Factual Friday
By Charlie Elphinstone
This medal came into the shop a few weeks ago and while it is only a reproduction I was amazed to see it and the story it represents.
The “South Africa 1880 medal” or as it is commonly known as “the Zulu war medal” was given to everyone that served in a series of tribal wars in South Africa between the years 1877-1880.
An event that happened during one of these wars was the Defence of Rorkes Drift, a mission station located in Natal, South Africa.
In this battle there were 141 British soldiers, 11 colonial troops, 4 civilians and 100 members of the Natal Native Horse or the NNH for short. This small army was up against 3,000-4,000 Zulu warriors.
During the battle the NNH fled leaving just over 150 people to defend the station. Despite this the British won the battle with just 17 killed and 15 wounded.
11 Victoria crosses were given to individual defenders after the victory.
Famously in 1964 a film titled “Zulu” was made starring Stanley Baker and Michael Caine and this film recreates the battle of Rorkes Drift.
I highly recommend it if you like war or history films, despite some inaccuracies it gives you an insight into what happened.
https://www.strichenantiques.co.uk/product-page/south-africa-general-service-medal