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Rorke’s Drift
On February 19th Lieutenant Colonel Derek Armitage brings to life the Battle of Rorke’s Drift which took place on 22 January 1879 in Zululand, South Africa during the Anglo-Zulu war. It is celebrated as one of the most extraordinary victories in military history, where just over 150 British troops triumphed against an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 Zulu warriors. Find out more in this engaging talk – part of our Thursday Night talk series.
This talk was originally scheduled for October 2025.
Acting Assistant Commissary James Langley Dalton
During the night of 22nd/23rd January 1879, Acting Assistant Commissary Dalton was actively involved in organising the defences at Rorke’s Drift. He was in the front line of defence, when the first Zulu assault was made on the hospital. It was the accurate firing of Dalton and his men which checked the Zulu advance, and he also saved the life of a man from the Army Hospital Corps, by shooting the Zulu who about to stab him with his assegai. Dalton was severely wounded during the fight, but continued to inspire with his courage. He received his Victoria Cross from General Hugh Clifford VC at a special parade at Fort Napier on 16 January 1880. Dalton’s Victoria Cross is part of the Royal Army Service Corps and Royal Corps of Transport medal collection, which is held at the Museum.
Lieutenant Colonel Derek Armitage
Lieutenant Colonel Derek Armitage begun his career as a Driver in the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) at RAF Watchfield in 1954 and specialised in Air Despatch operations. He took part in the Suez Crisis and was subsequently deployed to both Malaya and Borneo. As a Detachment Commander he undertook famine relief operations in Ethiopia. Rapidly promoting, Derek was the Regimental Sergeant Major of 14 AD Regiment before commissioning and serving on the staff in BAOR. He was appointed head of Army Air Despatch Standards & Qualifications, before retiring in 1991 in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Following service life Derek spent 13 years as Curator of the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop before again retiring in 2002. Derek has a keen interest in airborne military history and has 20 years’ experience as a Battlefield Guide, where he specialises on Rorke’s Drift, D-Day and Arnhem. Derek spends his time supporting the Army Flying Museum and SSAFA – the Armed Forces Charity.
Light refreshments are included in the ticket price, as well as the opportunity to explore the museum after dark before the talk begins.
