Fugitives' Drift

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The battlefield known as Fugitives' Drift

© Chris Marais

Site of a fierce battle during the Anglo-Zulu War, Fugitives' Drift in KwaZulu-Natal is today a world famous Natural Heritage Site, overlooking both the Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift battlefields.

Lieutenant-Colonel Pulleine, in command of the encampment at Isandlwana, entrusted the Queen's colours to a pair of officers - Melvill and Coghill - when it became apparent their position was going to be overrun.

The pair broke through a narrow gap in the Zulu line to the south of Isandlwana where Coghill's horse received an assegai wound in the hindquarter. Despite this they continued through heavy bush, pursued by the Zulu, heading for the garrison post at Helpmekaar.

The Buffalo River, however, was in flood and Melvill was nearly washed away. Under fire they lost their horses but managed to make the far bank. Unable to make it up the last bit of the bank, they were killed on the Natal side of the river.

Melvill and Coghill were the first to earn the Victoria Cross for valour in the Anglo-Zulu War, the site of their deaths marked by a memorial. Fugitives' Drift has stayed in the public consciousness thanks to the efforts of the late David Rattray, a pioneer of heritage tourism in South Africa.

The lodge Rattray and his wife established here offers thought-provoking tours of the KwaZulu-Natal battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift. There is also horse riding and game viewing opportunities, along with bird watching and fishing in the Buffalo River.