THE FIGHTING spirit of South Wales soldiers at Rorke's Drift has been immortalised in more than a hundred books, the epic movie Zulu, and many thousands of words by the Argus' own Mike Buckingham.

The movie, directed by Sir Stanley Baker in 1964, centred on the heroic defence of Rorke's Drift by the 24th Regiment's B Company in the Zulu War of 1879.

IT"S a war story, but one with almost universal appeal and which boasts a rallying cry that passed into common use: "Wait until you see the whites of their eyes!"

The heroes of the Zulu War, and many of their compatriots in the South Wales Borderers, are the stars of the South Wales Borderers Museum in Brecon.

Their collection is composed of artefacts reflecting the history and character of a fighting force that existed for more than 300 years.

The medal collection contains almost 3,000 decorations awarded to the Borderers, including 16 replica Victoria Crosses. The regiment cannot display the real medals because of their value.

A collection of guns is also one of the biggest owned by any regimental museum, and traces the evolution of weaponry from the 18th century to the present day.

And in the Zulu War room, the exploits of the 24th regiment, referred to by Queen Victoria as the Noble 24th, are chronicled through a fascinating display of artefacts from the regiment's proud history.

There are pictures, paintings, dioramas, drums, ammunition, assegais, buttons, badges, and uniforms - all combining to create a vivid picture of African life from behind the stock of a Welshman's rifle.

The South Wales Borderers Museum in Brecon is open from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday. Admission £3 for adults.