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Date	Original Topic
16th June 2001	Isandlwana Compared to Little Big Horn By Stephen McDonald Re: June 13/01 by Judy Martin It's interesting that this comparison is made as there are some common themes. Perhaps some include dividing your force, underestimating the enemy, not knowing. I'm not sure that there's a commonality between Custer and Chelmsford. p.s. this is a great web site on the Zulu War. I hope there are somemore enthusiasts around the world. Bye for now. Stephen Ottawa CANADA
Date	Replies
17th June 2001	Alan Critchley Stephen, thank you for your comments on the website. Rest assured that that are many enthusiats for the Zulu War, and from all parts of the world. Our interest is with Rorke's Drift and the Zulu War although many responses have mentioned Custer and the Alamo. Perhaps we should look at these conflicts for comparison. Then we also ought to consider the battle of Blood River where 3000 Zulus were killed by around 50 Boers from a defended position using only flintlock rifles. Alan Critchley
22nd June 2001	George There are many fascinating parallels to the student of military history between Isandlwana and Custer�s last stand. Some are less obvious than others. The historical trivia that got me into Isandlwana was the story of Quartermasters Pullen and Bloomfield. Their alleged failure to dispense ordinance in an expeditious manner has offered many interesting contemporary parallels, as well. But those are other stories� It was of some interest, then, that I ran across a similar ordinance faux pas with George Armstrong Custer�s 7th Cavalry in 1876. It seems Custer�s men had developed a case of �blood lust� in an action in 1868 where Spencer repeating carbines were used. It was here Custer earned the Cheyenne nickname �Squaw Killer�. It may have been due to this consideration, and others, that caused the 7th to be armed with single-shot Springfields, despite request for Winchester repeaters. With a hundred yards less range and half the penetrating power the request was denied by Ordnance Chief Steven Benet. The Plains Indians, having no such bureaucratic structure, had been busily procuring quantities of weapons and ammunition. Repeating rifles were the choice for mounted warriors. Custer also had at his disposal at least two mule mountable 700 round per minute Gatling guns. An obvious asset against a circling mounted attack, a tactic used by the Sioux. The guns were still left behind. A well seasoned Indian fighter, General Nelson A. Miles, had disparaged the Gattling as short of range and bullets so small �you cannot tell where they strike.� Ordnance blunders occur throughout military history. The examples of Little Big Horn and Isandlwana offer mute testimony to arrogant bravado and slavish obedience to policy. Best, G.
22nd June 2001	George Hi all, Blood River, from my limited resources, did result in 3,000 Zulu casualties. But there were considerable differences in that 1838 conflict and Custer�s stand. Firstly, the Boars were maddened by a previous Zulu attack against their families which gave new definition to the word �savagery�. Over 400 defenseless souls perished in more horrible ways than can be imagined. Revenge was a driving force. Then the Boar�s defensive position was marvelous; the Zulus could not successfully maneuver their force of at least 12,000. I had heard the Boers numbered 464. As the Zulu charge was broken, the Boars continued to pursue them, continuing the slaughter until nightfall, firing rocks from those muzzle-loaders when the lead ran out. What number of the 3,000 died in steady volleys will never be exact. Some months later the site greeted visitors with huge mounds of bleached white bones. Best, G.
10th September 2001	Chris Lovelock I read with interest the message about the two Quartermasters at Isandhlwana. James Pullen would be the Great Grand Uncle of my wife. And his medals are kept by the family. Below is an extract from the Regimental museum, describing his career. He doesn't sound like the sort of person who'd refuse to hand out munitions during a crisis. Extract from the Regimental Museum in Brecon. JAMES PULLEN - QUATERMASTER, 24TH REGIMENT (2ND WARWICKSHIRE) James Pullen joined the 24th Regiment as a Private in the year 1851. After 19 years honourable service in various quarters of the globe, Promoted Sergeant to Lance Sergeant 12th April 1865 reduced to Lance Corporal 28th September 1866, promoted to Corporal 18th December 1867, Sergeant 2nd January 1870, whilst in Malta, to the rank of Colour-Sergeant 13th June 1872, and in 1873, whilst at Gibraltar, was appointed Sergeant Instructor of Musketry. Sergeant Pullen proceeded with the 1st Battalion, at the latter end of 1874, to the Cape of Good Hope, and served with it at its various stations in the Colony. From May to November 1876 he acted as Sergeant-Major to the detachment of his corps which formed part of the expedition to Grigualand West. In July 1877 he was promoted to the rank of Quatermaster on 21st September 1877, and served with his battalion in that capacity throughout the Kaffir War of 1877-1878. In November 1878 he proceeded with the regiment to Natal, on its embarkation for that country in view of the impending hostilities with the Zulu's. He took part in January 1879, in the subsequent advance of Glyn's column into the enemy's country and was present at the storming of Sirayo's stronghold in the Bansee Valley. In the disastrous encounter with the enemy at the Battle of Isandhlwana on the 22nd January 1879, Pullen was engaged in supplying ammunition from the Battalion ammunition wagon, when the Zulu's broke through the defence lines, he is reputed to have jumped from the wagon, rallied some 20 men about him, and was heard to say "Come on my lads! Follow me, and let us turn their flank" He went out with this party towards the hills to the left of the position and with them attempted to hold back the tip of the Zulu left-horn, and steadfastly performed his duty of serving out ammunition until the line retired on the camp. It is presumed that he was killed at this stage of the Battle. Quartermaster Pullen was a well conducted, intelligent soldier, most zealous in the performance of his duties. He was a good shot and keen sportsman too - attributes which, perhaps, contributed not a little to the popularity which he enjoyed amongst his brother officers and his men. Awarded the South Africa Medal with clasp 1877-8-9 and Long Service and Good Conduct Medal 1876.