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DateOriginal Topic
12th July 2003Zulu account please.
By Glenn Wade
Could anyone please e-mail me or point me in the right direction of reading an account by a warrior of the uVe regiment concernig the 'last of the 24th at Isandlwana'?
Thanks
Glenn
DateReplies
13th July 2003Keith Smith
Glenn

The reference you are looking for is in Francis E. Colenso, History of the Zulu War and Its Origins, London, 1880, p. 344. I have extracts from a later edition published by the Negro Universities Press, Westport, Connecticu, 1980, but am unable to locate the quotation on or near that page, otherwise I would cite it at length. If I come across it, I will email you directly.

Keith Smith
13th July 2003John Young
Glenn,

The account given by the warrior of the uVe ibutho appears in the 2nd Edition of Edward Durnford & Frances Colenso's 'History of the Zulu War and Its Origin.' Not that I can give you it chapter & verse as I have the 1st Edition.

However, the following is from James Grant's 'British Battles on Land & Sea' it in has been culled from 'The Times of Natal':-
'He struggled up the steep hill in (the) rear of the camp, till he reached a small cave or crevice in the rocks, into which he crept, and with his bayonet and rifle kept off the enemy. The ground in front of this cave fell abruptly down, and the Zulus, taking advantage of the rocks and stones scattered about, endeavoured, two or three at a time, to approach and shoot him.

The soldier, however, was very wary, and invariably shot down every Zulu as he appeared. He did not blaze hurriedly, but quietly dropped the cartridges into the breech-block of his rifle, took deliberate aim, and killed a man at every shot. At last the Zulus became desperate, and, bringing up a number of their best shots, poured in a concentrated volley and killed him. "This had lasted far into the afternoon, when the shadows were long on the hills, probably about five p.m." '

Hope that helps,

John Y.
13th July 2003John Young
Keith,

Sorry about some of the crossover there, we appeared to be answering at the same time.

John Y.
14th July 2003Keith Smith
John

I am puzzled about the location of the quotation in Colenso myself, as I might have indicated. As you can see above, my version seems to be a reprint of the 1st edition. Can't find a second edition because they are as scarce as hens teeth and expensive to boot!

Keith
15th July 2003Glenn Wade
Keith and John, Thanks for your help. It really is appreciated!
Regards
Glenn
27th July 2003Julian whybra
The second edition contains much material not in the first edition. The account you refer to is on p. 344. Also the second edition can be obtained hrough inter library loans via the British Library.
3rd February 2004karen partirdge
to those interested in james grant british battles on land and sea, i have a copy printed by cassell & company ltd london, paris & melbourne. 1892.
I would be happy to scan any pages or list specific contents if required.
kindest regards, Karen
3rd February 2004karen partirdge
to those interested in james grant british battles on land and sea, i have a copy printed by cassell & company ltd london, paris & melbourne. 1892.
I would be happy to scan any pages or list specific contents if required.
kindest regards, Karen