Rourkes Drift Bust Again..

[Funky50]

Only 24 at Rorke's drift the youngest C/Sgt in the infantry and only about 5' 4" a rare and impressive man indeed.

Didn't the rest of the blokes nickname him the kid?

 

[baronband]

Yeah true i always think it must have been a respect nickname rather than offensive. Diamond cutter is right it was believed that C/Sgt Bourne was not awarded the VC because as the senior NCO on site it was his job to lead the defence! Assistant Commissary Dalton was at first also not awarded the VC but public outcry led to him eventually being "upgraded" Dalton was an ex SNCO who was living in South Africa and volunteered to join back up when the conflict began. There is a strong belief that these two men led the defence but the two officers had to be awarded VC 's if others where to get them too.

 

[Richie]

Hi Wayne,
Here are some original Zulu war artifacts that I photographed at the regimental museum in Brecon. They might be of some use as a colour reference. The holes in the foreign service helmet will be the mounting holes for the shako plate and it would not normally be fitted on active service. The helmet would be stained with what was available usually tea and coffee as previously mentioned. This was done (as well as the webbing) so if the troops were observed from a distance by the Zulu's it was hard to distinguish between the regular troops and the colonial forces.
If you need anything else just give me a shout. Good luck with your Rorke's Drift bust.
cheers
Richie

1879 period painting by Lt. William Whitelocke Lloyd.


Colour Sgt. Bourne's original medals.


Original 24th shako plate recovered from the Isandlwana battlefield.


Original 5 button other ranks tunic, Capt. Godwin-Austen.


Lt. Coghill tunic.


Replica 5 button other ranks tunic.

 

[Nap]

Hi Ritchie ,

Great references , isn't the museum a great place to visit well worth the journey ..some great items in there .



Nap

 

[Richie]

Hi Nap,
It certainly is worth the trip. The last time I was there the wife and I got a one to one tour from Bill (the curator) as he had just revamped the Zulu war room. Unfortunaely due to lack of funding and suitable display cabinets, 60% of their regimental collection is not on show. Donated by the family of Lt. Anstey's, his South Africa General Service medal (conservatively £40,000) and a portrait of him.

I am going to help Bill for a few days in the near future, so will get a look at the 60% and take some more photo's.
cheers
Richie

One of me stood by the actual Union Jack that flew over Rorke's Drift. The symmetrical wear is due to it being folded and stored in the bag of Pvt. Evan Jones Rorke's Drift defender (alias Patrick Cosgrove) who donated it to the museum.


Maybe we should have a museum reference section by regiment on here so I could upload all these photo's.
cheers
Richie

 

[Nap]

Hi Nap,
It certainly is worth the trip. The last time I was there the wife and I got a one to one tour from Bill (the curator) as he had just revamped the Zulu war room. Unfortunaely due to lack of funding and suitable display cabinets, 60% of their regimental collection is not on show. Donated by the family of Lt. Anstey's, his South Africa General Service medal (conservatively £40,000) and a portrait of him.
View attachment 116585View attachment 116586
I am going to help Bill for a few days in the near future, so will get a look at the 60% and take some more photo's.
cheers
Richie

One of me stood by the actual Union Jack that flew over Rorke's Drift. The symmetrical wear is due to it being folded and stored in the bag of Pvt. Evan Jones Rorke's Drift defender (alias Patrick Cosgrove) who donated it to the museum.
View attachment 116584

Maybe we should have a museum reference section by regiment on here so I could upload all these photo's.
cheers
Richie

Hi Richie ,

Its criminal that museums suffer due to lack of funding , these places are so important to keep , they are our history .

I am rather envious of you helping at the museum with the opportunity to viw the 60% ...plenty of pictures pleae if you are able

Like the idea of a section for museums ..perhaps Gordy could sort it out .

Nap

 

[polyphemus]

Is the 54mm Hinchliffe figure diorama still in the museum?

Geoff

 

[Waterman]

When I sculpted the C/Sgt for Victory miniatures I read that none of the NCO's were awarded the VC as they were considered to be just' doing their duty'
A bit rough that I think!

Very few VCs have been awarded to the Royal Marines for the same reason. Only 10, despite serving in all corners of the Globe, and taking part in all campaigns both at land and sea. The last was Cpl Hunter in Italy 1944. When asking why someone had not been put forward, the answer was Quote, Because it is expected of you. Seems fair enough.

 

[baronband]

For the record i'm jealous too! A section for museums maybe with reviews would be cool.

 

[Waterman]

I have just finished a very good book on the life of the French Imperial Prince, who was killed by the Zulus while out with a reconnaissance patrol. It is stated that the reason so many VCs were awarded at Rorkes Drift, was to try and cover up and rescue the situation, after the almighty and disastrous defeat suffered the previous day at Isandhlwana, by the British Army under Lord Chelmsford . It was sanctioned to give and restore confidence to those back home, ie a cover up. It is considered that had it have been under any other circumstance, then Rorkes Drift, would not have been regarded in the way that it was, and in all probabilities perhaps no VCs would have been awarded at all. It was also known later that many early recipients of the VC, would not have qualified for the award as time went on, because it was made more exclusive. Again the goal posts were continually being moved, with regards to the award of the Victoria Cross. Up to and including the 1st War, Naval and hence Royal Marines VCs were on a Blue Ribbon, later this was changed to bring us into line with the Army.

 

[Nap]

Is the 54mm Hinchliffe figure diorama still in the museum?

Geoff

Brilliant diorama , I remember this appearing on the cover of Military Modelling ...when it had figures in it !!!


Ian Knight ...possibly the most knowledgeble person on the Zulu War ....he did this aged 14 ...blimey reckon I will sell my kolinssky!!!

Richie ,

Lets hope funding can be forthcoming .

Nap

 

[polyphemus]

Thanks for the photos Richie.

Geoff

 

[pte1643]

It is stated that the reason so many VCs were awarded at Rorkes Drift, was to try and cover up and rescue the situation, after the almighty and disastrous defeat suffered the previous day at Isandhlwana

Isandhlwana and Rorkes Drift were the same day weren't they?

 

[Richie]

Yes, Wednesday 22nd January 1879 and Rorke's Drift ran into the 23rd.
cheers
Richie

 

[Waterman]

That must be why the book refers to it as the next day because it ran into the 23rd then.

 

[housecarl]

Good stuff Richie.
Thanks for posting,
Carl.

 

[Gellso]

Thanks guys,
Like the dirty crusty look,..Do like the badge though;but to spend the time sculpting when no one else is going to notice it except full blown purists;...Don't know if it's worth the time when I'm looking forward to goin with the paint.It would add a little bling though.......Accuracy v Looks.....So many things to ponder in life....................Regards..............Wayne

Wayne,
Don't waste your time trying to please purists.....it's in their nature to find faults. Let the purists do what they need to, to their own work...if they ever paint or show it.
Do it the way you want to for yourself.
Looking forward to seeing it.
Gells

 

[captnenglish]

After seeing that dio, I might just rescue the one Hinchcliffe Zulu War figure that I have from my "for sale" box and paint it up. The quality still holds up. Thanks for posting all of the reference photos, the Zulu War has held an interest for me since I was a kid.

 

[Wayneb]

Thanks to all for the history lessons,insight,and pics........all very interesting.Will hopefully post pics.Starting bust today.........Regards,.........Wayne

 

[Gra30]

Just as interest, one of my mates, a serving Cpl Bugler RM has had a strong interest in this for years, so much of a passion that he was instrumental in getting all the VC winners and members of the regiment that were at Rorkes Drift recognised. I believe some graves had no recognition at all of such snd some graves had to be found as they were unamed or due to passage of time and records misplaced. It was a long haul and I believe ongoing, his name is Tim Needham and I have posted a link to one below. He did one recently and the Zulu Chief came over, when possible Tim sounded the last post at the unveiling ceremonies.
Best wishes

Here is a link of one from the Mail

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...cognised--131-years-brave-showdown-Zulus.html