1879 Natal South Africa

20,000 Zulu warriors attack a large British force at Isandlwana, massacring 1400 troops. They then move on to the mission at RORKE'S DRIFT, where just over 100 British soldiers are preparing to meet their fate.

Anyone who has ever seen the film Zulu, knows what happens next. The mission was defended successfully and 11 Victoria crosses were awarded.

1899 Natal South Africa

20,000 Boer commandoes stream down from the Drakensberg mountains, and over run the British garrison at Talana Hill in Dundee. With the British in full retreat, they converge on the Township of Ladysmith, where under the command of General White, they draw up a defensive line.

A call went out from Ladysmith, to the Royal Navy stationed at Durban, "send us some guns, under heavy fire and require assistance" They didn't know it then, but the birth of the Royal Navy field gun competition had just begun.

1999 Manchester England

20 Manchester & Tameside youth field gunners prepare for their epic journey to NATAL