Was there a Lt. Roberts at Isandwana

Posts : 2558 Join date : 2009-04-06 Age : 61 Location : UK

Was there a Lt. Roberts at Isandwana, on the 22nd Jan 1879 ? If yes any information would be appricated. I dont think he was in a British Unit.

Posts : 3362 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Hi John

The Natal Mercury states:
'Lieutenant Roberts of the Mounted Contingent, has, it is feared, been killed. Lieutenant Vause saw him just before they commenced to retire; but up to the time of the other officers leaving Helpmekaar nothing had been seen of him. Lieutenant Roberts was well-known in Durban, having for some time been connected with one of the business establishments here. He was a courageous and smart young officer, and his numerous friends in Durban still entertain hopes that he will turn up."

Posts : 2558 Join date : 2009-04-06 Age : 61 Location : UK

Thanks 1879graves.

Quote :: Lieutenant Roberts of the Mounted Contingent, has, it is feared, been killed

Not confirmed. No body found no witnesses to his death.

Posts : 3362 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Mention of Roberts is made by Morris as having been sent with his troop and that of Raw northwards from the camp up on the Nqutu Plateau to scout for the main Zulu force. Whether he was killed during the withdrawal from the plateau to the camp, at the camp or during the retreat to Fugitives Drift is not stated.

Posts : 2558 Join date : 2009-04-06 Age : 61 Location : UK

Thanks again Salute

Subject: Re: Was there a Lt. Roberts at Isandwana Sun Feb 26, 2012 3:35 pm

John. From Captain Strafford.

"Lt. Roberts of Pinetown who “had managed to get his men into a cattle kraal on the ledge of a ridge. I subsequently heard that this officer and his men had been shelled by our artillery and that Roberts met his death as the result of this blunder”.

Unless this is another "Roberts"

Posts : 2008 Join date : 2011-08-01 Age : 27

Kia at Isandlwana with the NNH.

Subject: Was there a Lt Roberts at Isandlwana Sun Feb 26, 2012 9:42 pm

Hi Littlehand .
It is the same Roberts , he was no doubt the First Officer to be killed that day . It is believed he was killed by his own Artillery .
I've seen this in several books. He was the ONLY officer of the NNH to be killed on that day . If anyone has Terry Sole's book
' For God , Queen & Colony ' there is a photo of Lt. Joseph Roberts on page 325 . Stafford's account with a little more detail .
'' The one exception was Lt Roberts of Pinetown , who managed to get his men into a cattle Kraal on the ledge of a ridge . I heard later on that this little band had been shelled by our artillery and that Roberts had been killed as a result of the blunder ''.
Troop Number 4 ; Sikali's No 2 Troop , 55 strong , Under Lt Joseph Roberts who was described as being a smart and courageous young man , well known in the Durban Business Circles .
cheers 90th. Salute

Guest

Hi all

There was only an officer on six of the NNH killed at Isandhlwana and that was that? Roberts ?

Salute

Pascal

Subject: Re: Was there a Lt. Roberts at Isandwana Mon Feb 27, 2012 6:34 pm

So in answer to John's question, it is a yes.

John, as a matter of interest, what is your interest in Roberts?

90th, gr8 answer. You have a memory like an elephant! From asking about a particular officer, to a book page number reference of a photo, is just about the best outcome isn't it?

Subject: Re: Was there a Lt. Roberts at Isandwana Mon Feb 27, 2012 8:37 pm

I'm sure John asked this question, not long after the forum started, something to do with the landlord of his local. But there wasnt that many members then. Lets hope something comes of it.

Guest

Hi all

All this is in ES

Salute

Pascal

Posts : 1862 Join date : 2009-03-25

Pascal. Gives us a clue. What's ES!!!!

Guest

In ES, it is indicated that there was only one NNH officer killed at Isandhlwana and his name was Roberts!

No need to tire yourself out doing research with this book there ...

Salute

Pascal

Posts : 2308 Join date : 2010-07-02 Age : 44

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
Lieutenant J A Roberts - Natal Native Horse, 1878-1879

"This photograph is an enlarged copy of a carte de visite taken by Kisch Bros, Photographers and Artists, Natal. Written in ink on the back of the original is 'Lieut. Roberts, Natal Native Contingent. Killed at Isandhlwana Jan 22nd 1879.' On the front is written 'Taken Dec 1878"
Source: Samilitary History

Guest

Hi Impi

Yes ths is this man Wink

Cheers

Pascal

Posts : 2593 Join date : 2009-04-24

Nice one Impi. Like we, say good to put a name to a face. I'm sure there are many photos Johnson as he live out in SA. It's there any obituaries to him.

» Surgeon Frederick J Roberts and Captain Norman Roberts wounded at Ulundi
» No 311 Private William Roberts
» Inspection by Earl Roberts