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99th Regiment - A sepia photograph of 'Fort Ekowe'(or Eshowe) after the evacuation showing the parapets, church and two houses in ruins, It is believed this photograph was taken on the 10th June 1879. The mission station was occupied on the 24 January 1879 without opposition. The mission buildings, though deserted for many months, were not in bad repair and steps were taken to fortify them. The two companies of the 99th, including the band, worked very hard to ensure that the defences were substantial enough to withstand any attack by the Zulus. A soldier later remembered, 'From that time up to, I may say, January 30th we had to work almost day and night... and we have at last got it completed. It is a massive looking work, and can afford shelter to all the troops. The moat no Zulu can get over, and I should venture to say that, arranged as it is now is, the whole Zulu force would fail to get an entrance, although we only number 400 men'. The garrison was provided by soldiers of the 99th Foot and the Buffs.

Persons(s): Payne, A, Lieutenant Colonel;

99th Regiment