Chelmsford's choice.

Posts : 1261 Join date : 2010-04-12

I see Chelmsford has taken a bit of a hammering on the forum.
Mostly in connection with the Battle of Isandlwana. There is one question I would like to ask just to get an overview of other member’s thoughts.

There seems to have been some miss understanding of what messages were getting though and at what times. But putting that to one side. What could have Chelmsford had done when the battle had already started. Was he not wise to stay put, and await the outcome of the Battle, before considering making a move.

Subject: chelmsfords choice Fri Jun 11, 2010 2:49 pm

hi chard1879.
Dont want to sound like a wet blanket , but this is all covered on the Forum . Idea

I will say one thing , Chelmsford couldnt have done anything as his forces were split up and patrolling all over the
country side in an attempt to find the zulus . Also Mangeni is about 9 miles from Isandlwana and he couldnt have made
it back in time to save the camp even if he could have called his forces back quickly.
cheers 90th.

Posts : 1261 Join date : 2010-04-12

Thanks 90th for quick response. If this is the case, I can't see what difference the messages made. Its doe's not really matter if they were sent or if they weren’t sent. If you get my meaning. I'm not trying to drag up exhausted discussions, but just wanted to understand why the message for help were so important if Chelmsford was unable to help anyway.

Subject: chelmsfords choice Fri Jun 11, 2010 11:32 pm

hi Chard79
From what I remember the good lord was sent approx 4 or 5 messages , three I think from " Maori " Hamiton - Browne
who was actually a witness to the demise of the camp from a distance , Those sending the messages wouldnt have had
any idea of the state of affairs at Mangeni and sent the messages purely as a matter ' of course ". Hope this makes sense. :)

cheers 90th.

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

If Chelmsford had acted responsible instead of irresponsible. There would have been no need for messages in the first place. scratch

Posts : 527 Join date : 2009-02-28

Quote :: If Chelmsford had acted responsible instead of irresponsible. There would have been no need for messages in the first place

:lol!:

Posts : 2593 Join date : 2009-04-24

Quote :: What could have Chelmsford had done when the battle had already started.

Nothing. He had his own problems.

Subject: Re: Chelmsford's choice. Mon Jun 14, 2010 7:46 am

Chelmsfordthescapegoat wrote:

Quote :: What could have Chelmsford had done when the battle had already started.

Nothing. He had his own problems.

Of his own making dont forget.
In terms of the messages, any action he could have taken would not have affected the batttle outcome. He was to far away, time and distance precluded any involvement from the Red Baron.

The outcome of the battle was fully predictable when Cleary decided where to pitch camp. from there it was all gross mismanagement by all and sundry.

Regards

» Where does this come from?
» Officers with Chelmsford’s column.
» Coach Ride. Lord Chelmsford & Crealock.