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)
| Date | Original Topic | | 15th November 2001 | Chelmsford
By David Johnson
What ever happend to Chelmsford after the Zulu war? Did he get a VC for his campaign against King Shaka? | | Date | Replies | | 16th November 2001 | John Young
David,
Frederic Thesiger, 2nd Baron Lord Chelmsford, fought has military campaign against King Cetshwayo kaMpande, the nephew of King Shaka kaSenzangakhona, in 1879, some years after Shaka'a death in 1828.
No, he did not receive the Victoria Cross in fact he never held a command in the field again.
John Young
Anglo-Zulu War Research Society | | 16th November 2001 | John Young
David,
Frederic Thesiger, 2nd Baron Lord Chelmsford, fought his military campaign against King Cetshwayo kaMpande, the nephew of King Shaka kaSenzangakhona, in 1879, some years after Shaka'a death in 1828.
No, he did not receive the Victoria Cross in fact he never held a command in the field again.
John Young
Anglo-Zulu War Research Society | | 16th November 2001 | Stephen McDonald
John
From what I've read Chelmsford escape direct public criticism for his actions that precipitated Isandlwana. I would assume that it was because he was part of the ruling class in England. I guess the 'establishment' sheltered one of its own.
The fact he never held a field command speaks volumes, however was he ever criticized in the press? Or in any way held accountable?
Lastly, we he a blood relation of the Royal Family?
I would think that if he wasn't 'nobility' he would have been 'nailed' for his decisions. Your thoughts? | | 30th November 2001 | Gary Laliberty
David:
Lord Chelmsford's later years were quiet. He never quite escaped from the field of Isandhlwana. Chelmsford enjoyed the warm support of Queen Victoria. He was made a Knight, Grand Cross, of the Order of the Bath. And there was no question of further active service, however, and although Chelmsford was promoted to LT. General in 1882, he remained on half pay until 1884. In 1888 he was promoted to full General. In 1905, at the ripe old age of 78, he died suddenly in the middle of a billiards match. | | 1st December 2001 | Stephen
Thanks for the info Gary.
It appears that his connections helped him to 'save face' as we say in Canada.
Did he ever make any public comment or write anything concerning his command decisions causing the defeat at Isandlwana? Thanks | | 4th December 2001 | Gary Laliberty
From the "little" I have read about Lord Chelmsford,he made no public comments and the only thing that he wrote down was. Just after the battle of Ulundi, a message send to Sir Garnet Wolseley about Wolseley's appointment. The secound message was about Chelmsford's resignation to Wolseley. Maybe someone has more infor on this.
Gary | | 22nd January 2002 | olly
i would like to know who king cetshwayo is cheers |
|
