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Date	Original Topic
6th June 2002	Battlefield archeology of Isandhlawana. By Brian Tate I have a book `Archaeology, History and Custer's Last Battle' by Richard Allan Fox. It is an interesting account of the 1984-85 archaeolgical project at the Little Big Horn battlefield where what is generally know as Custer's Last Stand took place just a few years before Isandhlawana and Rorke's Drift. Briefly, the project team uncovered many artifacts, chiefly spent cartridge cases and through forensic ballistic examination of the cartridges was able to map the movement of the battle from the perspective of individual cavalry troopers and indians. I note from this site that some archaeolgical work was carried out at Isandhlwana a couple of years ago and was wondering if anything was done along the same lines as the Little Big Horn project? I appreciate that the Isandhlwana battle was not as fluid or wide-spread as the action at LBH but am curious to see if anything of value came from the Isandhlawan dig.
Date	Replies
16th June 2002	sally The Isandlwana archeological 'dig' being undertaken by Edinburgh University is still on-going. Discussion are currently in hand regarding the 2002 visit.
18th June 2002	Brian Tate Sally, Thanks for your reply. Do you know if anyone connected with the project is aware of the book I mentioned above? I would suggest it should be compulsory reading for those involved with any organisation planning an archaeolgical project of any battlefield site. Lots to be learned. And in this case, both the Isandhlawana and Little Big Horn battles have many similarities. Many misconceptions, ambiguities and mysteries were cleared up through the Little Big Horn project, especially the `gallant last stand' story vigorously pushed since the battle. In truth, Little Big Horn was a panic-stricken rout of Custer's troops by the native indians.
18th June 2002	Dave Nolan Brian, As the dig was professionally organised by Doctor Tony Pollard, who has wide experience of battlefield archaelogy, I would imagine that someone connected with the dig is aware of the book you mention. Dave
20th June 2002	Brian Tate Dave, I guess you are probably right. Let's hope that if they follow the techniques involved in the Little Big Horn project, the team comes up with some interesting conclusions. Thanks for your reply.
21st June 2002	Bill Power Unfortunately,the site has been picked over by ever boy & his dog,as a "touristy" thing! Snarfing artifacts & then pitching them when they got bored! LBH was differnt,as this site was only done after a prairie grass fire exposed the earth,the "Sioux" not being much in the way of souvenier s ,the Yanks wishing to forget the whole c*@#$ up. The movements of each Trapdoor Springfield Rifle,a real piece of junk,used by Custer's lads,was traced via the firing pin impression on the primer. Likewise,the fluid movement of the of the opposition was tracked with the trail of Winchester lever-action repeater brass. At LBH ,the opponent had superior firepower! I must say,I have no great expectations of this "dig",as the site has been severely turned over! Regards! Bill
22nd June 2002	Brian Tate Thanks Bill for the additional info. I suspected that Isandhlawana may have been worked over pretty thoroughly unlike LBH which was classified as a memorial site soon after the battle. I also take your point that the 2 prominent types of firearm used by the opponets at LBH, made it a bit easier to see who went where. But surely the dig at Isandhlawana will be at least able to determine where the Pulleine's battle lines were and where they ended up? Who knows.
25th June 2002	Bill Power To reinterate,the location of each rifle is deterimed by the ejected rounds firing pin mark on the Boxer primer! Every firing pin leaves a distinct mark,due to machining variation, for example,there is at least,16 proof marks ,go-no go manufacture gaugee stamps on my M-H breachBlock! Also,The M-H was a Hinged Drop Block,the wear on the Cocking Lever Ears would leave a distinct offset on the priner! Many were converted from MK1 to Mk 11 only via the change of the trigger ggoup[and a smooth Buttplate] hence ,wear in cycling the action would be even more apparent [drop of the primer strike]! Isandhlwana is a conundrum!as regards the firing line! The answer is ,surely, in the ammo boxes! Where found?! Again,these had valuable metals ,brass ,tin.! So who knows what got nicked[stolen]!! On a dig,usually, one can do a sratagraphic survey,the depht of the find determines it age. Unfortunately,this site is so barren,not much organic material was laid down,hence,no clear demarckatoin on finds! Also,the underlay,of these finds.via C14 Dating,is not accurate in this timeframe! Hate to be a Cassandra,but there ya go!! Hope the lads.trying this a not too disheartened! Remember Sir Arthur Evans @ Kynnos,lead astraight by rodent holes!!
27th June 2002	Brian Tate G'day Bill, Thanks again for taking the time. Sounds very discouraging regarding the IS. site with not much left to be found. And your description of the topgraphy of the place also suggests that this too will not help. Incidentally, I am very interested in the MH reifle Mk.s I & II. Do you know anywhere where I might be able to obtain an authentic (spun brass) replica round please?
27th June 2002	Bill Power Do a Google search! Type in Martini-Henry! The 1st that shows is the MUTHA of all! Auction Arms has a rolled case round on offer for bids! The converted MK1 &Mk11 used in AZW utilized a thin rolled around a mandrel[ by orphans of solldiers]sheet brass soldered to a n iron head. But you can read all about it in the LoC[list of changes}!! Forget the ammo,go for the rifle ! You in OZ!! No risk,Blue!! Any further help,please E-mail!! Bonzer!