22 January 1879 is Rorkes Drift day - 11 Victoria Crosses awarded -a British Army record

11 Victoria Crosses were won this day and overnight into the 23 January 1879. A study of the battle reveals why. Just over 150 British and local troops successfully defended the simple garrison against an intense assault by 3,000 - 4,000 Zulus. They did so with superior weaponry, a lot of guts, and a well formed defensive position, hastily erected. More details of the battle here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Rorke%27s_Drift

If you get the chance ever to go to the battle site I urge you to do so; I travelled there long ago when hiking around South Africa and have never forgotten it. Failing that try and listen to Rob Caskie on one of his battlefield tours, when he comes to the UK this autumn. http://www.robcaskie.com/ Rob transfixed the Hexham audience in October 2014 and 2013, when he gave a talk for Tynedale Hospice. 

The Battle of Rorke’s Drift - Queens Hall, Hexham Lecture 7.30 14/10 - do not miss Rob Caskie

 

Following his sell-out talk last year on Scott and Shackleton, Rob Caskie, a South African, renowned internationally for his lectures, will give a balanced account of this famous battle. His passion and enthusiasm for his subject will make for an electrifying narrative.

Visit the Rob Caskie website
The Battle of Rorke’s Drift took place on 22 January 1879 during the Zulu War in South Africa at the Mission and Supply Station of Rorke’s Drift. During the battle, some 179 British soldiers held off and defeated a force of over 4,500 Zulu warriors.
Immortalised by the classic movie Zulu, this remarkable battle saw the award of 11 Victoria Crosses, the largest number of VC’s awarded for a single action in history.
Tickets: £12.50 / £8.00 (students), including a drink with Rob following his lecture, are available from Brian Massey 01434 673413
If you have not heard Rob speak I urge you to go. You will also be raising money for Tynedale Hospice.

Tynedale Hospice at Home event in Hexham last night

Rob Caskie delighted hundreds with his tales of "Going South with Scott and Shackleton" in Hexham yesterday. He spoke for over an hour without a note, yet all of us present would happily have listened for a further hour so fascinating was his tales of heroism, endeavour, comradeship and bravery. He started with Scott and his doomed journey to the south pole - highlighting the fateful decision to take 5 not 4 men on the long push south, and the toughness of these men who died on a march of incredible distance and difficulty. Then on to Shackleton, whose legendary expedition with the ships the Endeavour, and then the lifeboat the James Caird, on a journey from the Antartic to South Georgia defy belief for their standards of seamanship, fortitude and courage. Whilst talking of the heroism of these men we forgot that Rob was doing it all without a single note. He is an epic storyteller. If you have not listened to him talk on his British tour there is still time. Check out his website here: http://www.robcaskie.com/

As for last night my thanks to the sponsors, Armstrong Watson, Ward Haddaway, and Youngs RPS. Most of all our thanks and support to Tynedale Hospice at Home. To all of the volunteers - many of whom I chatted to - and the staff, and Brian of course, who make such a difference at such a difficult time. This is a wonderful charity that I am proud to have supported in the past and will do so in the future. Our hope is to get Rob to return next year and talk about Rorkes Drift. I have heard him do this and amazingly it is even better than last night! But for now if you want moe info about Shackleton, the unsung legend, have a read here: http://www.jmcomputers.f2s.com/Shackleton.htm

If you have not read it - the famous Advert for Shackletons men is worth a read.