Zululand News Defensive Battle Rorke’s Drift

Zululand News Defensive Battle Rorke’s Drift – The Battle of Rorke’s Drift or Defense of Rorke’s Drift was a major skirmish between the Zulus and the British Army during the Anglo-Zulu War. It took place a short distance from the Battle of Isandlwana (22 January 1879) at the mission station at Rorke’s Drift at the base of the Oscarberg mountain (Shiyane), on the Buffalo River which at the time was the border between the British Colony of Natal and Zululand. The defense at Rorke’s Drift also took place on 22 January 1879 but continued through to the following day.

Zululand News Defensive Battle Rorke’s Drift – Some Facts

139 British and colonial troops successfully defending the mission station against a ferocious attack by well over 4,000 Zulu warriors.
The Battle of Islandwana took place over many square kilometers whereas the focus at Rorke’s Drift was over the size of a few tennis courts.
11 Victoria Crosses were awarded at this battle, the largest number ever awarded to a regiment for a single engagement.
The mission was being used as a hospital and there were a number of wounded, all who participated and some were awarded the Victoria Cross.
A defensive perimeter which incorporated the storehouse, the hospital, and a stone kraal (cattle pen) was made out of mealie meal bags and tins of biscuits.
All the buildings were fortified with firing holes knocked out through the external walls and the doors barricaded with furniture.
The battle started at 04:20 p.m. and ended at about 04:00 a.m. the following day.
It is estimated the British garrison suffered 17 dead and the Zulus 350 – 500.

Zululand News Defensive Battle Rorke’s Drift – General Information

The site is open daily, except Good Friday and Christmas Day, 0800 – 1600 hours. Picnic sites, museum, shop and toilets are available.

The ELC Art and Craft Centre is well-known for artistic ceramics, textiles and carpets, rugs, tapestries. It is open weekdays 0800 – 1600 hours, Saturday 1000 – 1500 hours but closed on Sundays.

For history buffs a visit to Talana Museum in Dundee is a worthwhile experience.