Amblecote History Society

The rhythmic and evocative beat of the original John Barry soundtrack to the epic 1964 film “Zulu” signalled Max Keen, dressed as a Colour Sergeant of the 24th Regiment of Foot (South Wales Borderers), to stride dramatically into The Lehr Theatre to address the packed ranks of the Amblecote History Society.

Together with Bob Coates, a regimental re-enactment enthusiast, dressed in full uniform including a Martini Henry rifle, they generated a real buzz in the expectant audience. Max issued orders to the ranks in military style before informing the meeting that his passion for this historical event stemmed from him first seeing the film at The Clifton cinema in Lye as a young boy. Since then he has undertaken in-depth research which included an emotional pilgrimage to the battlefields at Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift.

Max presented background facts and anecdotes in a way which brought the history to life, sharing some personal views during his fascinating talk, often interjecting with amusing tales and pointing out contradictions to reality and what was portrayed in the film. At one point an impromptu sparring session began, with Bob armed with bayonet fixed and Max wielding a short stabbing assegai and a Zulu shield, demonstrating what the close quarter fighting may have been like. He also showed photographs and video clips he had taken on his visit, comparing them to images from the film.

With the audience now well informed about the strategies of both sides, Max told the history of two local men who distinguished themselves in the bloody battles in which about 12,000 were killed. Pte Samuel Wassall of Brierley Hill had retreated towards the Buffalo River, in which he saw a comrade struggling, and apparently drowning. He rode to the bank, dismounted, leaving his horse on the Zulu side, rescued the man from the stream, re-mounted his horse, dragging Private Westwood across the river under a heavy shower of bullets. He was awarded the Victoria Cross. As was Colour Sergeant Anthony Booth, who was in the northern column near the Ntombi river. During an attack by very large numbers of Zulu he rallied a few men on the south bank of the river and covered the retreat of 50 soldiers and others for a distance of three miles. He is buried in Brierley Hill churchyard.

Geoff Longmore, the newly appointed Chairman formally thanked Max for his most interesting and enjoyable talk. The evening concluded with rapturous applause for Max from a packed audience with Max reciprocating by inviting them to take a closer look at some of the memorabilia he had brought along. It was a fitting end to a memorable night.

For more information about Amblecote History Society and to access the meeting reports from previous talks please visit: www.amblecotehistorysociety.org.uk