of different types of arms, munition levels and quality. Fog of War levels. The game also includes an option for randomized battles; if the hisorical one isn't nail biting enough. (Click for full size) The Drift 1879 Play Options Single player vs. the AI Play by email (PBEM) Note: There is no direct Internet/LAN play option. (Click for full size) Scenario Design Center | Spotlights | The Drift 1879: The Battle of Rorke's Drift The Drift Title Info -22 January 1879, along the Buffalo River, Natal- The Drift 1879 models the epic Battle of Rorke's Drift pitting some 140 British soldiers defending an isolated outpost against the onslaught of several thousand Zulu Warriors. Immortalized in the critically acclaimed 1964 film ZULU, the British defense of Rorke's Drift has become the best-known battle of the British Colonial Wars.

Under the command of Lieutenant John Chard of the Royal Engineers, the Battle of Rorke's Drift immediately followed the British Army's staggering defeat at the hands of the Zulu at Isandlwana earlier in the day. The defense of Rorke's Drift stands out as one of the most courageous actions in military history. With eleven Victoria Crosses awarded, its legend remains part of British military heritage to this day. 3/30 yards per hex 5 minutes per turn Human players can command either side: the British garrison at Rorke's Drift or the waves of deadly Zulu warriors. The historical default option covers the action as it historically occurred. In addition, players have the ability to create any number of custom "what-if" scenarios by adjusting game values including: Zulu force size, allocation, and command capacity British reinforcement (Stephenson's Native Natal Contingent, Rainforth's Company G) Morale/resolve base levels and breaking points Arms type and munition level and quality Fog of war

Question: Which military battle saw eleven Victoria Crosses awarded, the most for any single action?
Answer: Battle of Rorke's Drift