Siege of Eshowe

Posts : 1096 Join date : 2009-01-14 Location : East London

Did much happen during the Siege of Eshowe, or were they just wall up waiting for reinforcements. Was any attempt made by anyone to break free from Eshowe. This was the same column that saw action at the battle of Inyezane, where they had Gatling Guns and plenty of ammunition. Was there no way the could have engaged the Zulus outside the walls of Eshowe bringing the end to a quicker conclusion.

Just what were the Zulu's doing to keep the British confined at Eshowe?

Posts : 527 Join date : 2009-02-28

Pearson at one stage did considered withdrawing part of his garrison, but only if Chelmsford Agreed, but after receiving no answer back and no further runners, it became clear that Eshowe was now entirely cut off. And when you say “confined” Pearson did lead an attack on a kraal some 7 miles away, to keep the soldiers from becoming immobile.

A Relief Column was expected to leave the Lower Drift on March 13th, which was good news as rations were running low and sickness had killed 20 men. However a few days later another message was received sating the relief column would be delayed until April 1st and it wasn’t an April fools joke.