The Defence of Rorke’s Drift,1879

a Fine art print by Simon Smith

 

 

ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS BRITISH MILITARY ACTIONS IN HISTORY IS BROUGHT TO LIFE BY LEADING BRITISH MILITARY ARTIST SIMON SMITH.

now available as a stunning artist signed AND NUMBERED Limited Edition print WITH AN IMPRESSIVE IMAGE SIZE OF  24 inches x 13 ½ inches  (61 x 34 cm )FOR YOU TO ENJOY ALL THE DETAIL

 

 

This heroic defence led to the award of  Eleven Victoria Crosses, Britain’s highest award for valour. 7 of these VC’s were awarded to soldiers of the 24^th Regiment, the most ever received in a single action by one regiment.

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 Dalton, Driver Jobson RE. Lt Chard RE and in the centre of the yard Colour Sgt Bourne can be seen conferring with Lt Bromhead. Chaplain Smith hands out ammunition as does the wounded Cpl Allen. Pte William Jones receives ammunition at the hospital window and Cpl Scheiss in the khaki uniform leads the fight at the far right barricade. Prince Dabulamanzi ka Mpande, the Zulu Commander, is just visible in the center back ground on a horse.

 

THIS LISTING IS FOR ONE OF THE REGULAR EDITION PRINTS

AVAILABLE IN THREE OTHER EDITIONS

• REGULAR EDITION, 850 SIGNED AND NUMBERED LIMITED EDITION FINE ART PRINTS.   PRICE £65
• VICTORIA CROSS EDITION, 120 SIGNED AND NUMBERED FINE ART PRINTS EACH WITH A SMALL VICTORIA CROSS PRINTED IN THE MARGIN. .   PRICE £85
• REGIMENTAL EDITION, 24 SIGNED AND NUMBERED FINE ART PRINTS EACH WITH A SMALL ARTIST HAND DRAWN SPHINX ( THE COLLAR BADGE OF THE 24^TH REGIMENT) IN THE LOWER MARGIN. .   PRICE £100

•  CANVAS EDITION OF 50 PRINTS, PRINTED ON BEST QUALITY CANVAS IMAGE SIZE APPROXIMATELY 36 INCHES X 20, REPRODUCED TO THE HIGHEST QUALITY AND THE CLOSEST IN COLOUR AND SIZE AND FEEL TO THE ORIGINAL.READY VARNISHED THIS IS A STUNNING REPRODUCTION THAT,WHEN FRAMED WILL LOOK JUST LIKE THE ORIGINAL! SUPPLIED ROLLED IN A STRONG TUBE. .   PRICE £250

 

your print will be supplied carefully rolled in tissue paper in a strong sealed tube and with a certificate of authenticity

 

 

ALL THE EDITIONS (EXCEPT THE CANVAS) COME WITH TWO PENCIL REMARQUES OF A ZULU SHIELD AND A SCENE OF PRIVATES HOOK AND WILLIAMS DEFENDING THE HOSPITAL,

PRINTED ON THE LOWER MARGIN

PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME OF THE PHOTOS MAY SHOW MARGIN DRAWINGS FROM THE VC AND REGIMENTAL EDITIONS. THESE ARE NOT ON THE REGULAR EDITION                                 

 

Overall print size 27 ½ inches x 18 inches ( 70 x 46 cm )

Image size 24 inches x 13 ½ inches ( 61 x 34 cm )

 

 

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 Victoria crosses were awarded for valour after the battle, seven of which went to men of the 24th Regiment. Lieutenants Chard and Bromhead, the redoubtable privates Alfred Hook, Frederick Hitch, Robert Jones, William Jones , John Williams and Corporal Allen. For their part, James Langley Dalton and the Swiss volunteer Ferdinand Schiess received the Victoria Cross as did Surgeon James Henry Reynolds for his tending of the wounded under fire

 

 

what customers have said about this print:

 

'Stunningly beautiful print. Great service.'

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'Thank you very much. Tremendous artwork and well worth the price.'

 

 

All images copyright of Simon Smith