24th Regiment Pioneers

What info do we have on the Pioneer sections of the 1st and 2nd Battalion, 24th? Snook delves into the issue a bit, saying the 1st Battalion had a section of ten that were left behind in camp under the oversight of the QM, including Cpl. Henry "Harry" Richardson. He also believes that the 2nd Battalion Pioneer section was left behind as well, but that he has no evidence to support it.

I've only been able to find this on the 2nd Battalion Pioneers: Sergeant Ross of G Coy, 2/24th states that Sergeant W. Reeves was a Pioneer Sergeant with G Coy 2/24th Regiment, and was killed in action. He adds that a Private named either Jones or Etherege (not clear from the phrasing) was a G Company pioneer who survived.

I've been able to find an excellent photograph of Richardson and the 1st Battalion Pioneers, included in Philip Gon's Road to Isandlwana as part of Bandmaster Burck's photo collection.

I haven't found anything to substantiate that the 1st BN Pioneer section was present or were out with the GOC. Very keen to hear any more; Even Julian's England's Sons doesn't specify any Pioneers beyond Richardson, which leads me to believe that no records exist.

That is a wonderful photo.

Richardson is fascinating. I'm so curious as to how he returned to his regiment after deserting, and was reinstated to Cpl. within a month! Talk about 'there's more to the story than meets the eye.'