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The Zulu War of 1879 is
remembered largely for the defeat at Isandlwhana and the heroic defence of
Rorkes Drift. Both actions featuring the 24th foot. In fact the 2nd
Warwickshire Regt. and not the South Wales Borderers until 1882.
However, many other
regiments fought in the war and here is shown a soldier of one such
regiment. The 80th Foot fought throughout the campaign and suffered their
own disaster when a company was caught unprepared by the Zulus at the
Intombi River Drift and lost more than sixty casualties.
The regiment formed one
side of the square against which the Zulus were finally broken at the
battle of Ulundi.
The soldier wears
uniform typical of the Zulu War, with very little concession given to the
climate other than the cork helmet which has been stained khaki and the
badge removed.
The 80th had a
regimental distinction of wearing the Stafford knot as a collar badge.
This man has two long service stripes on his right sleeve.
He is armed with the
.450 Martini Henry Rifle, a heavy but effective weapon which fired a soft
lead bullet with devastating effect and it was volleys of this weapon that
smashed the heroic Zulu charges
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