Battle of Rorke's Drift – January 22nd, 1879

The Battle of Rorke's Drift was a battle in the Anglo (British)-Zulu War in South Africa. The defense of the mission station of Rorke's Drift immediately followed the British Army's defeat at the Battle of Isandlwana earlier that morning on 22 January 1879, and continued to the following day, 23 January. One hundred and thirty-nine British soldiers, led by Lts John Chard and Gonville Bromhead successfully defended their garrison against an intense assault by four to five thousand Zulu warriors. The overwhelming Zulu attack on Rorke's Drift came very close to defeating the tiny British garrison, and the British success is held as one of history's finest defenses. Eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded to the defenders (the most ever in one battle in the history of the British empire).


What spiritual lessons can we learn from Rorke's Drift?


1) One battle isn't always enough – The Zulu had just finished wiping out the 1200 man British 24th Foot regiment at Isandlwana. When 5,000 Zulu came up on the mission station at Rorke's Drift manned by only 139 soldiers, it must have seemed like a cake walk. Just as the 24th Foot underestimated the Zulu at Isandlwana, the Zulu underestimated the British at Rorke's Drift.

As Christians, we must never assume our battles are finished after one victory. Life is a series of ups and downs, successes and failures, but ultimately, victory. “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matt 24:13)


2) Let the weak say 'I am strong"! – The hospital at the western end of the fortifications became the focus of fighting. Set on fire and stormed by the Zulus, it became untenable. As many men were extracted as possible, the remaining patients perishing in the flames. Privates John Williams, Henry Hook, William Jones, Frederick Hitch and Corporal William Allen all received the Victoria Cross (British equivelant of the medal of honor) for their defense of the hospital building. These accounted for five of the total of eleven VCs awarded during the entire battle. Fighting with bayonets once their ammunition was expended, they contested every room with the attacking warriors.

As Christians, we tend to look on those who are weak or have disabilities in a lesser light. We equate physical strength with wholeness and power. Those we consider weak, people like David or Gideon, can be used by God in a mighty way.

“ But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” (I Cor. 1:27)


3) Be prepared to multi-task – Lt John Chard was an officer in the Royal Engineers. His job was overseeing construction of roads, bridges and camps. As senior officer, his tactical decisions, as well as his coolness under fire instilled a fighting spirit in his men and helped save the day.

As Christians, we want to specialize. We will be quick to say "God didn't call me to do that" when asked about things like evangelism, missions or teaching. We are warrior soldiers for Christ first, and we may have to fill any and all positions God needs us to fill. What we consider "not our calling" might very well become our defining moment.