Rorkes Drift

[Bromhead24]

neferetus said:

At Rorke's Drift, Bromhead and Chard had 80 men, a 4 man medical unit and 35 hospital patients against 4,000 Zulu warriors. Of these, 15 were killed and almost all were wounded, as compared to 300 Zulu's killed.

Thats pretty close,There is some debate as to how many British soldiers where there (24th)
Some say there where 95 fit for duty Privates and NCO's (ian Knight) and there was 17 killed, 15 out-right and two dying several days later.
Lieutenants Chard and Bromhead were each awarded the Victoria Cross for the defence of the Rorke’s Drift mission station and promoted major.
In addition to the soldiers of the 24th who distinguished themselves in the defence of the hospital, Victoria Crosses were awarded to Surgeon Reynolds, Commissary Dalton and Corporal Schiess of the NNC. Colour Sergeant Bourne and Private William Roy of the 24th Foot, Gunner Cantwell of the Royal Artillery and Corporal Attwood of the Army Service Corps were awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
Sir Garnet Wolseley, taking over as Commander-in-Chief from Lord Chelmsford, was unimpressed with the awards made to the defenders of Rorke’s Drift, saying “it is monstrous making heroes of those who shut up in buildings at Rorke’s Drift, could not bolt, and fought like rats for their lives which they could not otherwise save.” (sour grapes?)

[neferetus]

Sour grapes, indeed. I suppose Old Sir Garnet considered 'bolting' the better part of valour.

[Bromhead24]

neferetus said:

Sour grapes, indeed. I suppose Old Sir Garnet considered 'bolting' the better part of valour.

And if they ran away, they would of been charged with "A lack of moral fiber"

[neferetus]

Joseph Musso's original uniform of the 24th.

[Bromhead24]

i like that helmet

[neferetus]

Lest we forget, this is the anniversary of the Battle of Isandlwana, 1/22/1879
and the engagement at Rorke's Drift, 1/22-23/1879 .