Presentation of the Colours to ‘A Company, 24th Regiment’

Can I draw the Forum’s attention to The Military Odyssey event please see https://www.military-odyssey.com Which is being held over the Bank Holiday weekend of 25th-27th August 2018.

It is hoped that there will be a muster of about a half-Company strength detachment of Victorian Military re-enactors under the collective name of A Company, 24th Regiment. Who will be readying themselves for the 140th Anniversary events scheduled for next year in KwaZulu-Natal.

On Sunday, 26th August at 14:15hrs in Arena 1, the Company will presented with a set of replica Colours which they will carry with them to the battlefields of iSandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. In a unique ceremony the Colours will be presented by Her Royal Highness Princess Zama-Zulu Shange, the descendant of Prince Dabulamanzi kaMpande. The party accompanying the Princess will include descendants of protagonists from both battles representing British, Zulu and Natal Colonial combatants. The Princess will be escorted by two Knights of the Realm - including the well-known actor, Sir Michael Gambon.

Well done to Forum member, Tim Rose of The Diehard Company and James Dixie Dix of The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment Re-enactment Society for putting this all together.

JY

Hi JY
I assume those colours will be at Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift on or near the day of the 140th Anniversary ? , I hope so ! .
90th Salute

Gary,

I think your lunch date, Gugu, is better placed to answer that one for you.

Joker

JY

Awww.

Frank,

That’s obviously why he keeps going back there!

Very Happy

JY

I couldn't possibly comment...……... Wink

I note that he acquiesces by his silence...

Joker

You Guys ....... Very Happy

. It was a lunch to remember !
90th

Guest

Thats a fantastic effort by the Diehards John.
I'm hoping to get across in January.
That would be something else to see those colours flying over the battlefield.

I've already packed my steamer trunk and re dyed my FSH.
Am taking binoculars this year rather than my usual Victorian telescope as they are very wonderful things. Rolling Eyes

Gary are you bringing the soup?
Kate Very Happy

Hi Kate
Horse meat and Axle Grease is it ..... Think I'll bring Binoculars again myself , Wonderful things ! Salute

90th

Gary,

Have you sorted out the lobola yet?

Kate,

As well as the Diehards, there will be some vintage motorcycles at the Military Odyssey...

JY

JY

Yep all sorted ....it's staying in Australia ! Very Happy

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Sadly the English weather put pay to the event taking place in the arena as planned, fortunately the organisers had a fallback position - the bar. Not for the first time with The Diehards has a religious ceremony taken on licensed premises - but that’s another story.

Thank you to Tim & James for allowing me to be part of the event, and to all of A Company, especially for the hospitality accorded to HRH Princess Zama-Zulu Shange and her entourage.

A much deserved vote of thanks to Princess Zama-Zulu, Sir Timothy Ackroyd, Dr. Paul Matawele & Sandra Barker who represented the forebears who fought at iSandlwana & Rorke’s Drift, and to Reverend Father Captain PJ O’Driscoll CF who conducted the service.

Sadly, Sir Michael Gambon was unable to attend due to ill-health.

JY

Posts : 110 Join date : 2013-09-07

John - as always a pleasure - the fates conspired against us with the weather but actually it turned out to be a more intimate and meaningful presentation ceremony for that - we did what we could with what we had and it looked and felt magnificent - the lads responded well - from the marching escort that stood out in the rain awaiting HRH arrival on the site right across the board all played their part - we did all the proper ceremony only missing out on the advance in review order - so ticked all the boxes for us. It was also lovely to have HRH and Sandy present the Diehard Company 25th year anniversary medals to the chaps - made them that bit more special - another historic day - we are having the brass centres on the colour poles engraved with the details of the presentation as well as a more permanent reminder - thanks again for all your support and help on this one and for keeping the faith with the Queen's hard Bargains - atb Tim

» PRESENTATION OF COLOURS TO THE 2nd BATTALION 24th REGIMENT.
» Facing colours 24th (2nd Warwickshire) regiment of foot
» Letter from Private Francis Ward, No. 1486 C Company, 2-24 Regiment