| The Battle of Rorkes Drift is one of the most | | | | defeat at Isandlwana, if properly maintained, it |
| famous actions during the records in the British Army. | | | | absolutely was a fine rifle. To single the rifle out as |
| On 22 January 1879, just hours soon after the Zulu | | | | the cause for the defeat at Isandlwana is harsh as |
| victory at Isandlwana, nearly 4,000 Zulus assault the | | | | there were lots of additional factors which |
| mission station at Rorkes Drift just across the | | | | contributed to the defeat. |
| Buffalo River in Natal. | | | | At Rorkes Drift, the Martini Henry was paramount |
| With less than 140 men defending Rorkes Drift, you | | | | for the British. Being a store, there was sufficient |
| would be forgiven for believing the soldiers had little | | | | ammunition as well as extra rifles and the defensive |
| chance of survival, especially taking into account | | | | area was a lot more compact and so was much |
| what happened to their fellow soldiers at Isandlwana. | | | | easier to defend in comparison to the site at |
| Nonetheless, in addition to being extraordinarily brave | | | | Isandlwana. Introduced to the British Army in 1871, |
| troopers, the defenders of Rorkes Drift were in | | | | the Martini Henry could very well fire up to ten |
| possession of a gun what would give them an edge | | | | rounds a minute in the hands of the proficient soldier. |
| over the Zulus. That weapon was the Martini Henry | | | | It gave a highly effective range of more than 500m |
| rifle. | | | | that resulted in providing the British could spot the |
| This.45 calibre rifle was proficient at inflicting awful | | | | Zulus, they may well begin shooting them well before |
| injuries and when discharged at a range of less than | | | | they were close enough for close fighting. |
| 200 yards, a round could possibly very easily pass | | | | Despite the overwhelming odds at Rorkes Drift, the |
| through a body thus hitting the man behind too. The | | | | British only lost about 10% of their men while at the |
| Martini Henry was a single shot, breech loading rifle | | | | same time, they buried close to four hundred Zulus |
| and presented the British an enormous advantage | | | | and it was believed a similar number might have later |
| over the Zulu warriors who were merely armed with | | | | died of their wounds. The soldiers had fought off the |
| short stabbing spears (iklaws). | | | | Zulu assault and were thankful to the Martini Henry |
| Even if the Martini Henry was blamed partly for the | | | | rifle. |