Rorke’s Drift Part 8 – Two special little dogs.

From what I can gather Surgeon Reynolds, at Rorke’s Drift, had his own terrier with him but I’ve found two names associated with it. Dick and Jack. According to first hand accounts the little white terrier did his duty alongside the other defenders behind the mealie bags that fateful day. The brave little canine would run along the barricades barking only when he spotted Zulus creeping up to the defences through the shrubs and grass. 

This painting below, from 1885 by Alphonse de Neuville, shows the terrier dead centre next to his master Surgeon Reynolds. 

Surgeon John Reynolds went on to receive a Victoria Cross for his efforts and his dog had a special mention too. 

In the giant Rorke’s Drift set from Warlord games a tiny little terrier was supplied as well. I’m lucky I saw it because it’s so small it could’ve quite easily of fallen onto the cabin floor and never seen again. 

I hadn’t planned on painting him so soon but I felt it a rather fitting tribute to my own little white (with patches) dog Eddie who sadly passed away Friday just gone. 

Eddie was a Jack Russell and was part of our family since 2011. Unfortunately he’d developed a cancerous tumour around his groin and despite many visits to the vet and a specialist and lots of medication he deteriorated rapidly. 

Friday was one of the toughest days I’ve had and I miss him so much already. He was a boisterous little character but always obeyed me but at the same time I encouraged his whacky side. I’d never taken him to puppy school as he just seemed to instinctively know what I wanted him to do. I’d open the door to my truck and he’d hop in. I’d tap my thigh and he’d leap up into my arms. 

So what better way to honour the little man than to incorporate him into one of my favourite battles and projects. 

Sleep well Eddie. 

Cheers

IRO