Anglo-Zulu War Battlefields Area
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The Kwazulu Natal Battlefields cover a large area in Northern KwaZulu Natal and below are listed just a few in the Dundee / Helpmekaar area.
22nd January 1879
Isandlwana – Rorkes Drift – Fugitives Drift – Helpmekaar
The battles of the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 are world renowned; the British defeat by the Zulu army at Isandlwana on 22 January 1879 and then the heroic stand by a handful of British soldiers at Rorke's Drift later that same day and night.
11 Victoria Crosses were awarded for the defence of Rorkes Drift and 1 for the battle of Isandlwana.
At Fugitives Drift the memorial to Lts Coghill and Melville, who saved the Colours, stands high above the Buffalo River valley, where the survivors from Isandlwana struggled to cross the swollen river.
To get there :
From Dundee follow R68 towards Nqutu –(32km) turn right to Rorkes’ Drift, and follow signs. At the T junction turn left to Rorkes’ Drift. Just before Rorkes’ Drift turn left and follow signs to Isandlwana. Pay entrance at St Vincent's before proceeding onto the battlefield.
22–23 January 1879
Rorkes Drift
The site where James Rorke had established a trading store and a ford across the Buffalo River has become known worldwide.
With the invasion into Zululand on 11 January, 139 men were left at Rorke's Drift, either in hospital, to guard the pont, or to ensure the movement of supplies into Zululand following the British army.
The British lost 17 killed and the Zulus an estimated 500. A record number of 11 Victoria Crosses were awarded to the defenders of Rorkes Drift.
To get there:
From Dundee travel towards Greytown on the R33 and follow the signs to Rorkes Drift Battlefield.
1879 Anglo-Zulu War
Helpmekaar
A sod fort was constructed here, serving as a base for British troop movements. It was to Helpmekaar that the survivors of Isandlwana fled and to where men were taken for burial.
The colors of the 24th Regt were returned to the remnants of the Regiment at Helpmekaar after being recovered from the Buffalo River.
1899-1900 Anglo Boer War
Buller chose to attack at Helpmekaar. On the morning of 13th May, the attack began. The Boers realised too late where the British would attack and had to rapidly move men to the nek at Helpmekaar.
It became a race to see whether Lord Dundonald and the British troops or the Boers would be the first to reach the nek. The British won by a few minutes – when the Boers arrived they opened fire on the British and halted their advance.
More and more British troops came up and joined in the battle and although the Boers clung obstinately to Helpmekaar, they realised that their position was untenable.
During the night they slipped away and were seen in full retreat along the road to Dundee.
The Talana Museum is a treasure trove of information for the battles in the Dundee area. Situated on the R33 Vryheid Road, Dundee 3000, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
To view more information visit Talana Museum in Dundee or view on their website The Talana Museum.
Accomodation at Helpmekaar is available on a private game farm at Valhalla Lodge as it borders the military cemetary.
Valhalla is a beautiful farm and worth staying at and making it a base to travel to all the sites.