19 June 2008

Sky Watch Friday - Above and below

A flock of pigeons flying over the Russell Road Cemetary on one of our early morning walks through Richmond Hill.


For those who are interested in history James Langley Dalton, one of the 11 recipients of the Victoria Cross, after the Battle of Rorkes Drift is buried here. The battle at Rorke's Drift, took place from 22 to 23 January 1879, when 139 British soldiers defended a supply station against an about 4,500 Zulu warriors. It was estimated that 500 Zulu worriors died in the battle and 17 of the defenders were killed.

..

Apparently the only person who did not think them worthy recipients of the Victoria Cross, was Sir Garnet Wolseley. He felt their survival was not a matter of bravery, and likened their action to fighting for survival like cornered rats. So much for the cynicism of commanding officers - but it was a time when heroes were needed, so his objections went unheeded. On the 22 January 1879 a British column of 1,357 men was over run and wiped out by the Zulu Impis.


Dalton's character also featured in the epic 1966 movie Zulu, which was about the Battle of Rorkes Drift.

In the bigger scheme of things those moments of "glory" are just as fleeting as those pigeons flying by in the first picture.

46 comments:

Rose said...

That top photo is amazing...my sky watch photos will be posted in a few minutes.

SandyCarlson said...

These are spectactular--that first shot is breathtaking!

Tom said...

Cheers Max for this.. I grew up watching this film... and loved every bit of it.. the story is very good.. one of my very favourite films Max...

Tom

Anne said...

The first picture maked me think, are they afraid ???

Nice weekend from Anne.

Pappy said...

Nice photos and so very British was the battle analysis by the commander.

Tom said...

Link sorted .. ;o)
Any excuseto call back for another look :O)

Juliana RW said...

wow...first shot is SO great...

Please visit mine also in here Thanks

Carletta said...

Great photo!
What an awesome gravestone.

Unknown said...

Great photo's and a great history lesson.

Thanks for visiting mine at Bodge's Bulletin.

Gary

Angie said...

An excellent series of photos especially the first one.I think maybe you are thinking of the song Ferry cross the Mersey, which was actually sung by Gerry and the Pacemakers.It is still played on the ferry today.

Dewdrop said...

Beautiful shot!! I love the light from the sun in the shot.

bobbie said...

Love the flock of birds against the sky.

Angie said...

Hello again Max,
You're welcome, hope the song brought back happy memories for you.:)

Petunia said...

Very nice, Max!
Petunia's SWF post

Carole said...

Great set of pictures, Max!

Daniel J Santos said...

the first photo it's amazing, great post.

Anonymous said...

Very nice and dramatic shot of the pigeons! Interesting post.

FO - 2 said...

Lovely Sky Watch. :)

Lilli & Nevada said...

Wonderful photo of the sky and great history lesson

esnorway said...

nice pics i love the first most

Flying Solo said...

Grat photo the 1st one :)
Thanks for your nice coment!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful catch and colours!

Sandpiper (Lin) said...

These are so beautiful. I want to visit South Africa again. You have a beautiful country.

Champ Townboy said...

Awesome post, love the photos, and remember the history because of the movie. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Fantastic post. Love these photos.

Louis la Vache said...

"Louis" enjoyed both the photos and the history lesson! He's very happy he stopped by!

For Sky Watch over at San Francisco Bay Daily Photo, we have a dance between the moon and the fog at midnight.

Pat - Arkansas said...

The pigeons against the dawn sky make for a spectacular photo! Also, thanks for the history lesson. It's interesting to note that Dalton's gravestone was erected by one of his comrades.

Michele said...

That first photo just blew me away!! Very nice... the post was done well.

Ladynred said...

Beautiful shots. Thanks for the history.
Scrapbooking and Photography

Unknown said...

A spectacular shot! Dramatic, too. Thanks for sharing a bit history as well.

Thank you for checking out my skywatch photo.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jane Hards Photography said...

Love the birds in flight. Fantastic.

nonizamboni said...

Amazing sky capture. Thanks for sharing the beauty in your part of the world.

Daryl said...

Pigeons! Ack! And yet when they arent pooping on you they make quite an impression flying off ...

:-Daryl

Mental P Mama said...

Lovely sky, and an even lovelier post. What a special place.

Anonymous said...

Great skies and history! And ain't it the truth about fleeting moments of glory...

Anonymous said...

wonderful picture

Christy said...

Very beautiful. Love the golden colors.

AphotoAday said...

Interesting slice of history...
Great shot of the pigeons.

Best regards, Don.

JC said...

Great pictures and interesting documentary.

Anonymous said...

Those are beautiful shots! Thanks for sharing! My very "first" entry is up as well. Hope to see you there!

Cheers,
Nita's Random Thoughts
Nita's Corner
Thomas Web Links
Thomas Travel Tales
Great Finds and Deals
Bohol Paradise

RiverPoet said...

Great shots, and I always love a bit of history.

My favorite tidbit? King Philip's War 1675-6 in colonial New England. Fascinating. I think I have almost all of the written material about this war. A good modern book on the subject is Mayflower (Philbrick), if you're interested.

Peace - D

Anonymous said...

Wow great info and that first photo is beautiful!

Tom said...

One or two of my favourite lines from the film of this Max

He's right! Why's it us eh? Why us? (Pte. Cole)
Because we're 'ere lad! Nobody else. Just us. (CS Bourne)
............

Mr. Chard Sir! Patrol has come back, Zulus have gone, all of 'em. It's a miracle! (Bourne to Chard)

If it's a miracle Colour Sergeant, it's a short chamber Boxer Henry, point 4-5 caliber miracle. (Chard)

And a bayonet Sir! With some guts behind it! (CS Bourne)
.................

Max-e said...

OK Tom I can see that this is more than a favourite movie for you :)
I am actually amazed at the number of people on the internet who cite this as one of their favourite movies.

AnneKa said...

Love the birds against the sky.
From AnneKa in Norway

abb said...

Wonderful SWF. And thank you for visiting my SWF - it's much appreciated!

There's a site - www.findagrave.com - that is trying to get every single tombstone in the world online. I contribute to it often (thus my website being called "The Tombstone Chronicler") and this, if it's not already there would be a perfect addition! If you decide to and need my help, just let me know!