Collectors Entry: Wayne Noakes' Zulu War Collection

Growing up in the 1960s I saw the Stanley Baker movie ‘Zulu’ and like many after seeing the movie began a life-long passion in studying The Anglo/Zulu War and collecting figures representing the period.

I have always been fascinated by Africa and its animals and people. I was fortunate enough to go to South Africa several years ago and qualify as a Field Guide which enabled me to work in the Game lodges and take guided vehicle tours throughout Kruger National Park. I loved every minute of it and the close experiences with the wildlife was amazing. For example being surrounded by a herd of wild elephants and having them come up and touch my shoulder with their trunks was an experience I will always treasure. While working in the park I worked closely with the Park Rangers who were mainly Zulu. We would sit around the camp fire at night and they would share their stories about their culture, history and prowess as warriors while lions roared in the background!.

I had the Zulu War bug big time. Ive visited the key Zulu War sites and was also able to meet James Booth a movie hero (who played Hook in the movie) when I was working in Los Angeles. He told me it was his favourite movie he’d ever made. He and Stanly Baker were great mates. Unfortunately his part was filmed in the UK so he never got to go to Sth Africa.  

My initial focus started on collecting Zulu War artifacts but quickly moved on to collecting toy soldiers. I remember being in Hamleys Toy shop in London and Britains had just released their Zulu War Collection. I saw the store house building and said to myself I need to collect these.

Anyway from then on I was hooked. I’ve been a regular customer with Peter and Sven for over 30 years now buying mainly Britains and John Jenkins Zulu War figures.

Unfortunatley the addiction hasn’t gone away and Im starting to run out of room for my collection. I guess I can always buy a bigger apartment…..

Anyway I hope you enjoy the pictures and insight into a Anglo/Zulu War tragic.  

Wayne