Rourkes Drift Bust Again..

[Wayneb]

Hello guys,
Got my Rourkes Drift bust today and am cleaning it up at the same time doing my research as to colors and details.I noticed something may be missing.
Ont the helmet I noticed two small holes that look like they where meant for something.Checked the internet on how the helmet looked and noticed that there was a badge on the front.Anyone done this piece and got this piece with the kit .I would like to have this piece if it belongs there.Any advice;looks like it would be a nice detailed addition.I could sculpt it ,but if it was supposed to be part of the kit want it..............Thanks in advance...............Wayne

 

[baronband]

Hi Wayne
not sure what bust you have but the two holes sounds about right, when the troops were sent to South Africa they would have have a nice white helmet with a unit badge on it but once "in country" they would remove the badge (leaving 2 holes ) and dye the helmet with tea or whatever they could..or certainly let it get dirty. A very early form of camouflage, difficult when issued a scarlet jacket before Boar war khaki!!
cheers
John

 

[Nap]

Wayne ,

I have the bust somewhere ..SWMBO is asleep so wouldn't be happy me routing around !!!

I think there is no badge with the kit but .......

They could be for a badge ...see back pictue of the officers badge , the other is the OR's which would have similar fittings

Nap

 

[Wayneb]

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

 

[baronband]

Hi
in general badges were not worn on campaign, but as you say Accuracy v Looks, the bust is yours and it is your artistic licence that counts. Bling or no bling...the choice is yours! As long as you enjoy the ride.

 

[Wayneb]

Yes,..agree; to spend the time to sculpt that little thing.I think I'm going to have to back off.It's a shame though.Great sculpt ,it would have looked nice.(Carl, it would have been a nice option.)Just kiding...lot of work..............Hope to do it justice................Wayne

 

[Nap]

Wayne ,

Looking forward to seeing this progress on the bench ...get those brushes swirling .

Nap

 

[diamond cutter]

Could be ventilation holes maybe.
Or very accurate sniper fire by a very small rifle fired by a very small Zulu with a very small rifle captured from a 1/35th 24th foot figure....maybe?
maybe an opening for a manufacturer(very small) to do some photo-etched stuff for 200mm busts..maybe?
It's a great bust, look forward seeing how you finish it

 

[Wayneb]

You know what guys.....I am one dumb MF when it comes to posting pics.....any help would be appreciated.................Diamond..I like your humor............Wayne

 

[Jimmy S]

Wayne how about sculpting him a couple of medals? Should satisfy the bling craving.

 

[baronband]

He has great "old hand" mutton chops so you could always sculpt Sgt or C/Sgt rank onto his arm.

 

[housecarl]

Could be air bubbles.
Carl.

 

[Nap]

Hi Guys ,

Colour Sgt Borne ...now theres an idea medals , rank , a sash and helmet plate ...job done ...Mmmmmm

Colour Sergeant Frank Bourne - Rorkes Drift Zulu War
* 2nd Battalion, 24th Warwickshire Regiment
* Frank Bourne was born in Balcombe Sussex on 27th April 1854

He joined the 24th when he was 18 in 1872. Made Corporal in 1875 and Sergeant in 1878. Not long after the Regiment had been sent out to the Cape of Good Hope he was promoted to Colour Sergeant. After the Kaffir war of 1878 the Regiment went to Natal for the Zulu War.
With 4,500 men under his command Lord Chelmsford crossed the Buffalo river at Rorkes Drift. C/Sgt Bourne and the men of B Company were left behind at Rorkes Drift. Watching Chelmsford begin the advance of the main column to start the war with the Zulus left C/Sgt Bourne very disappointed as he had to guard Hospital stores and wanted to be amongst the action.
At this time little did he know!
The battle at Rorke's Drift, during the afternoon of 22nd January 1879, is among the most famous in the history of the British Army.The battle began at 4:30 PM and continued for twelve hours.
Around 4,000 Zulus against 139 men of ours and that included medical staff and hospital patients.
Colour Sergeant Bourne's ‘behaviour during the battle was one of, the greatest coolness and gallantry, which earned him the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
The Defenders of Rorkes Drift were awarded 11 Victoria Crosses plus many other awards. The most surprising part was that Colour Sgt Bourne only received a Distinguished Conduct Medal.
There are a few stories kicking about as to why he never received the Victoria Cross. None of them make sense. He was a driving force behind the defence.
Following the Zulu Wars C/Sgt F Bourne was offered a commision but didnt accept it due to lack of funds. Or so the story goes. Then off to Burma and promoted QM Sergeant in 1884. Finally accepting a commission in 1890. Adjutant at the School of Musketry in 1893.
Retiring from the army in 1907 only to join up again at the outbreak of World War 1 and served in Dublin.
Once the war was over he was given the Honoury rank of Lt/Col and also being awarded the OBE.
Living to the ripe old age of 91 and being the last survivor of Rorkes Drift he passed away on the 8th May 1945 which was VE day.
These were his medals:
Lieutenant-Colonel Frank Bourne,
* Order British Empire,
* Distinguished Conduct Medal
* South Africa Zulu 1877-8-9 (Not 1877-9 as often quoted)
* India General Service Medal Burma 1887-89



Nap

 

[Wayneb]

Love the historical feedback Nap.Is that reenactors gear and are those colors true.
Printing this history lesson for my folder..
.............Thanks.........Wayne

 

[Helm]

The real CSgt Bourne was a lot younger in reality than Nigel Green so may not have had such fine buggers handles as him

Steve

 

[baronband]

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

 

[Wayneb]

Love this feedback.....Love history..........

 

[diamond cutter]

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!

 

[Nap]

Love the historical feedback Nap.Is that reenactors gear and are those colors true.
Printing this history lesson for my folder..
.............Thanks.........Wayne

Wayne ,

The jacket is a reenactors one from the Diehards , normally very accurate ..but don't forget the red used faded with wear and would have been dusty as well ..although I expect the SNCO's would have been in a better condition.

I do haveapicture of an original jacket somewhere ..I will try and find it .

Nap

 

[Funky50]

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!

Absolutely true ...also burial sites at Isandlewana of anybody below officer rank was apparently not marked with identity of the soldier ..... Just deemed as to unimportant.....