Telescope v. field glasses

Subject: Telescope v. field glasses Thu Aug 15, 2024 4:53 pm

Has anyone read anything about officers carrying a telescope (NOT field glasses) at Isandhlwana or elsewhere in the Zulu War?
I imagine this would be a personal item rather than government issue. Unless you know different...

Subject: Re: Telescope v. field glasses Thu Aug 15, 2024 8:56 pm

Wolseley used a monocular - as he was blind in one eye - it could have easily been misconstrued as a telescope.

JY

Subject: Re: Telescope v. field glasses Thu Aug 15, 2024 10:20 pm

I didn't know that. Thanks. Wolseley arrives a bit late on the scene for the account I have found. No matter. It's still useful.

Subject: Re: Telescope v. field glasses Thu Aug 15, 2024 10:27 pm

Julian,

A. B. Milne, R.N., used a telescope.

Does Rev. George Smith mention a telescope whilst Reynolds & he are on eShiyane?

I suppose it is feasible that those officers who wore monocles might also use monoculars.

JY

Subject: Re: Telescope v. field glasses Fri Aug 16, 2024 2:39 am

Rev Smith does mention using a telescope prior to RD

Simon

Subject: Re: Telescope v. field glasses Fri Aug 16, 2024 9:49 am

Thanks all. Yes, I was aware of Milne - he's the obvious one - I was thinking of military rather than naval. But, come to think of it, I believe Milne did go with Chelmsford on to the Hlazakazi on the 20th 'scouting' excursion as well as up on to the Nyoni Heights on the 21st. Perhaps that's who I'm after.

Subject: Re: Telescope v. field glasses Fri Aug 16, 2024 10:07 am

Julian,

I will dig it out later, there is an engraving of senior officers using telescopes during the 2nd Invasion.

JY

Subject: Re: Telescope v. field glasses Fri Aug 16, 2024 2:57 pm

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A couple of examples of telescopes being used by army officers taken from The Illustrated London News.

JY

Subject: Re: Telescope v. field glasses Fri Aug 16, 2024 3:25 pm

Brilliant John, thank you. Do you have the dates of the ILNs concerned?

Subject: Re: Telescope v. field glasses Fri Aug 16, 2024 4:21 pm

Julian,

I will sort out the dates later.

JY

Subject: Re: Telescope v. field glasses Fri Aug 16, 2024 5:19 pm

Thanks.. As usual there's a reason I'm asking. And it's not just to be awkward.

Subject: Re: Telescope v. field glasses Fri Aug 16, 2024 6:00 pm

Thanks John. (Amended)

"Garnet Wolseley, 1st Viscount Wolseley, a prominent British Army officer and one of the most celebrated military figures of his time. He played a significant role in many conflicts, including the Crimean War, the Indian Mutiny, the Anglo-Zulu War, and the Nile Expedition.

Regarding the injury to his eye, Garnet Wolseley did lose sight in his left eye. This injury occurred in 1853 while he was serving in Burma (now Myanmar) during the Second Anglo-Burmese War. The injury was the result of a wound he sustained when he was hit by a shot, which severely damaged his eye. Despite the severity of this injury, Wolseley continued his military career with distinction, eventually rising to the rank of Field Marshal and becoming the Commander-in-Chief of the British Army.

Wolseley's military career was marked by numerous campaigns across the British Empire, and he was known for his organizational skills and reforms in the British Army. His resilience in continuing to serve despite his injury is indeed a testament to his determination and commitment as a military leader."

Subject: Re: Telescope v. field glasses Fri Aug 16, 2024 6:21 pm

Peter,

The 3rd Earl of Yarborough was Charles Anderson-Pelham, also known at Lord Worsley, however he died on 6th February 1875.

I would suggest there is some confusion in the names.

JY

Subject: Re: Telescope v. field glasses Fri Aug 16, 2024 6:56 pm

Julian,

Now retrieved from my storage boxes!

The first engraving was in 16th August 1879 edition. Page No. 144.

The second engraving appeared in 6th September 1879 edition. Page No. 225.

As well as officers, I believe that signallers would have used telescopes rather than field-glasses. There is photographic evidence of the 2nd/21st signallers using a telescope during the 1st Boer War of 1880-1.

I am fairly certain that there is evidence in The Graphic of the use of telescopes during the Siege of Eshowe.

JY

Subject: Re: Telescope v. field glasses Fri Aug 16, 2024 8:43 pm

Many thanks!

Subject: Telescope v Field Glasses Sun Aug 18, 2024 2:15 am

Yes JY correct there's a sketch in the Graphic which I've sent you via Messenger .
90th Salute

Subject: Re: Telescope v. field glasses Fri Aug 23, 2024 7:07 am

Gary
Thanks for sending me the sketch from the Graphic. It's naval rather than military but nevertheless shows that they were in use.

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