Defense of Rorke's Drift and a very special community enterprise

Magnus takes up the story of the Cadets last day in South Africa ... 

It was the final day, both for us and those involved in the battles of Isandlwana (& Rorke's Drift). 

Rorke’s Drift is the location in Natal that the British Army were using as a permanent base and so the first to be attacked after the defeat at Isadlwana. Reggie immediately transported us back to the night of January 1879 and around us buildings that were since erected dissolved leaving only the buildings defended by the British and the history in their foundations. 

Even the two buildings on which we focused showed us the true nature of South Africa. In the past it has been inhabited by Dutch and Germans, both of whom formed amicable relations with the Zulu tribes before the site was commandeered by the British. This is typical throughout what we have seen of the country as not one but many differing peoples have shaped its history. 

Rorke's Drift today

During the next hour or so we followed Reggie around the site as battle cries filled the air and the ground became soaked with blood while the 110 remaining, isolated soldiers fought for their lives. He described the noise and fever of battle as each room fell to the advancing Zulus. 

Rorke's Drift - the battle scene


Eleven Victoria Crosses were won that night while only a handful of British deaths and we heard each story. The battle was won and we were awestruck with the events. The ramifications of the battle stretched further still, it strengthened the resolve of the British invasion of Zululand, but more significantly, the different groups in the local community have come together to commemorate their shared past.

Memorial at Rorke's Drift

Memorial at Isandlwana - scene of great Zulu victory

A very special community enterprise ... and a chance to pick up some shopping and souvenirs!

The Cadets visited a small farm where the owners had set up a business which allows many local men and especially Zulu women the chance to earn an income making bead and wire crafts: necklaces, bowls etc. 

"We were amazed by the many different designs which brought traditional skills and patterns to the modern market with the products being shipped as far as China and the USA.

The enterprise allows families to work when they can, balancing production with other commitments within the community. The owners have worked hard, the business taking time and money to set up, and the workers sometimes vanish for weeks at a time, but their work has greatly benefitted the area." - Magnus

In contrast the Cadets then visited the "sprawling urban scene" of Dundee, where the shops ranged from Chinese markets to salons to a Spar, where everything from chocolate to knives could be bought provided you are able to cross the hectic highways. 

Final campfire and 'braai' as the Cadets bid 'Hamba Kahle' to Africa!

Back at camp the Cadets enjoyed a final evening feasting on 'braai' around the campfire before a round of of fireball hockey. 

"The eventful game concluded (once the fires were extinguished) a brilliant final day to what has been an incredible and thought-provoking trip." - Magnus  

Zulu Battlefields of Isandlwana and trekking the Fugitive's Trail to the Buffalo River

“Seeing a family of giraffes and zebras across the view on the way back to camp finished the day off perfectly ... Another amazing day of indescribable moments and views. Although we only have one more day in this amazing country, there’s always something new and surprising to see:  TIA (This Is Africa)! “ - Gemma 

Elandsheim, history talk and fireball hockey

After an exciting time on the Pongola River the Cadets travelled to Elandsheim for the last phase of their expedition before heading for home.

“Our  accomodation was even better than the last. Two storey cabins were definitely not expected; with the beautiful scenery and serenity of the site, it really is a great place to finish up our final days in South Africa.” – Cadet 

Expeditioners' accommodation for Battlefields Phase at Elandsheim a Lutheran Mission

Accommodation lodges at Elandsheim with campfire/Boma area in background

The Cadets settled in with a ‘good old English cup of tea’ from their inimitable guide, Reggie, who then gave the Cadets a history of South Africa, providing them with the introductory knowledge needed to appreciate the battlefield tours. 

A delicious meal was followed by the ‘in-famous and don’t tell your parents’ game of fireball hockey – played in the dark of course for maximum effect and excitement!  Cadets were split into teams, a brief risk assessment was given by Reggie ... then battle commenced!

Fireball hockey!

Isandlwana Battlefield and trekking the Fugitive's Trail to the Buffalo River 

After the Cadets enjoyed “the longest lie-in of the trip! A half eight breakfast!” it was off with Reggie to Isandlwana.

  

Gemma reports: "Reggie led us up half way on Isandlwana, to the white rocks which represented deaths and along the way he showed the different stages of the battle between the British and Zulu armies. The British had issued an ultimatum demanding the Zulu king to disband his army or the British would start a war. 

The war began on the 22nd January 1879 and within 24 hours the British were defeated. Reggie described the main events and the strategies of both armies and how they had completely different methods of defence and attack. 

The 'Sphynx' of Isandlwana

As we listened, the battle came alive on the ground below. Play by play the men fought their timeless war and the significance of each motion became apparent. As we learnt more, it also dawned on us that this battle affected the country’s future as well as the British Empire as a whole." - Gemma

The Cadets climbed up the rest of the Sphynx - see above. The walk was a steady climb, ending with a small scramble to the top where the views were stunning. The descent down 'The Chimney' was challenging even for those not scared of heights - but they all made it! 

Trekking the Fugitive's Trail - the Cadets followed in the footsteps of the retreating Lts. Melvill and Coghill who died in their attempt to save the Queen’s colour as they fled the Fugitive's Trail towards the Buffalo River. 

Cadets crossing the Buffalo River - and cooling off in the low water

After lunch they made the final steep climb up to the monument and graves of Melvill and Coghill.