Battle of Rorke's Drift
Rorke's Drift, Natal
What happened
British soldiers led by Lieutenants John Chard and Gonville Bromhead, with Acting Assistant Commissary James Dalton, defended a mission station against Zulu warriors led by Prince Dabulamanzi kaMpande. On the same day as the British defeat at Isandlwana, part of the Zulu army crossed into Natal and attacked the small British supply post at Rorke's Drift. The defenders built walls out of sacks of maize and boxes of biscuits and tinned meat. The Zulu attacked through the night and the hospital building was set on fire, but by dawn the warriors had withdrawn.
Why it matters
Result: British victory. Leader: Prince / Dabulamanzi kaMpande. Why it matters: The successful defence became one of the most famous events in British military history. Eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded to the defenders, the most ever for a single battle.
What came next
John Chard was invited to dine with Queen Victoria at Balmoral Castle. The battle was later made into the 1964 film 'Zulu'.
Did you know?
Prince Dabulamanzi's attack was an unplanned raid that went against King Cetshwayo's order to fight only in defence of Zululand.
Timeline
- 22 January 1879The British are defeated at Isandlwana.
- 22-23 January 1879The British hold Rorke's Drift through the night.
- 1964The film 'Zulu' dramatises the battle.