Moths, British soldiers gather at Rorke’s Drift to honour heroes of 1879 battle
The bravery of the combatants, both British and Zulu, continues to be respected and remembered by all who attend, reinforcing the historical significance of the Battle of Rorke's Drift in South African and British military history.
The Moths of Northern KwaZulu-Natal, including Harrismith in the Free State, gathered for their annual district meeting at Rorke’s Drift over the weekend, commemorating the historic Battle of Rorke’s Drift, fought in 1879.
The event, hosted by Freedom Shellhole in Vryheid, has been a tradition since the centenary of the battle in 1979.
As a highlight of the occasion, the parade saw the flag of the 24th Regiment (now the Royal Regiment of Wales) proudly flown in honour of the men who fought during the battle.
The regiment of serving soldiers – staying over at Fugitive’s Drift Lodge with Douglas Rattray during their tour of the battlefields – joined the Moths in a memorial parade and great respect was shown.
This tradition serves as a solemn reminder of the courage and sacrifice shown by the soldiers on both sides.
Wreaths were laid at the memorials to both the British soldiers and Zulu warriors who fell at Rorke’s Drift.
At the end of the fighting, 351 Zulus lay dead on the battlefield.
Only 17 British were killed, but almost every man in the garrison had sustained some kind of wound.
Tourism Dundee chairperson Toyi Mtshali said it was an honour to mingle with the Moths and the international visitors.
Mtshali stressed how history can be used to bring new investment into an area that is in desperate need of revival.
The fallen will be remembered!
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