The Rorke's Drift VC Discussion Forum
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Date	Original Topic
15th November 2002	Top 3 Reasons for British Victory at Rorkes Drift By Dan Rudary I was wondering what the top three reasons that led to the British victory at Rorkes Drift were. I would like to hear what others think the top 3 reasons for the victory were. Thanks, Dan
Date	Replies
15th November 2002	John S Radburn Dan It must be the old adage. A Martini Henry and a bayonet with some guts behind it. Regards John
17th November 2002	Geoff Melling The other reply about the Martini-Henry and guts, yes to that. Though the rifle was prone to jam when over-heating after rapid fire. Rorke's Drift was a natural defensive position due to the mission station standing on a slight plateu which gave the defenders natural height BEFORE they'd built the defensive walls of bags and biscuit boxes etc. Also Chard's defensive plan took full advantage of this natural plateu, whether he'd intended it that way or not I don't know. Finally Zulu fighting doctorine taught its warriors NEVER to attack a well defended position: which appears to have been proven right !!!!