Did Durnford Assume Command at Isandhlwana?.

xhosa2000 wrote:

6pdr. Melvill back seat driving,
could you please itemize his
participation in the battle in
order for me to understand
               cheers xhosa

No, because Kopie wrote that, not me. I believe that Pulleine deployed in accordance with Chelmsford's written instructions. The only evidence of backseat driving I can see is when he refused to stand idly by while his C.O. conceded the two companies to Durnford. He was also on record earlier as being more or less scandalized by the lack of entrenchment, I believe. But on the day of the battle, I am not aware of any evidence that he was making untoward or surreptitious tactical adjustments.

I'm quite happy to learn something new if you are holding. I've never really tried to follow his progress through the battle in any detail because the "carrying the standards to safety" narrative doesn't really grip me. From the point of view of knowing more about Pulleine's actions, it's really too bad he didn't survive though.

Chard1879 wrote:

This must have been installed in his men, proven by Raw when he opened fire on the Zulus first. just as well a Zulu peace envoy wasn't sent.

For the record Chard, you may be surprised to hear a variety of sources do not agree with your contention that the battle began with Raw firing. And as far as I am concerned what Durnford instilled in his men was the need to get their butts out of camp and do a decent reconnaissance.