This is very interesting. A friend of mine sent me a link. Will keep you all up-to date as it comes in.




The construction of a new KZN Wildlife staff accommodation building at Isandlwana unveiled what is believed to be the remains of an unknown British soldier. Construction of the foundations began and a few days later bones were found together with a button from a British uniform and a horse stirrup.
"Amafa, the KZN Heritage body, were notified and an archaeologist will check the construction area for further remains," said Lynn Ruddle, KZN Wildlife officer in the area.
POSTED BY NORTHERN KWA-ZULU NATAL COURIER, DUNDEE AT 6:24 AM

This is great news. Do we know what regiment this soldier was from, or is it to early to tell.

I knew it would only be a matter of time, before relics started surfacing, like little hand said, this is very good news. And of course they will soon be able to tell what regiment he belonged to, by his uniform buttons.
Pete keep us up to date with any developments.

Got to go, night out with the lads!


S.D

I saw this on the RDVC site but they had no picture. Like S.D says Pete. Please keep us up- to date with any developments.

Hopefully it might be the start of something big and they might find a lot more artefacts. Is finds like this that can lead to History books being re-written.

I have enlarged the photo to get a better detailed look.

Pete. Where was the jaw bone found. Which location ?

According to the artical, it was at Isandlwana.

I have sent an e-mail asking if they could let us know the name of the soldiers regiment, once it has been established. Lets hope the button is in good condition.

Now we have to Just have to wait and see if we get a reply.!

Not sure what the ruling is regarding archaeological finds in South Africa. In the UK work stops until the area had been examined by archaeologists.

Just out of sentiment.? If this soldier was on his own, do you think they will re-bury him nearby where he was found. Or bury him in the nearest grave along with his comrades.

I like the way you think Old H.

There is a hole in the lower part of the jaw and two in the upper part. Could have been cause by the point of an assegai or another sharp instrument
Where the teeth are missing the bone seems to have broke away with them. Not a natural occurrence, even after being in the ground for 130 years. Considerable force would have been needed to break the bone off at that level.

Though my experience, I think your find this soldier certainly died hard.


sas1

Anything back from your e-mail.

Hi 24th.
No. I think its a bit soon. If I don’t hear in a few weeks I will sent off another e-mail.

Click on link: For even better detail. No offence Admin

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DSJ9Aa8JEtw/SfcEFGvvzKI/AAAAAAAAC3U/5ucLVdxShIM/s1600-h/bones.jpg

Thanks John. None Taken.

Pete. Any information yet.

I have received an email today, suggesting that the bones found at Isandlwana are of someone who died many years after the Battle. The button may not be a button at all. All they have found is the jaw bones, which could have been left there by a wild animal years ago.
My source could be wrong, but don't be disappointed if its not.
If I receive any other information, I will let you know.

Lets hope your source is wrong. It would be interesting if this find, led to further finds.

Pete on the RDVC they are discussing that the button belongs to NNH officer. Have you heard anything back from your e-mail.

John. Not as yet, it will probably be a while before they release the results. I have had a quick look at the posts on the RDVC relating to this topic and is just speculation at the moment.

However there is a post by Peter Quantrill which sums at the situation as it is. So I would go with that.

Up date on the RDVC Website from Peter Quantrill.

More detailed info as follows:Correction to previous grave location.Now established as less than a mile down Fugitives Trail and approx 700 yards to the west. Only half a skeleton found in shallow grave. Single small button with crown distinguishable. Analysis of latter to follow.

Thanks for up-date Pete. Sure are taking their time. How can they make a mistake as to where the remains were found?

Are we still no further with the bone find,at Isandlwana.

There has been a development, regarding the Bones found at Isandlwana on the R.D.V.C.

John. Thanks for up-date. Be interesting to find out who he is. Mainly for the descendents.

hi all.

according to p.quantrill on the rdvc site , the identity of the bones at isandlwana will be announced on monday, i am a tad sceptical ,unless they found something by which to identify this individual,please, please , lets hope so, i hope they have concrete evidence.

cheers 90th.

Post by Peter Quantrill on the RDVC Forum.

Quote:

There has been a dramatic development with regard to the identification of the individual whose button was recovered from a shallow grave just off Fugitives Trail. In conjunction with a request for help by AMAFA , and through the help of John Young, RL & I will post details within the next day or so, as AMAFA are considering releasing an earlier statement. RL and I can only add that an individual has been identified.

Are we talking about the Name of the individual or the Regiment of the individual. I'm not convinced a name can be announced based on a regimental button.
But lets wait until Monday..

Just a quick question.
What happen to Battlefield etiquette. Members visiting battlefields or taking part in re-enactments during this season of commemoration are respectfully asked to observe the following rules in order that these sites should not be irretrievably spoiled for future generations.
Metal detectors may not be used under any circumstances. Under the new legislation they can be confiscated if used without a permit.
Do not buy artifacts offered by casual sellers at or near battlefield sites.
If you find a button or insignia, cartridge or any other relic, leave it where you found it. If you are concerned that somebody else may remove it, bury it under a stone or in a shallow hole.
Digging in and around graves and memorials is prohibited by both the current National Monuments Act and the new National Heritage Resources Act.
If you see that a headstone or memorial has been damaged in some way, report it to the National Monuments Council's (NMC's) Graves Division.
Do not remove damaged sections of memorials or headstones from their original sites.
Do not attempt to repair damaged memorials or headstones. This may only be done under the authority of a permit from the NMC.
If you see anybody breaking the law or damaging a site by removing artifacts, report them to the NMC or the police.

Does this apply when it suits? If they can go to this length to identify this fellow, then in my opinion they, should try and identify the rest of the poor souls.

In the event they have identified this soldier by name. Anyone want to take a guess of who it could be.

hi 24th.

i wouldnt have a stab , but if you go on the RDVC FORUM site, one of the guys has had a stab in the dark ( no pun intended). he was tossing up a dozen or so names , worth a look he may get it right.

cheers 90th

I would like it to be (Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Burmester Pulleine) Based on, no one really knows what happen to him during the battle, and his body was never found.