you are currently viewing: Discussion Forum
 
 

 
 

The Rorke's Drift VC Discussion Forum
(View Discussion Rules)

** IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO ALL USERS **

PLEASE NOTE: This forum is now inactive and is provided for reference purposes only. The live forum is available at www.rorkesdriftvc.com/forum


(Back To Topic List)

DateOriginal Topic
26th October 2002The last casualty at Isandlwana?
By Lee Stevenson
Just adding something of interest found at the Public Record Office recently

2-24 783 Private James Parsons, 2nd/24th
discharged unfit for further service on the 17th December 1879, the cause of his discharge;

"Sprain - Right Knee"
22nd January 1879 at Isandwhandla (sic)
He states that when with Lord Chelmsford's Column & when they were proceeding towards the scene of the disaster he fell down at night into a large hole and injured his knee...."
DateReplies
26th October 2002Peter Ewart
Didn't see the donga in the dark, Lee! No doubt Surg Reynolds had a look at his knee the following morning after another dozen miles on the hoof?

With a little imagination, one can imagine Pte Parsons propping up the bar in years to come with:

"Of course, I'd like to have served Her Majesty for longer, but the Army doc told me I'd done my bit for Queen & Country & I'd earned my rest. I s'pose I'm lucky, really, when I think of all my mates. This wound I copped that night (sorry, I mean day) reminds me of them. Did I ever tell you about that awful business? What's that, landlord? Oh, don't mind if I do - thank you, just a little one this time, mind ..."

Peter Ewart
27th October 2002Martin Everett
Dear Lee,

Poor old Parsons - Durford's Donga has got a lot to answer for!

27th October 2002Martin Everett
Durford should be of course Durnford -