Article Rorkes Drift

[Drone_pilot]

The British forces invaded Zululand at three places, the 2/24th were part of the main central thrust under the command of Lord Chelmsford. By mid-January there were 5,000 troops garrisoned at a Swedish missionary just inside the Natal border with the Buffalo river Rorke's Drift.

On January 22nd, 11 days after the deadline, Chelmsford moved his troops out. Rorke's Drift was an important staging post for supplies and B company of the 2/24th were picked to guard the post - much to their dismay. Shortly after all of Chelmsford's men had crossed the Buffalo, Major Spalding of the 2/24th rode out to Helpmakaar to find out what was happening to the company of soldiers that were to relieve B Company.

Whilst Spalding was away the men of B company carried on with their duties of building an enclosure around the post and several Royal Engineers, under the command of Lieutenant Chard, who was now the senior officer at the post, was building a punt across the river. Fred was relieved from his defence making duties and was asked to make the tea for the company. The stoves were several hundred yards away from the buildings but at this point in time there was no danger - despite the sound of sporadic gunfire which the wind carried around the Oskarberg, a large sphinx shaped mountain, which lay between Rorke's Drift and Isandhlwana.

The idyllic scene was punctured by two riders galloping furiously towards Rorke's Drift. They told Chard that over 1700 soldiers, including natives, had been annihilated by an attacking Zulu force and that the Zulus were now on their way towards Rorke's Drift. Hitch was called in and ran back carrying four kettles of tea. As soon as he was back, Lieutenant Bromhead ordered him up on to the roof of the storehouse to keep look-out. Whilst Fred was up on the roof everybody else was busy building a makeshift barricade out of anything that came to hand, waggons, mealie-bags and biscuit boxes.

A rough perimeter, incorporating the two buildings was built but the news of the defeat at Isandhlwana was too much for the contingent of native kaffirs under the command of George Stephenson. He and the whole contingent fled leaving just 84 soldiers and 36 patients in the hospital to defend themselves against an onslaught of 4,000 Zulus. One of the defending soldiers fired a shot which hit a British NCO stationed with the contingent, in the back.

This provoked a cheer from the remaining defenders who felt that the coward had received his just reward. Did Hitch fire that shot? He certainly had superior elevation to everybody else but as far as is known, nobody owned up to it.

Chard realised he now did not have enough men to man the perimeter so the area that was to be defended was reduced even further. Within one hour of the news of the disaster at Isandhlwana reaching Chard, the first shot fired out in the defense of Rorke's Drift. It was fired by Hitch on the roof. Hitch is alleged to have shouted out "Here they come! Black as hell and as thick as grass". Although some historians dispute this. Hitch fired several shots at the advancing Zulus who returned his fire but he knew they were too far off to find their mark.
As the Zulu's stormed towards the barricades Fred slid down from the roof and fixed his bayonet as he ran across the yard towards the north eastern corner by the hospital. The single shot Martini-Henry was not the superior weapon it was thought to be. As soon as an attacker was killed another one took his place but the defender was still trying to reload his weapon. It was close quarter fighting with the defenders relying more on the bayonet which proved more effective than the bullet.

At one time early in the battle Hitch shot and killed a Zulu but before he could reload another Zulu had jumped over the barricade and tried to wrestle Hitch's gun away from him. Hitch reached for a bullet and loaded it into the breach. The Zulu still had two hands on the barrel and Hitch grabbed hold of one of these hands with his and with the other pulled the trigger. The Zulu flew back towards the barricade and was dead before he hit the ground.

The Zulus withdrew for a short period and then renewed their attack on the hospital, this time with success. The men in the hospital were forced to smash their way through the walls of the building in order to escape from the Zulus. Once they had successfully managed this they had to run through a gauntlet of Zulus for about 20 yards, relying on a group of seven soldiers in an exposed position to cover for them whilst they ran for their life. Hitch was one of these soldiers as was Lieutenant Bromhead. Private Nichols was standing close to Hitch when he was shot through the head, showering Hitch in blood and brains. Privates Chick, Fagan and Scanlon were each in turn shot and killed by the fire coming from the Zulus. Corporal Schiess, who was wounded before the attack, was shot in the foot. This only left two men remaining of the original seven, Hitch and Bromhead.

The attack was relentless and Hitch and Bromhead defended their corner well but with Zulus attacking them from two sides their was only so much they could do. Whilst Hitch was struggling with one Zulu he could see another on the barricade taking aim at him. He felt the bullet smash into his shoulder and he fell to the floor. A Zulu stood over him in order to spear him with his assegai but Bromhead saw what was happening and shot the Zulu with his revolver.

Hitch was taken to the side of the hospital where a great coat was ripped up to form a bandage. After a couple of minutes he returned to Bromhead who gave him his revolver which allowed Hitch to carry on with the fighting. With ammunition running low Bromhead asked Hitch to distribute what was left among the rest of the defenders.

Hitch was doing this when he was finally overcome with exhaustion, blood loss and thirst. Sitting up agianst the storehouse wall Hitch was asked by private Deakin whether he wanted (Deakin) to end it all for him now by shooting him. Hitch declined the offer and said "they have very nearly done for me and they can finish me right out when it comes to the last."

Hitch collapsed into a feint shortly after and awoke in the morning. Fears of another onslaught were dismissed when it was found that Lord Chelmsford and his troops were marching towards the drift. The defenders had done the impossible.

For the action in Fred's own words see The Cambrian account - written soon after his return to Britain whilst he was still at Netley Hospital; or the unpublished account which was written some time later.

Surgeon Reynold's, himself awarded a Victoria Cross, removed thirty-nine pieces of bone from Fred's smashed shoulder. From Rorke's Drift he, and the other injured soldiers were sent to Helpmakaar where, because of the lack of hygiene there, the condition of many of the soldiers grew worse. Fred was an exception to the rule and Surgeon D. Blair Brown of the Army Medical Department recorded that the "case did well".

From Helpmakaar Fred and the other injured soldiers were moved to Durban before being shipped back home on the Tamar.
On May 2nd, notice of Fred's Victoria Cross commendation appeared in the London Gazette.
He eventually arrived at Netley on June 10th and must have been interviewed by a reporter almost immediately as his account appeared in The Cambrian just three days later.

On August 12th, Queen Victoria, along with Princess Beatrice, made the journey from Osborne House on the Isle of Wight to Netley hospital where she pinned the Victoria Cross upon Fred's chest.

 

[Bombardier]

"We've all seen the marvellous movie, where the heroic Welsh garrison at Rorke's Drift match the awesome Zulu war-chants with a stirring rendition of Men of Harlech. Come on Ivor, sing something they know .

Listen to the Royal Regiment of Wales' Band singing "Men of Harlech" on the 120th anniversary of the battle of Rorke's Drift (2.68MB)
This was recorded in the church at Rorke's Drift and if you listen carefully, you can hear the emotion that this rendition evoked.

 

[Reloader]

If you want to know more about Rorke's drift VC's, go here:-

http://www.rorkesdriftvc.com/

sal;

 

[Bombardier]

Thoughts on the Victory

Some of my thoughts about the victory at Rorkes Drift

Although the Zulus were numerically superior I believe the British Forces placed themselves in an easily defendable position, the valley effectively bottle necked the Zulus attacking formations which made the job of cuttingthem down much easier.

The Zulus although greater in strength had divided leadership and thus the attacks were reduced in size and doomed to failure.

The Zulus had the upper hand by occupying the high ground and could oversee the British position well but due to the bad and split leadership they failed to take advantage of it.

Zulu tactics were good and well founded and they knew the land well but the British chose the battle area and were in possession of adavanced info re the pending Zulu attack.

The Zulus were in possession of captured British rifles and ammunyion but their doctorine did not allow the effective use of it.

The british defensive tactics were flexible,(moving troops to different flanks as and when required, I dont think the same could be said for the Zulus attack tactics, partly because of the reduced possibilities, they could only attack effectively from the front and sides.

I do have more thoughts but lets see what you all think about these . box;

 

[Drone_pilot]

Some good points there, heres my comments.

Although the Zulus were numerically superior I believe the British Forces placed themselves in an easily defendable position, the valley effectively bottle necked the Zulus attacking formations which made the job of cutting them down much easier

the Zulus normally use a formation called "the Horns of the buffalo", this meant splitting you forces in three, one to attack from the front, and the other two to attack from opposite sides, the problem was the "Valley didn't allow full use of this maneuver, and meant the Zulus were concentrated.

The Zulus although greater in strength had divided leadership and thus the attacks were reduced in size and doomed to failure.

the Zulu King Cetshwayo had a problem in the fact that the zulu people were made up of various tribes not all with the same agenda, and some of them didn't fight as well as they sould.

The Zulus were in possession of captured British rifles and ammunyion but their doctorine did not allow the effective use of it.

The Rifles used on both sides were the Martini-Henry .

British Military Martinis used the Short Chamber Boxer-Henry .45 Caliber black powder cartridge. The original cartridge case was made of a thin sheet of brass rolled around a mandrel, which was then soldered to an iron base. These cartridges were assembled by the orphaned children of British Soldiers, and were relatively cheap to produce. They were found to be vulnerable to being easily damaged, and produced inferior muzzle velocities, and as such were prone to jamming/miss firing, the british were use to this but to the untrained Zulu it was a major setback.

Rolled Cartridge.

More info on the Martini-Henry

 

[Reloader]

Some more info on John Chard & Gonville Bromhead at the 'Find A Grave' website:

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=11681

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=11679

This is a very interesting website in its own right, too.

 

[Nightstalker]

NightStalker

As the Color Sgt. says in the movie the Zulu's were beat by .45 caliber short chamber Boxer-Henry and a bayonet, also a little guts behind it. The troops there already knew what had happened at Isandlwana and made the best of a bad situation. I agree with the terrain and buildings working for the British and against the Zulu's. I believe that the Zulu chief's were arrogant ,victory drunk,and thought that the British would never stand and fight that they would run from the fight. The lesser chief's of Chief Cetshwayo,( I think) thought they would make the British run and then slaughter them at there leisure and time of choosing. Put your self in there place, over 5,000 Zulu's to 139 British troops and officer's. It should have been a Custer's last stand at the Little BigHorn. I agree with most of what I have read and seen so far, thats my story and I'm sticking to it. ( Yank Point of view)

 

[Bundu Basher]

If I may play the devils advocate and quote a Zulu perspective on the Battle of Rorkes Drift...

...in honour of the Zulu army who fought in Rorkes 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 Rorkes 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. 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. 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.

Quoted from "The Children of Isandlwana": Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift Revisited by BY Themba Mthethwa: B.PROC, LLB (NATAL)

Visit the original article at the Rorkes Drift VC web page

 

[Frisbee]

Themba Mthethwa ..... He sounds like a sore looser to me

 

[Bundu Basher]

Themba Mthethwa ..... He sounds like a sore looser to me

LOL! solthum

 

[PeterChard]

"The Defence of Rorke's Drift"

The Defence of Rorke’s Drift on the 22nd and 23rd of January 1879, was an epic battle in the British struggle for southern Africa. 155 ordinary men displayed extraordinary gallantry. Over two summer days a fearsome and overwhelming force mercilessly pinned them down. Yet the defenders, who were ill prepared by their political and military masters for the engagement, tirelessly repelled the onslaught. Every man, friend and foe, fought for life and honour. Every man was a hero.
Lieutenants Chard, Royal Engineers, and Bromhead, 24th Regiment, led with intelligence and tenacity. They, along with nine other soldiers, were awarded the highest honour in the British Empire, the Victoria Cross. Five other soldiers were awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The British Roll of Honour deserves 155 names.

I have reproduced in oil, the painting from 1880 by Alphonse de Neuville.
Take a look at my site for further information
www.rorkesdrift.net

Peter Chard
Australia

 

[Capt. Cheatham]

"22 January 1879 has been described by historians as "one of the most calamitous days" in British history. 22 January 1879 also has been described as "one of the most renowned days" in British history. Therein lies a paradox—a paradox splendidly captured by this double-feature of classic films, "Zulu" and "Zulu Dawn."

Both films are set within miles of each other in southern Africa, occur on the same day, 22 January 1879, and recreate battles in the same conflict: the Anglo-Zulu War. The paradox arises from the very different outcomes—ignominious defeat in one and heroic resistance in the other—of the battles depicted in the films.
"Zulu Dawn," filmed in 1979, is a prequel to the 1964 classic "Zulu." The former focuses on the disastrous—for Britain anyway—Battle of Isandlwana that took place on the morning of 22 January while the latter chronicles the heroic British defense at Rorke's Drift in the afternoon and evening of 22 January.

The Anglo-Zulu War was controversial from the start as the British authorities in Natal—on the southern border of Zululand—ignored their government's instructions to proceed cautiously and instead deliberately provoked a war. The British bungled the initial invasion of Zululand—the subject of "Zulu Dawn"—out of overconfidence (bordering on arrogance), poor intelligence, and inexcusable tactical mistakes. The disaster at Isandlwana where the Zulu overran a British column and killed some 1300 troops reverberated across the Empire and led to the downfall of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli's government.

Director Douglas Hickox ("Skyriders") and screenwriter Cy Endfield (who also wrote and directed the original "Zulu") do a workman-like job in depicting the clash of cultures that led to the war and in staging the extended combat scenes. Much of the filming was done in Natal and the cinematography is top-notch—from the panoramic views of the African countryside to the controlled chaos of the battle scenes. Despite the presence of several major stars—among them Peter O'Toole, Burt Lancaster, and John Mills—the acting is disappointing and the characters one-dimensional.

Even so, the extended combat sequences make this a must-see for fans of war movies, colonial conflicts, and the British Empire. It also makes an excellent introduction and double-feature partner for "Zulu."
In the wake of the disaster at Isandlwana, part of the Zulu reserve—4500 strong—set upon the isolated, lightly-fortified British garrison at Rorke's Drift. A forward logistics depot, Rorke's Drift was manned by a single company, some 150 men. Despite repeated assaults over ten hours and fearsome hand-to-hand combat, the beleaguered garrison held. The defenders earned eleven Victoria Crosses, Britain's highest award for valor—the most ever awarded for a single engagement. After the morning's calamity, Rorke's Drift was not only a heroic stand against overwhelming odds but also a welcome reprieve for the embarrassed Brits.

Made in 1964, "Zulu" has become a classic war film. The story is uplifting: think the Alamo with a happy ending. And, both sides fight honorably and heroically and are portrayed even-handedly. It is a tribute to director and screenwriter Endfield that the film holds up so well after forty years. In addition to the compelling story—and Endfield never strays too far from the historical record—the movie is blessed with superb cinematography and a solid cast, including Stanley Baker (Lt. John Chard) and a young Michael Caine (Lt. Gonville Bromhead) in his first feature role.

After 22 January, the British regrouped and invaded Zululand again with predictable results. The Zulus were decisively defeated, their king exiled, and his kingdom broken up. In the great sweep of history—even colonial history—the Anglo-Zulu War is a minor ripple, and it is kept alive in the popular imagination primarily by these two fine films. Between them, they capture much of the essence of a bygone era that has been too much romanticized. Some post-Olympics, snowbound, late-winter weekend, rent both and screen your own double-feature." (As quoted from Military.com)

You know, it's a real shame when one has to learn history from the movies, but the colonial history of South Africa is an area that was never touched upon when I was in school here in the US. I had to learn about these events by watching the movies. Go figure! Obviously, most female, and probably most male teachers are not interested in that subject and are learning history from others who are of the same ilk.

Regardless, both of the movies that were made of this event, IMHO, I believe were excellent, and sparked my interest in Rorke's Drift. The similarities between the Alamo & Custer's Last Stand are quite remarkable. Chelmsford's defeat was at that time (and may still be) the worst defeat ever suffered upon an army by native troops. Previous to then, was Custer's loss to the Souix.

The French had a similar situation with their Foreign Legion down in Mexico around 1865. I don't recall the name of the battle, but like at the Alamo, Rorke's Drift, and at Thermopolae by the Spartan's, it was an historic last stand made by the bravest of soldiers against overwhelming and in most cases impossible odds. The Legionaires were wiped out to the last man, and when relief forces reached the scene of the battle, found no survivors, except for the wooden hand of the commanding officer. To this day, once a year the wooden hand is paraded in Paris in special wooden box containing the hand, by the French Foreign Legion. Is it Bastille day that they do this? I can't remember for sure.

For those who have not seen Zulu Dawn, I highly recommend it. It is a great recounting of the events leading upto Chelmford's defeat, and gives the fight at Rorke's Drift a more significant meaning and a greater insight into why there was a fight at the Drift. I thought both movies were excellent and I am glad to have both in my collection. You can't see one without not seeing the other!

 

[Hollis]

I visited one of the military museums in Wales whose unit was there. I have a copy of the account of the battle from the historian. Really enjoyed visiting the military museums in the UK.

 

[John A Silkstone]

Hi Capt. Cheatham,

You are right about not history not being taught in schools. My youngest daughter is a school teacher and she state’s that if it wasn’t for me she would never have become interested in history, not only English history but other main events as well. To me history not only tells you of the past but also informs you of what mistakes were made, so that you, in your future life can possibly avoid making the same type of mistake by using your business as a battlefield. By learn how to make the right moves at the right time.

Silky

 

[Reloader]

The French had a similar situation with their Foreign Legion down in Mexico around 1865. I don't recall the name of the battle, but like at the Alamo, Rorke's Drift, and at Thermopolae by the Spartan's, it was an historic last stand made by the bravest of soldiers against overwhelming and in most cases impossible odds. The Legionaires were wiped out to the last man, and when relief forces reached the scene of the battle, found no survivors, except for the wooden hand of the commanding officer. To this day, once a year the wooden hand is paraded in Paris in special wooden box containing the hand, by the French Foreign Legion. Is it Bastille day that they do this? I can't remember for sure.

The hand belongs to Captain Jean Danjou, a legionnaire officer who had a prosthetic wooden hand and who lost his life in Camerone, Mexico on April 30, 1863.
A small infantry patrol led by Capt. Danjou was attacked and besieged by three battalions of the Mexican infantry and cavalry. Danjou’s men were forced to make a defence of the Hacienda Camarón near Puebla. There were 62 legionnaires and three officers against more than 2000 Mexican soldiers.
Legend has it that despite being hopelessly outnumbered, the legionnaires kept the Mexicans at bay for more than a day, refusing to surrender. With ammunition exhausted and Danjou killed, the last of Danjou's soldiers, numbering only five under the command of Lt. Maudet, desperately mounted a bayonet charge.
Two men died outright, while the rest continued the assault. The tiny group was surrounded and literally beaten to the earth. Colonel Milan, commander of the Mexicans, managed to prevent his men from ripping the surviving legionnaires to pieces. When the last two survivors were asked to surrender, they insisted that Mexican soldiers allow them safe passage home, to keep their flag, and to escort the body of Captain Danjou.
To that, the Mexican commander commented, "What can I do with such men? No, these are not men, they are devils," and out of respect, agreed to these terms.The battle, the name of which now adorns the Legion’s flag, remains symbolic of their vow never to give up arms. Capt. Danjou's wooden hand now rests behind protective glass in a place of honour at the Legion's Hall of Fame in Aubagne, France.
Camarón Day, celebrated every year on 30 April, is a special day for the Legion, when the wooden prosthetic hand of Danjou is taken down from its place of honour and displayed, as the men remember their fallen heroes.

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[Capt. Cheatham]

That's it, that's it!!! Thanks for the info, Reloader. I had most of it right, anyway, but, yep, that is the fight I was talking about. I don't know much of the French holidays, but I had seen the Legion parading on this day, with a Legionaire leading the procession carrying the wooden hand in a special box.

You know, one has to wonder what makes such men. When I think of these type of events, I try to put myself in their shoes, and wonder if I could match their courage & fortitude. I was never in the service, so I never had an opportunity to find out if I could. When I was a young adult, in my early 20's, I had been in fights where I was outnumbered, but in these fights, it was like my main concern was to do as much damage to my opponents as possible, in anyway that I could. I had fear before and after these fights, but during the actual fights themselves I never thought about it. I reckon that only someone who has had to endure a military battle like Rorke's Drift could really answer that question. I truly envy and admire the tenacity of these individuals.

Thanks for refreshing my memory on Camarone, Reloader, and thanks for finding the YouTube videos on the subject. Great work!

 

[BravoZulu]

While not a Victoria Cross winner, Colour Sergeant Frank Bourne, thanks to the film Zulu is properly the most famous defender of Rorke's Drift. Frank Bourne was only 24 at the time of Rorke’s Drift which made him the youngest Colour sergeant in the British Army. He was small for his age at 5′ 6″and his men called him ‘The kid‘. Bourne was always in the thick of the action and any time it looked like the Zulus would enter the compound, Bourne would be there, directing fire and distributing ammo. For his actions at Rorke’s Drift he was awarded the DCM and offered a officers commission. He turned down the commission due to a lack of means but had a distinguished military career. He served in the FFW as Adjutant of the School of Musketry at Hythe and had been given honorary rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and awarded the OBE.

In 1936 he and Alfred Saxtby took part in a reenactment of the battle during the Northern Command Military Tattoo in Gateshead. He died on VE day 1945, the last surviving defender of the Rorke’s Drift. Bourne is buried in Elmers End Cemetery, Beckenham in south London

The site of the final redoubt

 

[BravoZulu]

The hospital building as it looks today.