Getting the correct shield colours ro Zulus attacking Rorke's Drift

Posts : 2 Join date : 2015-12-31 Location : PLYMOUTH DEVON

To make a diorama of Rorke's Drift modellers should have knowledge of which Zulu regiments attacked it.
We know that the Zulu right horn at Isandlwana was uncommitted during that battle. Their intention being to sweep behind the mountain and cut off any retreat.

There seems to be some confusion as to which Zulu regiments were part of that group. Wiki gives the information that this Undi Corps consisted of the uDloko, uThulwana, inDlondo, and unDluyengwe regiments. However, in the Osprey Campaign Series ZULU WAR 1879, Ian Knight describes the Zulu right horn as consisting of the uDududu, iMbube, and isAngqu regiments.
Does anybody know which is correct?

Posts : 600 Join date : 2013-09-18 Location : West Country

Hi, Hope this helps.

The Zulu Undi corps, 4000 strong and under the command of Cetshwayo's half-brother, Dabulamanzi, consisting of the uThulwana, inDlu-yengwe, inDlondlo, and uDloko regiments, were held in reserve at Isandlwana. The Undi left the battle at approximately 2 PM and moved along the trail to Rorke's Drift. Cetshwayo gave his regimental commanders strict orders not to cross the Buffalo River into Natal, so as to not be seen as the aggressors in the War. Dabulamanzi, unsatisfied with his reserve role in the battle, and to ensure that his troops had a chance to "wash" their spears, disobeyed orders and crossed into Natal to attack the British station at the Drift. The 95 men of Company B of the 2d Battalion, 24th Warwickshire Regiment, behind hastily improvised breastworks made from mealie bags and heavy biscuit tins, used their .45 calibre Martini-Henry rifles and bayonets effectively for 12 hours. The Zulu's gallantly made repeated charges into the face of withering rifle fire and bayonet thrusts, ultimately loosing 600 men.

If you are looking for images for a diorama you could perhaps have a look at some of these.
http://www.zuluwar.com/rorkes_drift.htm

I have the print of Rorke's Drift by Liptrot that is on the link as well as various others if anybody is in the market for one :-)

Neil

Posts : 600 Join date : 2013-09-18 Location : West Country

I have just noticed that the painting by Chris Collingwood 'Stand Firm the 24th' has sold out, no surprise there, its an amazing picture and one of my favourites. Mind you, they were giving away a free print of 'Defence of Rorkes Drift' by Alphonse De Neuville. I always seem to miss the bargains.

Posts : 600 Join date : 2013-09-18 Location : West Country

I'm hoping that Somersetli comes back soon, my hands have healed following my motorcycle accident and I can now finish painting the Rorke's drift (esci) figures that I started last year, I could do with some pointers on painting skin tones.

Hi Waterloo
There are many great prints out there , bargains can be difficult to come by , but they do pop up now and again .
90th

Posts : 2 Join date : 2015-12-31 Location : PLYMOUTH DEVON

waterloo50 wrote:: I'm hoping that Somersetli comes back soon, my hands have healed following my motorcycle accident and I can now finish painting the Rorke's drift (esci) figures that I started last year, I could do with some pointers on painting skin tones.

Hi waterloo50,
Sorry for the delay but I have been inquiring about your face painting. Although I belong to a Model Soldier Society I do not myself do any painting. I belong really for the historical talks that they have, and have given a few myself.
Because of my interest in the Anglo Zulu War I have been asked about getting a diorama of Rorke's Drift accurate regarding the Zulus.
My reply was the same as your reply to me on which Zulu regiments were there. However other people produced a book by Ian Knight (an expert on Zulus), with the information that the uDududu, iMbube, and isAngqu regiments formed part of the Zulu attack. Which is how I became involved.
I can pass on the advice I have been given on face painting though.........Type 1/35 Figure Face Painting into your browser. You should see two sites..........Painting 1/35 scale heads at Missing-lynx.com....... and Armorama 1/35 Figure Face Painting. I an as dvised though that a lot depends on which painting medium you use...........Oils or Acrylics.

Posts : 600 Join date : 2013-09-18 Location : West Country

somersetli,

The information that I gave regarding the Zulu 'regiments came from the Zulu Warrior Memorial, Rorke's Drift, I'm assuming that its a safe bet that the names they give are accurate.

Many thanks for the info on the painting of 1/35 scale. I had built a 1/72 diorama of Rorke's drift quite a few years ago but I don't model in that scale anymore because my eyes aren't as good as they used to be and 1:72 scale is quite small and fiddly although the smaller scale does tend to lend itself well to large dioramas . With the latest figures that I have painted they are looking quite good especially when they are weathered, I use Humbrol weathering powders they add depth and bring the figures to life, I paint using a mixture of both oil and acrylics, the only issue that I have is getting the skin tones correct, its even more difficult when working on the Zulu figures so any advice is always appreciated. I will look at the links you have provided.
Many Thanks.

Hi Guys
Ive posted this before but it deserves another outing. It was I believe built by a local school boy as a project.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
Regards

Posts : 600 Join date : 2013-09-18 Location : West Country

An outstanding piece of work, that would have taken some considerable time and effort to complete.

If any one is interested, I have a couple of 1:72 Rorke's Drift Buildings left over from a Diorama that I did many moons ago. They are free to a good home providing that the cost of P&P is covered. I also have several boxes of 1/32 scale 'Call to Arms' British Infantry Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana Zulu figures up for grabs, just cover P&P Please, PM me if interested.

Agreed Frank , excellent work whoever did that ! .
90th Very Happy

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