My Story ZULU WAR Jabulani 1879-1882

Posts : 1603 Join date : 2009-09-21

Hi. I have just finished reading My Story ZULU WAR Jabulani 1879-1882 not sure if anyone else as read it.

He was one of the boys herding the cattle that Raws troops chased before coming across the Zulus in the ravine.

He states, “that when the troops looked into the ravine and saw the mass of Zulus one of them fired a shot into the air to show the Zulu’s position. After the shot was fired the Zulu rose up and attacked”.

I’m sure I read somewhere that Raws troops fired into the Zulus killing some, which angered the Zulu into attack. It appears that this young lad Jabulani witness quite a few incidents which we often discuss. But his version casts some doubts over what we believed took place. For instance he claims that some Zulus at Isandlwana were cutting the livers and hearts out of the dead soldiers, this is the first time I have heard this. I won’t say too much in case other members intend to read the book. He was the little boy that joined in the attacked on the British at Khambula and was captured after he jumped over the barricades.

Posts : 1093 Join date : 2009-01-14 Location : East London

Hi Dave. I haven't read the book but i found this account. But different Battle

THE BATTLE OF GINGINDHLOVU
2nd April 1879

“The constant volley fire and use of the Gatling guns was beginning to have effect. Zulu morale was dropping as their casualties were mounting. In one final determined assault, a group of warriors rushed forward and all were killed, with the exception of an Udibi boy aged twelve who survived the bullets, jumped the trench and collapsed up against the 3-foot rampart. Whereupon a large Naval Rating from HMS Boadicea seized hold of him, dragged him across the rampart, kicking and screaming, delivered a couple of slaps with his open palm, subduing the lad, who then remained motionless next to his captor until the battle was over. He was adopted by the Naval crew as a mascot and later joined the Royal Navy. Sadly I have been unable to find out about his service.”

Posts : 1261 Join date : 2010-04-12

Hi Dave.

I agree, great book. Some of the events are based on events from the Zulu war. But I’m afraid Jabulani is a fictional character.

Posts : 1603 Join date : 2009-09-21

Hi Chard1879. I think you are mistaken. Jabulani was the brother of Mehlokazulu, who you mentioned in another post.

Dave.

Subject: Re: My Story ZULU WAR Jabulani 1879-1882 Thu Apr 15, 2010 11:12 pm

Dave page 2 top of page.

Posts : 1603 Join date : 2009-09-21

There's not a page 2 its starts at 3. I don't believe it. i didn't even check. What does it say.

Subject: Re: My Story ZULU WAR Jabulani 1879-1882 Thu Apr 15, 2010 11:22 pm

“While the events described and some characters in this book may be based on actual historical events and real people, Jabulani is a fictional character, created by the author, and his story is a work of fiction.”

Subject: Re: My Story ZULU WAR Jabulani 1879-1882 Thu Apr 15, 2010 11:25 pm

:lol!: :lol!: :lol!:

Subject: jabulani. Fri Apr 16, 2010 1:32 am

hi all.
Pete is correct , Jabulani is loosely based on incidents during the war , but is indeed a work of fiction. The only
zulu reported to have made it to a shelter trench was at Gingindlovu where he was grabbed I think by the naval
brigade .It didnt happen at khambula .
And as a side note this from " Fearful Hard Times At Eshowe "
" Hamilton- Browne was looking to avenge the friends he had lost at Isandlwana, but that did not stop him marvelling
at the extraordinary endurance of the zulus , he saw one young zulu lad , a mat carrier , dash right up to the rampart,
where one of the blue jackets spotting him , leaned over , grabbed him by the nape of the neck and collected him,
kicking and squirming , inside the work. Where after he had been cuffed into a state of quietude his captor kept him
prisoner by sitting on him till the end of the engagement. The youth was apparantly adopted by the Boadiceas crew
as a mascot, and later passed into the navy '.
This is a very informative book covering a part of the war that is not very well known , includes extracts from
the Diaries of those who were present , I do believe it may be out of print , but can be found at on-line shops.
and ebay but it can be expensive on ebay. I will look for a well priced link and post it.
cheers 90th.

» S. E Hull Sgt. Rotheby's Horse Zulu War 1879 & Egypt 1882
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