This picture by courtesy of Michael Glover's "Rorkes Drift, a Victoria Epic" , shows a squad of NNC at drill early on a summer morning.
It is interesting to note the total absence of western garb/uniform and very scant traditional garb. Each man has a rifle and a bandolier.
No boots are worn.

The back row of troopers, the younsters in the squad, are apparently traditionally armed with shields etc.
The bearded white instructor may be recognisable to some.

Photo By Forum member Barry.

I've got an original photograph of the group, it has been captioned "N.N.C., Coastal Column."

You can see a bit more of the group.


Natal Native Contingent, Coastal Column, 1879
kwaJimu1879 Collection.

kwaJimu1879

Barry / Jim. The white Gentleman it's that " John Dunn"

He surendered to Lord C column so i dout it

Quote:

He surendered to Lord C column so i dout it

He was on the zulu side at first

Lord C was the central column not the coastal

Who is th white bearded guy?

Hi all .
Could this be part of the Relief Column that Lord C commanded to relieve Eshowe , John Dunn was certainly with them !.
I'm not sure on Dunn's role at the start of the war , but I do think the ' Good Lord ' had already forcibly recruited J.D if you
know what I mean !. Basically , join us , or things wont go good for you post war .
cheers 90th.

Hi all

If this is John Dunn on the photo, the soldiers are his scouts.After much and bad consideration,he abandonned Zululand and crossed in Natal en Decembre 1878.After he raised a force of 150 retainers and, under a commandant named Moorethese took part in the Eshowe relief expedition in March;armed with Enfield percussion muskets,shields and spears,as in the picture,they fought at Gingindlovu.

Cheers

Pascal