Isandlwana was 140 years ago yesterday.

[Baltimore Ed]

I meant to post yesterday but Tuesday was the 140th anniversary of the worst defeat of British forces by native forces at Isandlwana. The defense of Rourks Drift was still ongoing today. Time to watch Colour Sgt Bourne, 'No comedians, please'. We shoot at ECSASS this Saturday so I'll be in my red tunic with a brace of Webleys. My 1873 musket with mounted socket bayonet will have to suffice as I don't have a .450-577 Martini Henry.

[Galen]

Great film!

[smoke]

Colour sgt Bourne was awarded the DCM and offered a commission.  He declined the commission and went on to a long and distinguished career.  Eventually he was commissioned.  He was around 25 at Rorke's Drift.  Much younger than he was portrayed.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Bourne

[Oregon Bill]

Baltimore Ed -- a belated HUZZAH, and congratulations on both the tunic and the Webleys. Well done sir!

[Baltimore Ed]

We finally shot a monthly match Saturday and had our belated Christmas dinner afterward. There were 12 shooters, the sun was out bright, no wind and in the low 40s= a nice day. I wore my tunic, white pith helmet and shot my 1910 Webley Wilkinson, a Mk IV .455 and my original Winchester 1873 musket in 44-40. Hundred year old pieces of history. Even hung the bayonet on it for a stage, it gets heavy with 30 inches of bbl and 16 more inches of naked steel. I was clean by some miracle and came in 5th. I'm thinking there were 4 duelists and a gunfighter, I was the only DA shooter. Next month will be a 1911 match [not a wild bunch match] where the shooter can use his 1911 pistol with two mags loaded with 5 each instead of 2 SAs [WASA rules]. Long guns will be normal cas guns. I'm planning on using my Fosbery and my 1911 and wear my Punitive Expedition tunic. If Schoolmarm sends me any pix I'll post them.