'Bromhead's Bayonet Charge' Limited Edition Print (100 prints)
 
Artist: Steve Noon
Commissioned: Neil Thornton.
Technical advisor: Ian Knight
 
All Prints signed and numbered by the artist. 
 
Measurements: 18" x 12.5"
 
The Painting
Depicting an episode that took place early in the Battle of Rorke's Drift, 'Bromhead's Bayonet Charge' is exactly what is says on the tin. At approximately 4.30pm the Zulus attacked the small garrison from the south. At 50 yards their attack stalled and they swung round to the front of the defensive perimeter, focussing their attacks on the section of barricade directly in front of the hospital. Under immense pressure the defenders were forced to withdraw from that area. With the way into the hospital now seemingly open to them the Zulus scaled the barricades and charged the front door of the building; the patients within fighting desperately to keep them at bay. 
 
Seeing the plight of the men inside, Bromhead gathered some men together and charged back into the section they had previously lost - in front of the hospital. After clearing the Zulus out at the point of the bayonet, he withdrew again, only to repeat his actions again and again - each time the hospital was threatened. 
 
One account of these charges reads:
"[The Zulus] made these attacks in the most deliberate manner. As in their dancing, they stalked out of concealment, pranced up with a high stepping action, and caring nothing for the slaughter, endeavoured to get over the barricade. Many times, seven or eight at least, Lieutenant Bromhead, collecting a few men together, had to drive them off with a bayo..t charge. On being repulsed they would retire to better cover, shout in chorus and strike their shields with their assegais. Our men cheered in response and let them have it."
 
An excellent depiction of one of the stand-out episodes of Rorke's Drift.
 
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