UNITS OF THE ZULU WAR 1879
24th REGIMENT OF FOOT
Last Stand at Isandlwana
The 24th Regiment of foot is the most well known line unit to take part in the Zulu War thanks to its participation in the two most famous battles of the war. With completely opposite results. When the British army invaded Zululand the 24th was to accompany the 3rd column led by Brevet Colonel Glynn. The 1st and 2nd battalion were apart of the main thrust into Zululand in an attempt to draw out the Zulu army into open conflict. Instead it was the British camp that was surprised at Isandlwana when the split force in camp was overwhelmed and wiped out. The colours were taken to safety but lost a fugitives drift and found days later stuck in the rocks. No red coated soldier survived the massacre. Members of B company had been left just over the border in Natal at the storage depot and hospital at Rorkes Drift. The defence their is stuff of legend with members of the 24th wining 7 of the eleven VCs that day. Despite the heroism the regiment was devastated by the loss and it would be up to other line regiments to carry on the fight. Like all line regiments they wore red coats but with dark green cuffs and the usual equipment such as the Martini Henry rifle. The white helmet had only come in a few years earlier but on campaign the badge was removed and it was stained with tea. How effective this camouflage was for a soldier in red with white equipment I often wonder.
I thought I was doing well, but you’re rocking it. Excellent as always. Planning anything for the upcoming anniversary?
Thanks Gerry. I was thinking of putting up my holiday snaps on here from when I went to Zululand a couple of years ago. I took pics of the ledge at Rorkes Drift which you mentioned which might be handy for recreating it. I’ll be lucky to get a game in. I might spring it on my friends.
definitely like to see the snap shots, I had better get back to my own work in the meantime 🙂