2128 Pte. R. Johnston of the 88th Foot

"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."

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

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

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

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

Thanks JY much appreciated .
90th