Zulu approach to Rorkes Drift

Posts : 60 Join date : 2010-08-17 Location : Southampton

Quick couple of questions which I have had a couple of differing opinions to. The Zulus that attacked Rorkes Drift came from the rear of the Oskaberg ridge (in roughly the direction of Fugitives Drift), this has been well documented however I have been told 2 different variations of how they approached before this - 1 - they crossed further upstream between Rorkes and Fugitives Drift and 2 - they crossed at Rorkes Drift. I am inclined to think that the former is correct, and if so where did they cross? I have been told that there is a narrow crossing point before Fugitives Drift - this may have resulted in small numbers of Zulus approaching the British Camp initially and why they failed to send significant numbers into the attack in the early stages.

Trying to picture the scene..

Subject: Re: Zulu approach to Rorkes Drift Thu Sep 09, 2010 2:49 pm

Younghusband
Upstrem from Fugitives Drift the river narrows with rocks either side, this was the crossing point of the impi. They then jogged North. Directly in front of them would be the rear of the Oskarberg. They moved to their left cutting around the Western slope of the hill. Looking at the reverse situation, from the defenders point of view. Imagine you are standing in front of the hospital defense line, looking at the hill behind the hospital. The impi aproach would have been from your right hand side oblique. The first attack would hve therefore been at the rear Southern corner of the hospital and the Mealie bag and wagon wall connecting the hospital to the store. The main attack would have carried on moving to your right and circled behind you to attack the full face of the defense.
Hope that makes sense?

Regards

Posts : 187 Join date : 2010-02-04

Did old Cl Sg Bourne take some boys outside the perimiter and shoot some Zulus as they were crossing the river?

Posts : 2593 Join date : 2009-04-24

Bourne's Account of the Battle of Rorkes Drift
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