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DateOriginal Topic
21st December 2004So what do the members of this board think of this account?
By Joseph
I stumbled across this account and found some facts quite one sided and contradictory to other things I've read. Just curious as to what you all think?
Joseph


http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/state/empire/zulu_01.shtml

DateReplies
24th December 2004Paul Cubbin
Yeah, I see what you mean. As a Discussion Forum, I think this is a great place to air views (I've only just found it). The job of a historian should be the collation and presentation of pertinent facts. Its all a bit too 'Chicken in a Basket' for my tastes, too neatly wrapped for popular consumption. I do personally find Chelmsford responsible, in the main, but not for all the reasons presented at this site. I think Durnford was a good company, maybe even battalion commander, but a very poor general. As senior officer present, he should have taken command and organised an effective defence even if it meant overrulling Pulleine. On the other hand, if Durnford wished to defer to Pulleine, he should have put himself firmly under his command. To split the command in such a way was criminal.
Its a pity that many people will look at the BBC website and take it as gospel without looking into any other source of information.
25th December 2004Joseph
Paul,
Yes that is exactly how I felt but wanted to hear others' opinions. Can't wait for your books!
Joseph