Sohkexe (Sihayo's Kraal)

I'm looking for more information on the battle at Sokhexe (Sihayo's Kraal). I have seen the article on the "Gunfight at Sihayo's Krall, but wanyt to know more details. I recently visited the site and found it facinating.

Thanks,
DSL

Diancast. Welcome to the forum. It was no more than a Skirmish.

"On the 12th January, No. 3 Column first came into contact with the Zulus. The General made a reconnaissance in the Bashi Valley and towards Izipezi Hill. Sihayo's people were seen driving the cattle to the shelter of the hills, " as, however," the General says, " it is well known that we had made a distinct demand for the punishment of the sons of this chief, and that his clan was one of the bravest and most warlike of the Zulu nation, I considered it very desirable to punish them at once by capturing their cattle." The Ingqutu Mountain was occupied by infantry, when " a fire was opened upon them by the Zulus, who were occupying very strong positions in the caves and rocks above." An officer present states that the actual first shot was from the side of the British, but this is not of great importance, as it is impossible to imagine the Zulus could have been expected to look calmly on, whilst their cattle were being captured. After about half-an-hour's fight the cattle and horses were taken. The mounted force was likewise engaged higher up the mountain. Our loss, 2 Native Contingent killed and 12 wounded. The loss inflicted on the enemy, 30 killed, 4 wounded, and 10 prisoners; the cattle, etc. taken, 13 horses, 413 cattle, 332 goats, and 235 sheep. These first steps in Zululand have been given in considerable detail, as they afford much food for reflection
on the contrast between " words " and " deeds."

The British were surprised to find themselves being shot at by cannons Sihayo had managed to obtain 2 small cannons and had built these into caves in the hillside. They had made cannonballs of anything- scrap iron, including the legs of cooking pots and rocks, which the women had spent months rolling into round balls. The British troops defeated Sihayo and opened up the route for the advance to Isandlwana.

Thanks for the onfo. I had not heard of the cannons before. Do you know of any books for more in depth descriptions ( I am getting The Zulu War Journal of Colonel Henry Harford, C.B. soon)?

I not sure there is a book dedicated solely to Sihayo's Kraal, but the book you mention doe’s have some significant information relating to it. I’m not that busy today, so will spend sometime having a look for further information.

Hi Chard1879.
I have never heard of there being any cannon fired at the British forces in this attack , where did you come by this info .

diancast.
In his journal Harford decribes his part of the attack on Sihayo's Kraal on pages 18 - 21 . No mention of any zulu cannon's .
Harford is very nearly killed in this engagement , I wont spoil it for you , read it when your copy arrives . .
cheers 90th.

Hi diancast.
This book covers the Sihayo attack in detail starting at the bottom of page 36 through to 39 . And this is a great price for
a well detailed book on the zulu war which also includes coloured plates on zulu dress and 24th Regt dress .

http://www.amazon.com/Zulu-Isandlwana-Rorkes-22Nd-23rd-January/dp/1872004237/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1289172291&sr=1-1

cheers 90th.

Chard
Cannons?
A source for that would be an eye opener.

Regards

hi
never heard of cannons either, could they have been 'elephant guns' that there was a topic about a couple months back?

Joe

Well, it seems we have unearthed an interesting topic!

Thanks,

Hi dlancast

Welcome to the forum.

One of the members of this fourm wrote an article called "The Gunfight at Sihayo’s Kraal".

If he reads this, he may publish part or all of his article for you.

http://www.rorkesdriftvc.com/potpourri/Sihayo.pdf

I had seen this before, which is probably what got me started on this subject. I will be out of pocket for a couple of weeks - thanks to all for the information.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

First image i have found in-connection with the attack on Sihayo's Kraal.

Hi all.

http://cgi.ebay.com/1879-Zulu-War-Capture-SirayoS-Stronghold-Army-British-/310304641804?pt=Art_Prints&hash=item483f99130c

cheers 90th.

I actually have one of these. My lovely wife had it framed as a surprise for me. It is not exactly acurate, but it is "darned close". A great memory jogger of a trip there guided by some of Sihayo's decendents. If you haven't been, put it on the"must see list for a visit to Isandlwana and/or Rorke's Drift. The road passes right by, but it takes an off-road vehicle to really get there. The foundations of the original Kraal and stone wall that was loop-holed is still there.

You might like to read Commandant George Hamilton Brown's first hand account of the fight in A lost Legionary in South Africa,

Click Here A lost Legionary in South Africa
Just click on the page to turn. The book should open up on "The Advance into Zululand" Browns version on Sihayo's Kraal.

I have read it - thanks very much.

dlancast

Quote :

I'm looking for more information on the battle at Sokhexe (Sihayo's Kraal).

Are you looking for anything inparticular or just general information.

Just as many details as possible. I would also like to know names and details of who was there on the Zulu side. I suspect that this is almost impossible except one of Sihayo's sons. I would like a challenge.