As I Like It: South Africa Sojourn the battle of Isandlwana 21st Jan 2017

A standout and stand alone day. The 138 year anniversary of the battle (well actually minus one day as they weren't going to do it on a Sunday) and the great battle was to be re-enacted. For those of you who don't know this was a victory for the 20000 Zulu people who were armed with assegai and cow skin shields, great courage and strategic savvy against 2000 Martini-Henry breach loading rifle bearing British troops. Half the British army were lured away from the action and the result was Britain's most punishing defeat since the Napoleonic campaign. They lost over 1300 soldiers and a lot of pride. The Roukes Drift incident (film Zulu) happened later that day about 20kms away. Although that in itself was remarkable with 120+ men resisting 2000 Zulu and the awarding of 11 VCs we perhaps hear so much about it to cover up the bad news. The Roukes Drift defenders were predominantly Welsh.

The local people were walking in their hundreds from miles around to attend the event. Not only were they coming to see a victory but also to support their King.

The lad with the blue shirt on must have been given the wrong directions.

Everybody was, of course very welcoming and we managed to get in with the white dignitaries, so gained very close access to the action and an unfettered view of the royal party. We seemed to be about the only tourists in attendance.

Team photograph

As you can see everybody was friendly. The Zulu outfits were somewhat smarter than the British. A number were original uniforms with leopard skins and ostrich feathers and were prized items worth upto 50,000 Rand.

I'm afraid the British uniforms looked rather tired and I have never seen a better imitation of the Dad's Army drill when they presented arms to the Royal Party.