The Defence of Rorke's Drift facts for kids
The Defence of Rorke's Drift is a famous painting created in 1880 by Elizabeth Thompson, Lady Butler. It shows a real event called the Battle of Rorke's Drift. This battle happened in 1879 during the Anglo-Zulu War, which lasted from 1877 to 1879. Many people learned about this battle and the brave soldiers who fought in it from the 1964 movie Zulu.
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About the Painting
What is The Defence of Rorke's Drift?
This painting captures a very important moment from the Battle of Rorke's Drift. After the battle, there was a lot of excitement and pride in the United Kingdom. The soldiers who survived, especially the officers, were celebrated as heroes when they came home in October 1879.
How Was the Painting Made?
First, the soldiers went to Windsor Castle to meet Queen Victoria. Then, they met Lady Butler in Portsmouth. This is where their army group was staying. The soldiers told Lady Butler exactly what happened during the battle. They even acted out parts of it for her, wearing the same uniforms they had on that night. Lady Butler wanted to make the painting as real as possible. She wrote that she wanted to show all the brave soldiers who earned the Victoria Cross (VC) and other important people in the battle. The painting was finished in 1880 and is now part of the Royal Collection.
Who Are the Heroes in the Painting?
Lady Butler made sure to include many of the real heroes from the battle.
- You can see Lieutenants John Chard VC and Gonville Bromhead VC. They are in the middle, leading the fight. Chard is wearing light pants.
- Behind them, you might spot Padre George Smith. He has a red beard and is giving out ammunition from his hat.
- Private Frederick Hitch VC is on the right, standing and also handing out ammunition.
- Surgeon James Henry Reynolds VC and Storekeeper Byrne are helping a wounded soldier, Corporal Scammell. Reynolds is kneeling, and Byrne is shown falling after being shot.
- Corporal Ferdinand Schiess VC might be in the background, near the barricade. He is just to the left of Chard and Bromhead, wearing a Natal Native Contingent uniform.
Where Was It Shown?
The Defence of Rorke's Drift was shown at the Royal Academy in 1880. This was a big art show where many people could see it.
A New Discovery
In 2013, something interesting was confirmed about the painting. A soldier named Private David Jenkins is shown in the bottom left of the painting. Lady Butler had made a sketch of him in Portsmouth with the other survivors. Because of this sketch, it was confirmed that he fought in the battle. His name was then added to the official list of those who fought at Rorke's Drift.
