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 PRINCE CHARLES MEETS ZULU DESCENDANT
On 26 June HRH Prince Charles opened the revamped Military Museum at Cardiff Castle as part of the city's Armed Forces Day celebrations.
He is pictured here with Society member Bill Cainan, in 1879 24th Regt. uniform, and Lindizwe Dalton Ngobese, who had flown over from South Africa for the occasion.
Lindizwe, who works as a guide at Isandlwana Lodge, is the great-grandson of Mehlokazulu kaSihayo who played a prominant part in the war as an officer in the iNgobamakhosi, and in particular at the battle of Isandlwana.
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Zulu War talk by Rob Caskie at the RGS on the 29th September at 7 pm.
At the request of Abercombie and Kent, sponsors of the event, the Society reminds members that the talk will take place at the RGS in London on the above date.
Tickets are available from Frangelica Flook at fflook@abercrombiekent.co.uk or, tel; 0207 978 4534. The cost is £30 per person.
Dr Adrian Greaves
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Dubious South Africa campaign medals
Once again, there are some questionable medals being offered for sale, one or two with well known names and therefore inviting very high prices.
If you intend buying any SA campaign medal, do ensure that you have the right to return it to the seller if the medal turns out to be doubtful. Always check the medal's provenance and that of the seller before buying - if there is any doubt or uncertainty do have it professionally checked by one of the reputable auction houses or dealers.
Dr Adrian Greaves
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War That Changed the British Empire
Royal Geographical Society Presentation on the Boer War
by Raymond Heron, battlefield lecturer and raconteur from Spion Kop, Natal
Talk includes Focus on Roles of Mahatma Gandhi, Sir Winston Churchill, General Louis Botha and General Sir Redvers Buller at the Battle of Spion Kop
Venue: Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, London SW1. Thursday September 16th 2010 7.00 for 7.30pm
Tickets: £16 Refreshments will be served.
Contacts: Nigel Hills nigel_hills@btinternet.com Tel: 0207 221 4359
Lynette Heron spionkop@futurenet.co.za Tel: +27 (0) 36 488 1404
Payment for tickets by cheque should be made out to: 'RGS Boer War Event' and sent to N Hills Flat 1, 55 Holland Park, London W11 3RS
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ZULU RISING; The Epic Story of iSandlwana & Rorke’s Drift
Over 600 pages, maps illus.
Published by Macmillans 20 August 2010
£18.99 Hardcover
Ian Knight’s exhaustive new study of the battles of iSandlwana and Rorke’s Drift explores the complex web of conflicts which led to this iconic struggle in South African history, expertly weaving together the story of the lives of both British and Zulu participants.
A MAJOR NEW WORK ON THE ANGLO-ZULU WAR OF 1879
‘Deeply researched yet enthralling reading, this is a masterful study which meshes together both British and Zulu perspectives, and sheds new light in particular on iSandlwana’s position at the centre of complicated layers of overlapping conflict.’
Dr Adrian Greaves, Anglo-Zulu War Historical Society
‘This magisterial but grippingly readable account is the culmination of a lifetime’s informed and critical engagement with the battles of iSandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. Ian Knight knows firsthand every hill and donga of the two battlefields, is long familiar with the local people and their oral history, and is immersed in the archival evidence. Writing at the top of his form, and drawing fully on the vivid reports and reminiscences of the Zulu and British protagonists he so masterfully portrays, he succeeds in evoking the painfully stirred passions of men at war. Yet, at the same time, he presents the convoluted, confusing, sometimes obscure dynamics of the ebb and flow of battle with quite admirable clarity and assurance. In the process he disposes convincingly of the hoary legends that have grown up about the battles, and demolishes poorly founded more recent interpretations. The result is a compelling, wide-ranging and even-handed study that is now definitive in the field.’
Professor John Laband, author of The Rise and Fall of the Zulu Nation
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Journal 27 - June 2010
The latest journal is now on-line in the members' section.
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Presentation of Prince Buthelezi awards for 2010 at Rorke’s Drift church. 18th April 2010.
On Sunday 18th April the 2010 Prince Buthelezi awards were presented. This year the majority of the awards were presented to prominent local Zulus who had gone beyond their remit to help the local community.
Recipients are; left to right...
Front - From left to right: France Mhlungu, principal of Amoibe School, Lindani Emmanuel Zulu, principal of Shiyane High School, Emmaunuel Mkhize, local youth coordinator and manager of the Zulu Village, Reverend Wilfred Mbatha, pastor of the church at Rorke's Drift, wife of Willy Duze, a councillor with the Msinga Municipality who accepted the award on his behalf), Zethu Mbuli, leader of the Oscarberg Lutheran parish and mother, Busiswe Zulu, principal of Oscarberg Primary School and son, Stephen Coan, deputy editor Natal Witness.
Behind: Dr David Payne and Dr Adrian Greaves of the Anglo Zulu War Historical Society who presented the awards.
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Society exhibition in Kent: Treasures of the Zulu War
The exhibition has now closed and proved to be an astonishing success. Due to well placed advertising, the exhibition was seen by over 800 visitors during the two week period, including visitors from across the UK, from South Africa, America, Canada and Europe.
It was the first exhibition to feature royal items originally acquired by Lieutenant Harford when he escorted King Cetshwayo into captivity together with over 200 exhibits owned by the Society.
The Society has now received an invitation to take the exhibition to Canada next year and this is being actively considered.
Dr Adrian Greaves
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SONIA CLARKE
We were sorry to hear that Sonia Clarke died in September 2009 while on holiday in France with her husband. Mrs Clarke, whose professional career was in education, was the author of 'The Invasion of Zululand' (1979) and 'Zululand At War' (1984). Both books were based on important first-hand manuscripts in the library of Mr Harry Oppenheimer of the Anglo American diamond corporation, and Mrs Clarke edited and presented them with a degree of insight and scholarship which has made an enduring contribution to studies of the Anglo-Zulu War.
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Anglo Boer War Historical Society
The preparations for founding this society are now well under way and are being co-ordinated by Ray Heron at Spion Kop Lodge near Ladysmith. Ray owns this prestigeous lodge and he is a noted Boer War battlefield guide. Ray was a guest speaker in December 2009 at the International Guild of Battlefield Guides Annual Conference in London.
If you are interested in taking part in this venture, please contact Ray at
spionkop@futurenet.co.za
Ray's Lodge website can be found at http://www.spionkop.co.za.
Adrian Greaves
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The International Guild of Battlefield Guides.
 The seventh AGM and Conference of the Guild took place at the end of November at the prestigious Officers Mess, Woolwich. The theme this year was South Africa - with emphasis on both the Boer wars and Anglo Zulu wars.
Over 100 delegates plus their guests attended from around the world with a strong contingent representing South Africa - including the after dinner speaker for the event, Rob Gerrard FRGS from Isandlwana Lodge.
The three main guest speakers for the conference were all from the AZWHS, namely, Ian Knight who spoke on the causes of the Zulu war, Adrian Greaves on Zulu artefacts and their role in history, and Ray Heron on the battle of Spion Kop.
The AZWHS is now in the process of becoming affiliated with the Guild and further details will be published when this has occurred.
The Guild web site is www.gbg-international.com
Dr Adrian Greaves
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Society Degree Courses
If any member is considering taking one of the Society degree courses - there are still two vacancies for courses commencing between the 1st Jan and 31st March 2010
The degree prospectus is available on the Society web site at anglozuluwar.com
Further details can be obtained by contacting me at 01580-764189
Dr Adrian Greaves
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Letters of Lt Ronald Campbell - killed on Hlobane mountain.
As members may know, Lt. Campbell was Col. Wood's staff officer when he was killed on Hlobane. Much has been written about Campbell's death and burial, which was supervised by Col. Wood even though the burial party was under Zulu sniper fire.
Mrs Campbell visited the scene a year later accompanied by Empress Eugenie.
Not much is known about Lt Campbell's short time with Col. Wood but his personal diary, which covers the period from his arrival in Zululand until his tragic death, has just been discovered and the Society is now in the process of transcribing the details.
These will be published in the June 2010 Journal. The diary's details will shortly be available to any Society member wishing to research Campbell.
Dr Adrian Greaves
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DARATONGUS RATTRAYI
A new species of millipede has been discovered by Michelle Hamer in the Nkandla Forest in Zululand, south of Fugitives' Drift. Michelle has chosen to name the millipede Doratogonus Rattrayi in honour of David Rattray.
This honour is particularly fitting as David had a deep interest in entomology - he held an Honours degree in Entomology from the Univeristy of Natal, Pietermaritzburg. He would also have been particularly pleased that this new entomological discovery was in Nkandla - David spent much time over the years exploring Nkandla and the Mome Gorge where King Cetshwayo is buried.
Below is an extract from Michelle Hamer's paper regarding Doratogonus Rattrayi:-
Type material: Holotype: NMSA 21970, 1 male, South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Nkandhla Forest, 28º43’38.592”S, 31º07’58.281”E, 1121 m asl, found in forest along dirt road, 19 November 2001, A. Armstrong & H. Murray. Paratypes: NMSA 21791, 1 male, 1 female, South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Nkandhla Forest, 28º43’38.650”S, 31º08’00.155” E, 1121 m asl, 19 November 2001, A. Armstrong & H. Murray. NMSA 21792, 1 male, South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Nkandhla Forest, 28º44’44.639”S, 31º08’34.279”E, 1040 m asl, Forest, on trunk of Iphahla tree in forest, 21 November 2001, A. Armstrong & H. Murray.
Etymology: Named for David Rattray, world-renowned Ango-Zulu War historian, and promoter of the oral history tradition of the Zulu people, who through his story-telling inspired people of all ages and from all walks of life. Rattray was murdered at his home, Fugitive’s Drift, in January of 2007.
Diagnosis: Gonopods of D. rattrayi similar to D. avius Hamer, 2000 and D. major (Lawrence, 1965). These three species certainly closely related, sharing serrated process on the median margin of the anterior gonocoxal fold, dense, long setae covering distal region of the anterior gonocoxal fold, broad femoral process curved through 360º, and lamellate, folded proximal region of postfemoral process. In addition, all three species large-bodied, with yellow legs. Doratogonus rattrayi distinguished from other two species by serrated distal margin of femoral process, less curved postfemoral process, and longer, less curved apical, median spine on anterior gonocoxal fold.
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Royal Logistic Corps Museum
Dear Dr Greaves,
Could you please convey my thanks to all those involved in the loan of all the items used in the Zulu War exhibition here at the Royal Logistic Corps Museum? Although we do have a large collection it cannot possibly match the variety and breadth of your excellent Zulu War holdings. Your generosity allowed us to attract new audiences and provided a wonderful theme for the first half of 2009.
Andy Robertshaw
Curator/Manager The Royal Logistic corps Museum
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The Isandlwana 'button'.
Members who have seen this button as featured in the press today (16.6.09) with the story that it identifies a particular soldier, might like to see the following web site
http://www.colchestertreasurehunting.co.uk/militarynamedregiments.htm
To me, the button lauded by the press looks exactly like a RE button - which challenges the press story. Bear in mind, I am not an expert on buttons!!
Adrian Greaves
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'John Ross' Memorial
 On Saturday 2 May a memorial was unveiled on the previously unmarked grave of Charles Rawden Maclean in Southampton Old Cemetery. Maclean is known to history as 'John Ross' - in 1825 as a ten-year old boy ship's apprentice he was part of the first group of British adventurers to make contact with the Zulu kingdom. King Shaka was intrigued by his first meeting with a white child, and Maclean spent many months living at Shaka's royal homestead. In 1828 Maclean - still only twelve - walked 300 miles to Delagoa Bay and back to procure much needed medicines and supplies for the settlement. Although he left Natal shortly after, his story is widely remembered in South Africa - there is a statue of him in Durban, and in 1986 he was the subject of an SABC drama series 'John Ross; An African Adventure'. As an adult he remained a seafarer, settling in the Caribbean, where under his real name he became a vociferous opponant of slavery. At the end of his life he fell on hard times and in 1880 returned to England - sadly he died at sea, and was buried in an unmarked pauper's grave in Southampton. The new memorial was the initiative of Fraserburgh Heritage Centre in Scotland - where Maclean was born - and the Friends of Southampton Old Cemetery. The memorial was unveiled by the Mayor of Southampton, Brian Parnell, and guests included Ian Knight, who had supported the project, and Ian Rankin from Fraserburgh. A Scottish piper played a bagpipe lament and an escort was provided by Southampton Sea Scouts.
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Obituary
 Dave Smith was a founder of the Zulu Village at Rorke's Drift, along with his partner, Bobbie Welham, the village's Patron. Bobbie received the 2008 Mango Buthelezi Gold medal for service to the Zulu people and received her award at deepcut last year.
Dave was a dedicated collector of Zulu artefacts and he generously assisted us at all Society exhibitions. He and Bobbie recently spent time at the Zulu village and his parting is a sad loss to his family, his many friends in the UK and at Rorke's Drift.
His collection is now with the Society and a selection of these pieces will be displayed at future Society exhibitions.
Adrian Greaves
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The following message has been received from the curator at Eastbourne's Military Museum.
From the Curator
Eastbourne Military Museum
Sussex.
Dear Dr Greaves,
I would like to take this opportunity to let you know how popular the Zulu exhibition was at the Redoubt last year – it was noticeable how many of our visitors came especially for the exhibition. We have had our best visitor season for many years and I am confident that the Zulu exhibition was a massive contributing factor to this success.
Best wishes,
Fran
Fran Stovold
MUSEUMS' CURATOR
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130th Anniversary of of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift
 The 130th anniversary of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift was marked by events in both South Africa and the UK.
 In South Africa, an academic conference was held at Dundee, KZN, on 19 January, and was attended by internationally renowned speakers including Professor John Laband, Dr Steven Badsey and Dr Damian O’Conner. The conference was opened by Dr Mangosuthu Buthelezi who gave a thoughtful speech outlining the need to remember the war, and be aware of its enduring consequences. He also praised the efforts of Anglo-Zulu War historians present and especially AZWHS gold medal winners John Laband and Ian Knight.
 On 22 January there was a commemoration on the battlefields. The Dundee chapter of the MOTHS – the SA ex-servicemen’s association – held a service at the 24th memorial and wreaths were laid by Lt. Col. Swift of the 2nd Royal Welsh (the old 24th) and by the 1879 Group. Members of the UK re-enactor group The Die-Hards were in attendance in period uniform. In the afternoon HM King Goodwill Zwelithini and Dr Mangosuthu Buthelezi addressed a large crowd, estimated at over 10,000, at the Zulu memorial. That same afternoon wreaths were laid at Rorke’s Drift.
In the UK, the 2009 AZWHS exhibition was opened on the 24th January at the Royal Logistical Corps Museum at Deepcut, Surrey. Ian Knight, fresh off the plane from South Africa! gave an enthusiastic audience, which included senior RLC officers, a talk on the early stages of the war, outlining the role of the Corps’ predecessors at Rorke’s Drift. The exhibition is open until July 4th, and Ian is expected to give another talk to coincide with the anniversary of the close of the campaign.
 On 26th January – the second anniversary of his death – a plaque was unveiled in memory of David Rattray at the Regimental Museum in Brecon. The ceremony was attended by David’s widow Nicky and his sons Andrew and Douglas, with many of David’s UK friends invited to the occasion. Dr Adrian Greaves was finally able to present Nicky Rattray and her family with the postumous Gold Prince Buthelezi medal for David Rattray.
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