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Posts : 2558 Join date : 2009-04-06 Age : 60 Location : UK
Subject: Organised regimental system. We didn't know that. Fri Feb 05, 2010 10:02 pm
When the British took up arms against the Zulu nation, were they aware that the Zulu’s had an organised regimental system, made up of regiments, and commanders that could out think and manoeuvre the European commanders. I’m guessing the British still thought the Zulu’s lived in trees. (So to say) I’m starting to think Chelmsford had an agenda to prove that he couldn’t be beaten by a nation of people that carried spears and shields. Considering the Firepower available how would he have felt? Returning to Britain defeated.
90th
Posts : 10613 Join date : 2009-04-07 Age : 66 Location : Melbourne, Australia
Subject: organised regt system Fri Feb 05, 2010 11:42 pm
hi john. I am fairly certain C"ford knew they had a regt system , the good lord did produce a booklet which was given to all Column Commanders outlining what intelligence they had been able to gather on the zulu nation , As for the troops thinking the zulus werent long out of the trees , possibly. C"ford didnt think so , he knew they were a proud and well drilled military nation. His only error was he did underestimate them and paid the price. His only fear was he thought he may not induce them to fight in a pitched battle , where he was hoping the M.H would do the talking !. I posted this in the ebay section while the auction was open.
Subject: Re: Organised regimental system. We didn't know that. Fri Feb 05, 2010 11:48 pm
Hi John. I think the Boers would have made sure the British knew. They had history with the Zulu. (Blood River) Just a pity Chelmsford didn’t listen to the other advice he was given regarding the Zulu.
24th
Posts : 1862 Join date : 2009-03-25
Subject: Re: Organised regimental system. We didn't know that. Fri Feb 05, 2010 11:55 pm
Quote :
Just a pity Chelmsford didn’t listen to the other advice he was given regarding the Zulu.
“Lieutenant Colonel Edward Durnford, brother of Colonel Anthony Durnford, a the highest-ranking officer present during the main battle. Edward Durnford claimed in 1882, three years after the battle took place, that a veteran of fighting Zulu’s said “Be on your guard and careful. Place your spies far out, and form your wagons into a circle for defence. The Zulu’s are more dangerous than you think.” Apparently Chelmsford ignored this advice, believing that the Zulu’s were inferior.”
garywilson1
Posts : 374 Join date : 2009-01-22 Age : 60 Location : Timisoara , Romania
Subject: Re: Organised regimental system. We didn't know that. Sun Feb 07, 2010 12:34 pm
Without the benefit of hindsight i think it would have been natural to assume that British firepower and discipline would pervail ( as it did in the end ).
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