Colonel Wood. And the Zulu War.

I have just been reading some articles on Colonel Wood. And it doe’s appeared that it was Wood who turned the tide in British favour over the Zulus in general.

Do you think if Wood had been left to his own devices Chelmsford would not have been needed? The Battle of Kambula was the turning point, which put the Zulus on a downward trail. Plus his military career puts him head a shoulders above the rest with reference to experience.

Hi Dave
Monty Python would have been better than Chelmsford.
That said, certainly Kambula was a turning point but not on its own. I think you need to look at the cumalative effect of the losses of Isandlawana, the defeat at RD, the huge losses at Gingindlovo and add them all together.
its fashionable to sing Woods praises, and he certainly fought the right tactics at K. However it was on his watch that Hlobane happened.

Regards

Wood served as a midshipman in the Crimean War during the siege of Sebastopol. Seriously wounded in an attack on the Redan, Wood was mentioned in dispatches. He then left the Royal Navy to join the British Army, becoming a cornet in the 13th Light Dragoons and then a lieutenant in the 17th Lancers. In India, he saw action at Rajghur, Sindwaho, Kharee, and Barode during the Indian Mutiny.

On 19 October 1858 during an action at Sinwaho, twenty-year-old Lieutenant Wood of the 17h Lancers was in command of a troop of light cavalry, and attacked almost single-handed a body of rebels, whom he routed. At Sindhora, with the help of a daffadar and a sowar, he rescued a local merchant from a band of robbers who had taken their captive into the jungle, where they intended to hang him. For this, Wood was awarded the Victoria Cross.

In 1861, Wood was promoted to captain and in 1862, he became a brevet major in the 73rd (Perthshire) Regiment of Foot. In 1865, he left the infantry for the cavalry again. After a stint as an aide-de-camp in Dublin, Wood was given a staff position until 1871, when he became a full major in the 90th Foot. In 1867, he married Mary Pauline Southwell, the sister of the 4th Viscount Southwell.

In 1873, Wood was promoted brevet lieutenant-colonel and in 1874, he served in the Ashanti War. Until 1878, Wood was a member of the staff at Aldershot.

Just out of interest. What was the relationship between Chelmsford and Wood after Isandlwana. Or for that matter before.

Wood was quite ineffective and often irresponsible, during his military career he had seen a lot of Colonial military service and was considered a strong leader. He was promoted to Field Marshall. After the crushing defeat at Isandlwana, Wood dug in his forces and commenced a sequence of raids against local Zulus. In no time at all Zulu attention was drawn to him.

Quote :

However it was on his watch that Hlobane happened

True. But at least Wood participated in the Battle. I believe Wood’s was old school.He wound not ask something of someone he couldn’t do himself

hi all .
Wood had a strange moment at Hlobane when he decided to bury Lloyd and Campbell . He sent his Bugler Walkinshaw
back to his horse ( Wood"s, which was killed earlier) to get the bible out of his saddlebag and this happened under heavy fire , Walkinshaw was awarded the DCM for his efforts . So here they were standing out in the open under fire conducting this burial
service . Pretty strange . If you get a chance to read " From midshipmen to Field Marshall by Wood himself , do so .
It is very entertaining and would make a great movie / mini series. As for his relationship with Chelmsford I havent read anywhere
that says they didnt get on , from all reports I have read Chelmsford was well liked by all and sundry . If I remember correctly there
was some talk that Wood gave Barton incorrect orders or didnt give him any at all , which resulted in his death and many others.
Happy to be corrected as I am writing this in haste .
cheers 90th.