Beschreibung:

RORKE'S DRIFT - THE GREATEST DEFENCE OF ALL There can surely be no more inspiring tale than that of 'the few' who found themselves at the former mission station of Rorke's Drift near the Buffalo River, Natal Province on 22-23 January 1879. It goes without saying that to date no action in British military history has eclipsed the feats performed, neither in terms numerical disadvantage - at least 40 to 1 - or the level to which the engagement has resonated through the ages. When dawn broke on 23 January, the scene was of utter desolation, the bodies of at least 351 Zulu warriors littering the ground. What the defenders had faced seems almost impossible to surpass. That they stood firm remains a testament to their accumulated bravery, resilience and presence of mind. The medallic awards for those present at Rorke's Drift are also worthy of mention, for no fewer than 11 Victoria Crosses and 4 Distinguished Conduct Medals were awarded for the actions of that famous day. In terms of public perceptions the legacy of the defenders was perhaps sealed in history with the reception of Stanley Baker's film Zulu, which transported millions of transfixed viewers to the scene of battle in a 139-minute epic. I have little doubt that most of us have likewise been transfixed - perhaps inspired - at some point in our lives on a long Sunday afternoon watching that film. In a strange chance of fate - which seems to strike often in this specialist field - in May 2019 I was entrusted to catalogue the Medals of Gunner A. Howard, 'N' Battery, 5th Brigade, Royal Artillery, one of just four members of the Royal Artillery present at the Defence of Rorke's Drift. Whilst researching his remarkable story I was drawn to the fact that he shared a room in the Hospital with Private Robert Adams 'D' Company, 2nd Battalion, 24th Foot, who was one of that gallant Band of Brothers who lost his life during the Defence. It seems incredible that less than three years later that Medal should be entrusted to my charge. I trust you will appreciate reading about his bravery - and tragic death - in this legendary action. Marcus Budgen, March 2022. The Casualty Roll 1st Battalion, 24th Foot (3 killed in action, 1 mortally wounded) Beckett, William. Private. 25B/135, died of wounds 23 January 1879 Horrigan, William. Private. 1-24/1861, killed in action Jenkins, James. Private. 25B/841, killed in action Nicholas, Edward. Private. 25B/625, killed in action 2nd Battalion, 24th Foot (8 killed in action, 1 mortally wounded) Adams, Robert. Private. 25B/987 D Company, killed in action Chick, James. Private. 25B/1335 D Company, killed in action Cole, Thomas. Private. 25B/801 B Company, killed in action Fagan, John. Private. 25B/969 B Company, killed in action Hayden, Garret. Private. 2-24/1769 D Company, killed in action Maxfield, Robert. Sergeant. 25B/623 G Company, killed in action Scanlon, John. Private. 25B/1051 A Company, killed in action Williams, Joseph. Private. 25B/1398 B Company, killed in action Williams, Thomas. Lance-Sergeant. 25B/1328, died of wounds 23 January 1879 Other units (4 killed in action) Army Commissariat and Transport Department; Byrne, Louis Alexander. Acting Storekeeper, (civilian attachment), killed in action 1st Battalion 3rd Regiment Natal Native Contingent; A Private of Mkungo's tribe, killed in action 2nd Battalion 3rd Regiment Natal Native Contingent; Anderson, Michael. Corporal, killed whilst deserting Natal Mounted Police; Hunter, Sydney H. Trooper., killed in action. The historically important Zulu War Medal awarded to Private R. Adams 'D' Company, 2nd Battalion, 24th Foot, who was killed in action at the Defence of Rorke's Drift South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1877-8-9 (987. Pte. R. Adams 2/24th. Foot.), highlights a little polished, very fine Purchased: Spink, 12 December 1994 (the original bill of Sale accompanies the Lot). Robert Adams attested on 21 December 1876 and had previously served with the East Middlesex Militia. Posted to the 2nd