Michael Kingscote reports in more detail on Battlefields and emerging characters among the Group!

I spoke to Tom this morning (Friday) after the Group's first day on the battlefield tour ...

On Wednesday, the flight from London arrived early and having been met by Tommy, their guide, they drove out of Johannesburg in the hot South African sun, in very good time. On arrival at Elandsheim they were met by Roan, their host there and Colonel Reggie Purbrick the battlefield expert. After settling in, dinner it was off to bed early; they are accommodated 5 to a hut.

Yesterday the Group, after a simple but enlightening introduction to a potted version of South African history, was taken by coach to the Battlefield of Isandlwana*. This impressive and unspoilt battlefield allowed them all to see how the battle unfolded. Then all of them set off to the top of the Sphinx, the hill which dominates the battlefield. Some struggled with the heat and the climb, some showed great endeavour.

Thereafter the Group walked along the Fugitives Trail (10 Kms). This was the route that Lieutenants Melville & Coghill took as they fled the battlefield with the Queen’s Colour. Later both were to receive posthumous Victoria Crosses for their efforts. The Group crossed the Buffalo River (knee deep) and then finished their walk at the Graves of the aforementioned officers. The coach greeted them and they set off back to Elandsheim.

Some characters are emerging …

• 'Ant & Dec' ... alias Harry D & Matt R ... never short of humour and a quip!
• Jordan C is immersing himself in Africa, forever up trees and full of energy!
• Ellie P (who didn't know anyone on expedition when she first signed up), has fitted in really well and is making a great contribution.
• Josh F has such a positive and 'can do' attitude!

Today the Group will walk and talk the Battle of Rorke’s Drift, then visit a local basket factory that employs 800 women, an example of enterprise in this rural area of distinct unemployment.

Next update expected on Sunday.

Michael

The Battlefield at Isandlwana - dominated by the 'Sphinx'

*The Battle of Isandlwana on 22 January 1879 was the first major encounter in the Anglo-Zulu War. The battle was a decisive victory for the Zulus and caused the defeat of the first British invasion of Zululand. A Zulu force of some 20,000 warriors attacked 1,800 British, colonial and native troops and civilians. The Zulus, armed mainly with their traditional assegai iron spears and cow-hide shields, attacked using a battle formation in the shape of buffalo horns to lure the British fighting forces forward into an ambush to then attack the main camp from the sides. The Zulus overwhelmed the badly deployed British which were poorly led by Lieutenant Chelmsford, killing over 1,300 troops. Around 1,000 Zulus also lost their lives.

Isandlwana battle scene