The Defence of Rorke’s Drift,1879
a Fine art print by Simon Smith
This heroic defence led to the award of Eleven Victoria
Crosses,
Many of the characters from the defence are
featured in the painting.
On the far left of
the painting is Cpl Attwood and Commissariat Walter Dunne. The wounded Cpl
Scammel is assisted by Wheeler Cantwell RA.
Behind him is Lt Adendorff in the blue patrol jacket, and tending the
wounded Cpl Lyons is Surgeon Reynolds. At the front barricade is Pte Hitch,
Acting commissary
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The Defence of Rorke’s Drift,1879
At about midday on Wednesday 22nd January 1879, the men at the hospital
post at Rorke's Drift, heard artillery fire from the area of Isandlwana
mountain nine miles away.
A few hours later riders came up to Rorke's Drift with the inconceivable news
that the main British camp at Isandlwana had been attacked and wiped out by a
massive Zulu army which was soon to be upon the garrison at Rorke's Drift.
Stunned by this news, Lieutenants Chard and Bromhead, the senior officers at
the post quickly conferred about their choices as James Langley Dalton, a
volunteer serving as an Acting Assistant Commissary and a former Staff Sergeant,
ordered the construction of barricades connecting the two buildings with sacks
of corn, and an inner barricade with biscuit boxes. The decision was made. They
would stand and fight.
When they learned of the imminent Zulu attack and fearing for their lives,
approximately 300 black soldiers of the Natal Native Contingent deserted. This
left about 100 fit soldiers and less than 40 in the hospital to defend the
post. At about 4.30pm four Zulu regiments totalling approximately 4500
warriors, commanded by King Cetshwayo's half brother Dabulamanzi ka Mpande
appeared around the side of the Shiyane mountain and without breaking stride
immediately attacked the post but were repulsed by withering fire from the
Martini Henry rifles. Repeated Zulu attacks were made, each unsuccessful. Those
zulus with firearms took up position on the mountain firing down upon the
defenders.
A few hours later the thatched roof of the hospital was set on fire by the
Zulus, those men left inside had to be assisted to get out and across the
abandoned yard between the hospital and the biscuit box barricade. Fighting
went on all night in the fitful glare from the blazing hospital as the Zulus
made charge after charge on the barricades. Both sides fought with desperate
courage but the defenders held on until when dawn came at last, the Zulus drew
off taking their wounded with them and leaving at least 351 dead around the
barricades. Shortly after, Lord Chelmsford arrived on the scene with a column
of British Soldiers.
Eleven
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All images copyright of Simon Smith