The Dogs and Cats of War
There are many fascinating anecdotes waiting to be told when one delves into local history
Tourism is shut down because of the restrictions imposed by the National Lockdown but there is nothing stop one from reading about the interesting local history that attracts so many people to this area
Most officers on campaign collect a pet or two, as did Lieutenant Charlie Pope of “G” Company, 2nd Battalion 24th Regiment. Destined to be slaughtered at Isandlwana, he had left his “terrier” named “Pip” for safe-keeping with Surgeon James Reynolds at the British forward supply base at Rorke’s Drift.
On painting his famous picture of the Defence of Rorke’s Drift, Alphonse De Neuville assumed that “terrier” meant a fox terrier, and painted him into the picture, standing at the feet of the Officer Commanding and having a wonderful time barking at and chasing the thousands of Zulus around the barricades.
His other claim to fame was scenting out and giving warning of approaching Zulus in the darkness. According to legend, “Pip” was accorded official status as a defender of Rorke’s Drift and was even awarded a South Africa Service campaign medal for his efforts.
Unfortunately the story is not as straight forward as that. Fred Hitch stated that the “terrier” in the story was in fact a bull-terrier, which is a different kettle of fish altogether. Other sources state that the animal’s name was “Dick”, and yet others state that there was also a pavement-special called “Lion” there.
However, according to David Truesdale and John Young in “Victoria’s Harvest”, Lion actually belonged to Lieutenant James Patrick Daly, who was killed in action at Isandlwana. Although severely injured with numerous spear wounds, Lion managed to escape and was later adopted as the Regimental Dog of the 1st 24th.
He died at Kilkenny Barracks in October 1884. His headstone states –
“Here lies Lion, the Regimental Dog to 1st Battalion 24th Regiment who died in October 1884. This faithful creature followed the fortunes of the Battalion through the …… and Zulu Wars of 1877 – 79 and was severely wounded at the battle of Isandlwana”.
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