Formed to commemorate the centenary of the Anglo-Boer War in 1999, the Dundee Diehards have gone on to become one of the town’s best tourist exports.
Three Battle of Talana re-enactments were staged in October 1999, with the Duke of Kent and his entourage in attendance at the first one.
Over 80 local men – clad in khaki (the uniform used by the British) and holding Lee Enfield rifles (but using blank ammunition) – took part.
Businessmen, shopkeepers, mechanics, oldies and youngsters were all there to demonstrate that famous Dundee spirit; it was indeed a town effort.
This sparked a core group of enthusiasts to form a permanent team of re-enactors who quickly gained fame for their colourful replays of the battles of Isandlwana (complete with magnificently dressed Zulu warriors), Rorke’s Drift, Spioenkop, Majuba and many others.
Their performances quickly drew the attention of advertising and film companies (including the BBC) and historical societies.
However, age, natural attrition and a waning in South Africa being the ‘tourist flavour of the month’ saw membership of the Diehards group dwindle.
The onset of Covid-19 and the disappearance of UK visitors (natural target market of the battlefields) put a further strain on the group that now only has three local members – Gavin Slater, Charles Anderson and Junior Anderson – with the other members all being Newcastle-based.
Yet the enthusiasm is ‘dying hard’ and with a ray of light slowly breaking into the civic tunnel, the Diehards are hoping for some new ‘gigs’.
Team members were at Talana Museum last Sunday, complete with uniforms and rifles, and after enjoying lunch at Miners Rest Restaurant, they were put through their paces by Gavin and team leader Vince Nixon.
Gavin said it is ‘great to see schoolboys joining the team to learn about local history’.
“New blood is always welcome. A love for new experiences and an enthusiastic nature will bring energy to the group.”
Anyone eager to join in the excitement of being a Diehard can contact Gavin on 084 485 9173 for more information.
