Wm Britains Durnford's Last Stand set

Due to what I thought was considered quite a rare item, I bought the above set. On looking closely at the Durnford figure, it appears he is wearing a sling, rather than his arm tucked in his jacket. Now I seem to recall a Zulu account stating that the officer's (Durnford) body lay with his arm in a sling. So this figure appears to be the only one accurately representing how he looked on the day of Isandhlwana. Would this be right ?

Interview with Mehlokazulu Kasihayo (The Battle of Isandlwana)

Quote :

A: No. I saw Colonel Durnford returing from the Buffalo River. I didn't see who killed him, but when I returned, Some men from the iNgobamakhosi Regiment were taking some things and they called me over to

look at the strange character on hi arm. I'll try to find out about the sabre and if I can obtain it, I'll return it.

Colin,we know the one, but your one regarding the sling, i have never heard before, can you post the source.

Also was Durnford's sabre ever returned.

Zulu: Isandlwana & Rorke's Drift 22-23 January 1879. by Ian Knight. Page 86 - 'He (Mehlokazulu kaSihayo) heard someone shout the command "Fire!" repeatedly; he did not see Durnford's death, but after the fighting was over he saw "a dead officer with his arm in a sling and a big moustache" surrounded by the bodies of his men.' This is a small paragraph written under another in italics of him describing the stand of the Carbineers.

24th i think Colonel Durnfords sword was found along with his trunk, i am going to see it in aroound 25 days so could post a photo of it if anyone is intrested. I think the sabre might have belonged to Scott or Bradstreat as i dont think Durnford carried one.

Regards

There was an account if I remember of someone fleeing the camp who saw Durnford 'hatless and with his orderly standing next to him carrying his sword', but it is phrased in such a way you don't know if Durnford is holding a sword or his orderly, or even that the orderly is holding Durnford's sword. Regarding the aforementioned sling, it is in my considered opinion, that due to some discomfort of impractibility, Durnford didn't always have his arm in his jacket. Therefore, on some occasions resorted to a sling, whether because he was only wearing as a top garment his shirt, or on top of that a mess waistcoat. However, I'm not talking of a sling made of a material like cloth, but something more hardwearing and practical, whcih would catch the attention of anyone not familiar of such an item. This item I describe that I'm convinced he wore or was wearing often, is seen being used by Private Hitch in the famous photograph of him after the battle at Rorke's Drift and recovering from his injuries. If someone could please show this image or a close-up of his armsling, that'd be great !

Quote :

This item I describe that I'm convinced he wore or was wearing often, is seen being used by Private Hitch in the famous photograph of him after the battle at Rorke's Drift and recovering from his injuries. If someone could please show this image or a close-up of his armsling, that'd be great !

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Photo's By SirDCC forum member

Well the appointment i have booked i can veiw all Durnfords things, Orders, sword, trunk ect. I will ask if they know if the sword was found with the trunk or returned to family members when i vist.


Hope this may be of some help Colin J

Regards Db14

Colin. Is this the account you made reference to.

An incident with his Horse.

2nd November 1873 evening Durnford relied on his guide Hlubi, the young Sotho chief, whom he had appointed to the expedition on the strength of his people having hunted in the area. It was soon to be discovered that he had only a limited knowledge of the area of operations.

The ascent of the Lotheni valley was a terrible ordeal. The men could not sit upon their mounts but had to pull them by the reins up the steep incline. As the going became more difficult the force began to string out as numbers of the less fit fell back with fatigue. On the climb, at about 10 a.m. Nov 3rd Durnford’s horse Chieftain, a grey BaSotho pony, lost its footing, fell down a steep decline dragging Durnford with it. One of the Carbineers declared that Durnford rolled head over heels like a ball bounding down, for about fifty yards. Possibly the horse rolled over him, for his injuries were many: a dislocated shoulder, two bruised ribs and a bad gash on his head. His sword scabbard was bent double and the sword, given to him by his father when he left for South Africa, could not be made to fit in it, so he gave the sword to his guide Hlubi to carry for him. The horse was uninjured. Durnford was then helped to his feet, someone made his shoulder as comfortable as possible, and he ordered the advance to continue. At noon he called another halt to allow the stragglers to catch up. He also sent a party of six Sotho to scout the top of the pass and to find out whether Langalibalele's people were ascending the Bush­man's Pass.

Admin, great images, thanks. DB14, very kind of you. Littlehand, no, it definitely was at Isandhlwana 6 years later. I wish I could remember who said it, as I'm sure it is a factual account. Lt. Curling, perhaps ?

Colin J
i think it was Harry Davies who saw this, i think i read it in Zulu Rising



Regards

DB14, you're right, it could have been him. I'll need to check. Thanks.

Hi DB14 / Colin. J.

Page 405 Zulu Rising by Ian Knight . '' Harry Davies caught his last glimpse of his commanding officer that day . Durnford was out near the firing line , an isolated and deeply forlorn figure , and ' his mounted orderly was standing before him with a drawn sword and the zulus all around ' . Footnote said This was taken from the Davies Report .
cheers 90th.

90th, thanks for the details. I don't recall ever seeing the full version of the Davies Report. Is it in print somewhere, within a book or such ?

Hi 24th and Colin j

I know its a bit late but

Colonel Durnfords sword was found in his wagon along with his truck and sent to the
RE museum where it is on display.



Cheers
DB14