Today is the eve of the greatest British military defeat of the Victorian era - the battle of Isandlwana in South Africa. Around 1300 experienced British troops and local levies were killed, almost to a man, by around 15-20,000 Zulu on 22nd January 1879. The British commander was entirely confident that the experience of his troops and the firepower of their Martini-Henry .577/450s would carry the day.
The .577/450 was indeed a formidable weapon if you were on the receiving end, but at Isandlwana it didn't make up for tactical errors and being seriously outnumbered by a highly-discliplined enemy.
I recently acquired a Martini-Henry .577/450, but it's definitely not kosher. I'm sure that people of your experience will pick out the clues as to what's wrong.
No prizes, just a nice warm feeling for having spotted the clues!
Nigel.
Above: Isandlwana Hill seen from the ridge over which thousands of Zulu streamed towards the British camp which was in the 'neck' to the left of the hill seen from this viewpoint.
Above: Every separate pile of whitewashed stones marks the burial of around 20 bodies. Look for all the piles of stones you can see in the previous photo.
