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Date	Original Topic
12th February 2001	Rorkes Drift artifacts By Barry Iacoppi I would like to know what artifacts survive from the battle and where can they be seen ?
Date	Replies
13th February 2001	Alan Critchley There are items in the museum at Rorke's Drift. There is also a section of the South Wales Borderers Museum in Brecon which contains many items. There is also the flag which 'may' be the one which was flown when the relief column arrived. Others in private hands.
13th February 2001	John Young Trooper Lugg's weapons, some clothing and equipment are at Warrior's Gate, The Old Fort, Durban. John
13th February 2001	Lee Stevenson Various items belonging to JRM Chard are on display at the Royal Engineers Museum, Brompton Barracks, Chatham.
13th February 2001	Barry Iacoppi Thank you gentlemen. All your replies are helpful. Of particular interest are Trooper Luggs's weapons as there is some debate as to what mark of Martini was used at the Drift. Can John Young or anyone else who has seen these "weapons" ID them.
14th February 2001	Alan Critchley Trooper Lugg used a Swinburne-Henry carbine. The majority of the other defenders used the MkII Martini-Henry. Alan
15th February 2001	John Young Barry, The other items of Lugg's at Warrior's Gate, are his "Bowie" knife, which he used at Rorke's Drift, a woolen hat and a waist belt. The Swinburne-Henry did have a running repair on it as Lugg fixed it with a piece of rein. I've got a photograph somewhere on file as well as a letter from Lugg's granddaughter supporting the facts. John
17th February 2001	Barry Iacoppi Any chance of posting that photo on the Martini Forum John ? I know the lads there would love to see it.
10th May 2001	George Growing up in Spotsylvania, Virginia, USA, I became somewhat exposed to the American Civil War of 1861-1864. The farming fields of my youth frequently gave up bullets expended in the conflict of Bloody Angle, and/or one of the other major battles within a radius of about 10 miles; Fredericksburg, Wilderness, and Chancelorsville. In fact, many other relics turned up; bayonets, buckles, shell casings, buttons. But by far the most prolific finds were the 'minnie balls' from both the Union and Confederate armories. Are/were there such finds at Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift? The 50 cal. lead 'balls' make for good conversation. I'd offer a trade, as I still have a few Civil War rounds, but have no idea how to ship such stuff internationally. Additionally, I'd sure like to see a picture of Lugg's "Bowie" (from the American Jim Bowie, d. 1836, The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas, USA) as there is some controversy of Bowie's exact original design. Unlike Rorke's Drift, or, for that matter, Isandlwana, the Alamo's defenders were wiped out to the last man. Very big deal in the 'States, especially for those from the state of Texas. (www.thealamo.org) Very best regards, G.
10th October 2001	Peter Collins The cape belonging to Brevet Major Stuart Smith is on display at the Royal Artillery Museum, in Woolwich, London. It was recoverd from his saddle at Fugitives Drift - and shows holes made presumably by Zulu spears. I picked up a handful of Martini-Henry Cartridge cases on the field at Kambula, together with an Inkwell, and the ceramic lid of a Jar of Toothpaste. I also have two Spears and a Knobkerrie which I obtained in Dundee, KZN
29th December 2001	C DICKENS The best place to see items from Rorkes Drift is definately the regimental museum in Brecon S Wales, anoher museum is The N ational Army Museum in Chelsea London Best Wishes Cluive Dickens