Film Zulu: Colour Sergeant Bourne: It's a miracle. Lieutenant John Chard: If it's a miracle, Colour Sergeant, it's a short chamber Boxer Henry point 45 caliber miracle. Colour Sergeant Bourne: And a bayonet, sir, with some guts behind it.
Fair use notice.
This website may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorised by the copyright owner.
We are making such material and images are available in our efforts to advance the understanding of the “Anglo Zulu War of 1879. For educational & recreational purposes.
We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material, as provided for in UK copyright law. The information is purely for educational and research purposes only. No profit is made from any part of this website.
If you hold the copyright on any material on the site, or material refers to you, and you would like it to be removed, please let us know and we will work with you to reach a resolution.
Posts : 4313 Join date : 2008-11-01 Age : 63 Location : KENT
Subject: 2128 Pte. R. Johnston of the 88th Foot Tue Jan 12, 2021 10:45 am
"Robert Johnson was born in Ballycastle, County Mayo, Ireland in 1857. He joined the 88th Regiment (Connaught Rangers) on the 1st August 1878, at the age of 21. Together with his Regiment, he was engaged in the war against the Zulus in 1879. The 88th Foot mainly formed flying columns attacking small Zulu forces and escorting supplies. However, they were based at Fort Eshowe under the command of Colonel C.K. Pearson for the duration of the war. As the main garrison of the fort they were heavily besieged by a large Zulu force and were involved in action against the Zulus. Fortunately, the Zulus never broke into the Fort despite several attacks and therefore the 88th's casualties were light. A relief force was sent under Lieutenant General Lord Chelmsford and on their arrival the Zulu army withdrew."
90th
Posts : 10663 Join date : 2009-04-07 Age : 66 Location : Melbourne, Australia
Subject: 2128 Pte R. Johnston of the 88th Foot Wed Jan 13, 2021 12:08 am
Some errors here Pete , where is this article from ? , the 88th wasn't at Eshowe during the seige , not until after Wolseley ordered them there after Ulundi . See your Copy of Mack & Shad page 350-351. 90th
John Young
Posts : 2829 Join date : 2013-09-08 Age : 67 Location : Слава Україні! Героям слава!
Subject: Re: 2128 Pte. R. Johnston of the 88th Foot Wed Jan 13, 2021 10:28 am
Gary,
I fully appreciate what you are saying, however, don’t forget that some members of the 88th (Connaught Rangers) Regiment were part of No. 2 Squadron, Mounted Infantry. As such a few men of the 88th were present at Nyezane and the advance to Eshowe. Until the withdrawal of the majority of the squadron those men formed part of the garrison of Eshowe.
Obviously the squadron were involved in relief of Eshowe and fought at Gingindlovu during the course of that action Private 571 D. Bryan of the 88th was slightly wounded.
The source I find to be https://www.constantius.co.uk/British-Campaign-Medals/South-Africa-Medal-1-Clasp-88th-Ft.-SOLD.Html?
JY
90th
Posts : 10663 Join date : 2009-04-07 Age : 66 Location : Melbourne, Australia
Subject: 2128 Pte R. Johnston of the 88th Foot Thu Jan 14, 2021 4:52 am
Thanks JY , The M.I. get me every time . Is there a list of those who served in the Mounted Infantry Squadrons which show from which Regiment they were from ? . 90th
John Young
Posts : 2829 Join date : 2013-09-08 Age : 67 Location : Слава Україні! Героям слава!
Subject: Re: 2128 Pte. R. Johnston of the 88th Foot Thu Jan 14, 2021 7:22 am
Gary,
I believe Julian has done some work on both squadrons of the Mounted Infantry.
To my knowledge here are the Line Regiments that provided volunteers to serve in both Mounted Infantry Squadrons.
No. 1 Squadron, Mounted Infantry was drawn from the following Line Regiments: 2nd Battalion, 3rd (East Kent) Regiment. 1st Battalion, 13th (1st Somersetshire) Prince Albert’s Light Infantry. 1st Battalion, 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment. 80th (Staffordshire Volunteers) Regiment.
Post-iSandlwana: No. 1 Squadron was reinforced by members of 2nd Battalion, 4th (The King’s Own Royal) Regiment.
No. 2 Squadron, Mounted Infantry was drawn from the following Line Regiments: 2nd Battalion, 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment. 88th (Connaught Rangers) Regiment. 90th (Perthshire Volunteers) Light Infantry. 99th (Duke of Edinburgh’s Lanarkshire) Regiment.
After the formation of the Eshowe Relief Column: No. 2 Squadron was reinforced by members of the 91st (Princess Louise’s Argyllshire Highlanders) Regiment.
Whilst I am on the subject can anyone please point me in the direction of the contemporary source of the phrase ‘Imperial Mounted Infantry’?
JY
90th
Posts : 10663 Join date : 2009-04-07 Age : 66 Location : Melbourne, Australia
Subject: 2128 Pte R. Johnston of the 88th Foot Thu Jan 14, 2021 1:09 pm
Thanks JY much appreciated . 90th
ADMIN
Posts : 4313 Join date : 2008-11-01 Age : 63 Location : KENT
Subject: Re: 2128 Pte. R. Johnston of the 88th Foot Sun Jan 17, 2021 9:30 pm
90th wrote:
Thanks JY , The M.I. get me every time . Is there a list of those who served in the Mounted Infantry Squadrons which show from which Regiment they were from ? . 90th
90th Here's the link. Click Here
90th
Posts : 10663 Join date : 2009-04-07 Age : 66 Location : Melbourne, Australia
Subject: 2128 Pte R. Johnston of the 88th Foot Mon Jan 18, 2021 12:10 am
Thanks Pete , as I've mentioned , where the link states the 88th were based at Eshowe for the duration of the war , that's incorrect . As JY mentioned some were part of the MI and were indeed there , the Regiment itself wasn't . 90th