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Date	Original Topic
6th December 2001	Rorkes Drift --> A turning point in the war ?????????????? By Paul Blackler Was the Battle of Rorkes Drift a turning point in the Anglo Zulu war ??? What evidence is there to suggest either answer because it is strangley something that is never discused. Resources tend to focus on single military behaviour during certain battles and never look at the broader questions, such as I have mentioned. Therefore it is so hard for personal research! CAN ANYONE HELP ME PLEASE!!! Thank you for your time!
Date	Replies
6th December 2001	Dan Rudary As to your question, I do belive that Rorke's Drift was a key turning point in the war. Keep in mind, the Battle of Isandhlwana was fought the morinig of the 22 January, the day Rorke's Drift began, and 1,000+ British and colonial troops were killed. For just over 100 men to stand up to about 4,000 Zulus, and win, it was a major event.
6th December 2001	Gary Laliberty Hi Paul Well, to the British it seemed that the defence of Rorke's Drift had saved Natal from a Zulu invasion, but from the Zulu viewpoint, that had never been either practical or intended. Indeed, the terrible events of 22/23 January had proved as costly for the Zulus as they had for the British; even at a conservative estimate, Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift had cost the Zulus at least 1,500 dead and hundreds more wounded. The victory at Rorke's Drift seemed all more significant in the aftermath of the shock of Isandlwana, and the battle soon achieved a significance which far outweighed its true strategic importance. Yes, psychology for both the Zulus and the British it was a turning point in the war. Hope this has help you. Gary
17th December 2001	Stephen McDonald Paul, I agree with Gary's assessment of the impact Rorkes' Drift had on the War. Militarily, I think the Battle of Kambula was more of a turning point. Read about this battle, look at in overall to the War & let us know your thoughts on it. Cheers