Zulu warriors on parade in Eastleach (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Zulu warriors on parade in Eastleach

HAVE you ever wondered what it would be like preparing to face a raging army of Zulu warriors?

Local history enthusiast Bill Miller, who lives in Eastleach, relives the experience regularly.

Mr Miller is part of the 1879 Group, who meet several times a year to re-create the 24th Regiment who fought the Zulus at Rourke's Drift in 1879.

Inspired by the 1963 film Zulu, starring Michael Caine, the ten group members gather from all over the country for events.

Mr Miller, who takes the role of Quartermaster Sergeant, said: "We come together out of a shared interest in history and the Zulu film.

"But the main reason we meet is to keep alive the memory of the 24th Regiment of 1879."

The group's meetings include drilling and practising weapon handling procedures.

One member represents the Regiment's surgeon, and has replicas of 19th century surgical equipment.

Their costumes are made by a member's wife, and their original Henry Martini rifles are 127 years old.

If you'd like to see the 1879 Group in action, in full costume, they will be holding a drill and parade at Eastleach Village Hall from 12 noon on March 19.