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Date | Original Topic | 28th February 2005 | The Death of H.R.H. Prince Alpheus Zulu, 1949-2005. By John Young It is with deep regret that I have just heard of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Alpheus Zulu.
Prince Alpheus was a direct descendant of Prince Mthonga kaMpande, who fought alongside the British forces under the command of Henry Evelyn Wood V.C. at the battles of Hlobane & Khambula.
Prince Alpheus was always keen to promote Zulu history, and I was lucky enough to have worked with him on a number of projects. His death at the early age of 55 years; means that one of his greatest desires - the return of King Cetshwayo's shield - will not be fulfilled in his lifetime.
May he rest in peace.
John Young | Date | Replies | 28th February 2005 | AMB John,
Very sad to hear of the prince's death.
Where is the old King's shield?
AMB | 28th February 2005 | John Young Andrew,
The shield was apparently looted by John Dunn, and presented to the 57th (West Middlesex) Regiment as a trophy.
It used to be on display at the old Middlesex Regimental Museum at Bruce castle, Tottenham, north London. Sadly when the museum was forced to close - thanks in part to pressure from the local council & the then M.P. - much of the collection was absorbed into the National Army Museum. I last saw what appeared be the same shield on a wall in a room to which the public normally had no access a couple of years ago, when the 'Diehards' were using it as a changing room during a Zulu War event.
If you contact me outside the forum, I'll explain more.
John Y. |
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