Bob Marshall, from the United Kingdom, recently visited Dundee and travelled to Rorke’s Drift to trace the footsteps of his ancestor, James Marshall.

The story of James Marshall, a quiet and enigmatic man whose life remained largely unknown for decades, is slowly being pieced together by his descendants. Marshall, a great-grandfather to several families in Britain, fought in the Battle of Rorke’s Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War, but he never spoke about his military service. His children and grandchildren grew up unaware of his role in one of history’s most famous battles.

In 1886, Marshall married Martha Millington, a widow with two daughters, and the couple settled in Tollerton, a small village outside Ruddington. Despite his war record, Marshall kept silent about his experiences.

More than a century later, in 2008, historian Kris Wheatley, great-granddaughter of defender Caleb Wood, began researching the descendants of those who fought at Rorke’s Drift. Her search led her to James Marshall, who, like Wood, is buried in Ruddington. Through public records, Wheatley discovered more about Marshall’s family and contacted surviving relatives.

In response, members of the Marshall family held a commemorative event in Ruddington to honour their ancestor’s legacy. The gathering featured Zulu dancers, military re-enactors, a brass band, and tributes from local dignitaries. The occasion united descendants from across the UK, allowing them to share family stories and rediscover their heritage.

Among those present was David, grandson of Leonard Marshall, who reflected on how his family’s connection to Rorke’s Drift might have linked him to the 1964 film Zulu. He noted, however, that his father’s Indian immigrant background would likely have excluded him from the production, which was filmed in South Africa.

One of the most touching aspects of the rediscovery was the involvement of Ella, nearly 99 years old, the daughter of Grace, who had migrated to South Africa in 1959. Unable to attend the UK event, Ella later visited Rorke’s Drift herself, reconnecting with her family’s past on South African soil.

In late 2024, one of James Marshall’s great-grandchildren, Lynn Whale, travelled to Johannesburg to visit Ella. Determined to follow in her ancestor’s footsteps, she visited Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, reflecting on the turbulent history of the Anglo-Zulu War. At the Rorke’s Drift visitor centre, she discovered that although the defenders’ names were not displayed, her connection to the battle felt deeply personal.

Lynn described her journey as one that rekindled memories of past generations while also underscoring the importance of reconciliation. She expressed her hope that Wheatley’s out-of-print books on the survivors of Rorke’s Drift could one day be made available again to preserve valuable historical records for future generations.

Through their ongoing research and personal journeys, the descendants of James Marshall are uncovering the forgotten chapters of his life. Their rediscovery of his role in the defence of Rorke’s Drift has become a lasting source of pride and remembrance — ensuring his story is carried forward for generations yet to come.

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