Latest topics | » The Pictorial World - March 15th 1879![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Yesterday at 1:13 pm by ben2000 » The lost diary of Pvt James Owen![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Thu Jul 25, 2024 12:03 pm by miklew » Last of the 24th at Isandhlwana![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Wed Jul 24, 2024 6:16 pm by John Young » What was the uniform of field marshals/generals in the zulu war?![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Mon Jul 22, 2024 6:53 am by John Young » Henderson and the NNH at Rorke's Drift ![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Sat Jul 20, 2024 12:17 pm by SRB1965 » Capt. D. Hayes 1/3rd Regt., NNC![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Thu Jul 18, 2024 11:11 am by Julian Whybra » The Wrecked Camp![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Wed Jul 17, 2024 4:33 pm by Julian Whybra » Private N/N John Robert Branch 90th Regiment and his discovered diary![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Mon Jul 15, 2024 8:53 pm by 1879graves » Private John Scott 24th Regiment a fugitive at large![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Sun Jul 14, 2024 12:06 pm by 1879graves » 90th foot sgt T. Collins 214![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Sun Jul 14, 2024 10:57 am by johnman » Baron Von Steitencron![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Wed Jul 10, 2024 3:10 pm by Julian Whybra » Sgt Joseph Windridge, Defender of Rorke's Drift - Memorial![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Tue Jul 09, 2024 3:15 am by 90th » Writing advice![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Sun Jul 07, 2024 4:04 pm by Julian Whybra » South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1877-8-9 (4389 Fr. Sergt. S. Smith. O/2. Bde. R.A.)![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Sun Jul 07, 2024 9:30 am by rai » The trashing of the Zulu monument to the brave warriors at Isandlawana March 12, 2024 has been blamed on scrap metal scavengers.![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Thu Jul 04, 2024 7:41 pm by ADMIN» The Goodwill Zulu Festival: Celebrating the Welsh and KwaZulu Natal Shared Heritage.![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Thu Jul 04, 2024 7:27 pm by ADMIN» Any nominal role of G Coy 2/24th regiment ![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Thu Jul 04, 2024 11:18 am by Wayne » Bassage Diary![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Thu Jul 04, 2024 9:31 am by Julian Whybra » Prior to Sihayo's Kraal ![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Thu Jul 04, 2024 9:19 am by 90th » British Fort Locations![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Thu Jul 04, 2024 3:40 am by 90th » Sergeant 1064 Tom Hick / Hicks G Company 2/24th Regiment![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Wed Jul 03, 2024 11:05 am by Julian Whybra » A Hungarian soldier in the Zulu War (?)![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Fri Jun 28, 2024 2:31 pm by Mr M. Cooper » Private 25B/279 Henry Sears Bugler E Company 24th Reg. KIA Isandlwana![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Thu Jun 27, 2024 1:07 pm by gardner1879 » Hamilton Browne's birthday![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Fri Jun 21, 2024 9:22 am by Julian Whybra » Zulu "Corps"![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Thu Jun 20, 2024 6:01 pm by Hobbes » Army Pay Department Personnel![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Thu Jun 20, 2024 11:49 am by Julian Whybra » Ntshingwayo birth date![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Sun Jun 16, 2024 11:37 am by Hobbes » Zibhebhu and Cetshwayo's family![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Wed Jun 05, 2024 9:11 pm by Julian Whybra » Smith's Store/Hotel![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Wed Jun 05, 2024 6:06 pm by Julian Whybra » Corporal James Frowen Williams F Company. ![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Tue Jun 04, 2024 5:20 pm by Julian Whybra » Shaka iLembe![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Sat Jun 01, 2024 1:27 pm by Jon84 » Bugler 1415 Thomas Finn / Flin 90th Regiment ![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Sat May 25, 2024 11:28 am by johnman » Inspector-General Evelyn Richard Hugh Pollard![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Tue May 14, 2024 10:13 am by ADMIN» Alfred Fairlie Henderson photographs.![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Sat May 11, 2024 8:01 am by Julian Whybra » Fairlie's Native Police![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Thu May 02, 2024 9:12 pm by Hobbes |
July 2024 | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | | | | | Calendar |
|
Top posting users this month | |
New topics | » The Pictorial World - March 15th 1879![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Yesterday at 1:13 pm by ben2000 » The lost diary of Pvt James Owen![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Thu Jul 25, 2024 12:03 pm by miklew » Last of the 24th at Isandhlwana![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Wed Jul 24, 2024 5:53 pm by miklew » What was the uniform of field marshals/generals in the zulu war?![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Sun Jul 21, 2024 12:30 pm by darthvaix » Henderson and the NNH at Rorke's Drift ![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Fri Jul 19, 2024 1:29 pm by SRB1965 » Capt. D. Hayes 1/3rd Regt., NNC![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Wed Jul 17, 2024 10:52 pm by Julian Whybra » The Wrecked Camp![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Sun Jul 14, 2024 8:51 am by 61MECH » The trashing of the Zulu monument to the brave warriors at Isandlawana March 12, 2024 has been blamed on scrap metal scavengers.![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Thu Jul 04, 2024 7:41 pm by ADMIN» The Goodwill Zulu Festival: Celebrating the Welsh and KwaZulu Natal Shared Heritage.![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/fa/empty.gif) Thu Jul 04, 2024 7:27 pm by ADMIN |
Zero tolerance to harassment and bullying. |
Due to recent events on this forum, we have now imposed a zero tolerance to harassment and bullying. All reports will be treated seriously, and will lead to a permanent ban of both membership and IP address.
Any member blatantly corresponding in a deliberate and provoking manner will be removed from the forum as quickly as possible after the event.
If any members are being harassed behind the scenes PM facility by any member/s here at 1879zuluwar.com please do not hesitate to forward the offending text.
We are all here to communicate and enjoy the various discussions and information on the Anglo Zulu War of 1879. Opinions will vary, you will agree and disagree with one another, we will have debates, and so it goes.
There is no excuse for harassment or bullying of anyone by another person on this site.
The above applies to the main frame areas of the forum.
The ring which is the last section on the forum, is available to those members who wish to partake in slagging matches. That section cannot be viewed by guests and only viewed by members that wish to do so. |
Fair Use Notice | Fair use notice.
This website may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorised by the copyright owner.
We are making such material and images are available in our efforts to advance the understanding of the “Anglo Zulu War of 1879. For educational & recreational purposes.
We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material, as provided for in UK copyright law. The information is purely for educational and research purposes only. No profit is made from any part of this website.
If you hold the copyright on any material on the site, or material refers to you, and you would like it to be removed, please let us know and we will work with you to reach a resolution. |
| | What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? | |
|
+6ChrisHughes Saul David 1879 Frank Allewell Chelmsfordthescapegoat John Drummer Boy 14 10 posters | Author | Message |
---|
Drummer Boy 14
![Drummer Boy 14](https://2img.net/u/1313/16/75/50/avatars/580-5.jpg)
Posts : 2008 Join date : 2011-08-01 Age : 27
![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | Subject: What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Mon Aug 15, 2011 8:26 pm | |
| I have always wondered what would of happened to Durnford if he had survived the battle as he was wrongly accused and was made the scape goat for this defeat. He was accused of taking men out of the camp thus weakening the defence, while his orders as camp commander were to axt strictly on the defencive. This was shown to be incorrect when his original orders were located and read properly for trhe first time at the Royal Engineer museum in the 1960s they stated " march to this camp at once" there was no mention of taking command. So had Durnford survived he would have been able to produce these orders to clear his name.
Drummer boy 14 |
| ![Go down](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | | John
![John](https://2img.net/u/1313/16/75/50/avatars/21-9.jpg)
Posts : 2558 Join date : 2009-04-06 Age : 61 Location : UK
![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | Subject: Re: What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Mon Aug 15, 2011 9:07 pm | |
| That's where the issue lies. Was it take command of the camp or reinforce. |
| ![Go down](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | | Drummer Boy 14
![Drummer Boy 14](https://2img.net/u/1313/16/75/50/avatars/580-5.jpg)
Posts : 2008 Join date : 2011-08-01 Age : 27
![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | Subject: Re: What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Mon Aug 15, 2011 9:21 pm | |
| In fact it was neither. The order stated "You are to march to this camp at once with all the force you have with you of No. 2 Column. 2/24th, artillery and mounted men with the General and Colonel Glyn move off at once to attack a Zulu force about 10 miles distant. So Durnford was not told to take command or reinforce. So i think he thourght his command would be Independent to that of Pulliene. |
| ![Go down](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | | Chelmsfordthescapegoat
![Chelmsfordthescapegoat](https://2img.net/u/1313/16/75/50/avatars/24-34.jpg)
Posts : 2593 Join date : 2009-04-24
![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | Subject: Re: What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Mon Aug 15, 2011 9:22 pm | |
| Drummerboy. When you say survived, are we talking that he escaped the battle with the rest of those who were lucky enough to have a horse. Or are you saying Durnford held his ground and the Zulu's withdrew. |
| ![Go down](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | | Drummer Boy 14
![Drummer Boy 14](https://2img.net/u/1313/16/75/50/avatars/580-5.jpg)
Posts : 2008 Join date : 2011-08-01 Age : 27
![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | Subject: Re: What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Mon Aug 15, 2011 9:45 pm | |
| I am saying if his last stand on the stony koppie had held out till help arrived and the Zulus withdrew. |
| ![Go down](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | | Frank Allewell
![Frank Allewell](https://2img.net/u/1313/16/75/50/avatars/32-19.jpg)
Posts : 8572 Join date : 2009-09-21 Age : 77 Location : Cape Town South Africa
![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | Subject: Re: What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Tue Aug 16, 2011 11:01 am | |
| Much as I hate what ifs............ If the right wing of the army had stood firm there was still the issue of the left wing being under pressure from the wide spacing of the troops. Assuming the column as a whole had stood firm it would have counted as a major victory so there would have been no recrimenations, courts of enquiry etc. I would sugest that the biggest issue would have been a straight fight between Pulleine and Durnford as to who was in charge and therefore who was the hero. With of course Chelmsford probably insisting it was all part of the master plan. RD would probably not of happened so the illustrious names associated would have been consigned to an ignoble history. Oh yes, Michael Cain would probably have enjoyed a wonderful career as a painter and decorator in East London. :lol: And Pete would probably be sitting at home thinking hard of a web site subject to occupy the odd few hours or so. :) Regards |
| ![Go down](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | | Saul David 1879
Posts : 527 Join date : 2009-02-28
![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | Subject: Re: What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Tue Aug 16, 2011 12:29 pm | |
| Nows that's a thought. "No Zulu Victory" Chelmsford' new best friend would of course be Durnford, Both would have had many a conversations behind closed doors. Durnford would have been recommended for the VC, Pulliene would have been the one and only scapegoat. And those that escaped the battlefield would have become deserters. |
| ![Go down](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | | ChrisHughes
Posts : 5 Join date : 2011-07-30 Age : 66 Location : Malaysia
![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | Subject: Re: What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Tue Aug 16, 2011 1:38 pm | |
| New to the forum and enjoying broadening my knowledge (such as it is) of Isandlwana. From what I've read, can't imagine Durnford being part of the "in" crowd for too long. Probably his role would have been downplayed and that of Pulleine enhanced. Just watch snippets of "Zulu Dawn" again last night on YouTube and was disappointed with how messy it was at the end and how the reality of the battle wasn't represented - particularly re Durnford's stand. With the small group of colonials with him, can't imagine they held out more than 10 or 15 minutes. |
| ![Go down](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | | Guest Guest
![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | Subject: Re: What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Tue Aug 16, 2011 2:35 pm | |
| Saul David
It may be an obvious question, but are you the actual historian and author ?
Back to topic. I don't think Chelmsford and Durnford would necessarily be friends, considering Durnford would then be able to question how his senior commander missed the obvious signs of a large Zulu force in the vicinity, including why did Chelmsford go against his own field instructions to officers before the invasion started. If anything, Durnford being alive would be his worst nightmare, as he wasn't one for holding back his views, and with his reputation and notoriety beforehand, the newspapers would be all over it. Edward wouldn't have been the one demanding an investigation afterwards - he would. It was more convenient him being dead, as you can imagine the consequences had he survived. |
| ![Go down](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | | Frank Allewell
![Frank Allewell](https://2img.net/u/1313/16/75/50/avatars/32-19.jpg)
Posts : 8572 Join date : 2009-09-21 Age : 77 Location : Cape Town South Africa
![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | Subject: Re: What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Tue Aug 16, 2011 2:59 pm | |
| Colin J
Firstly, yes he is the one
Secondly I fully concure
Regards |
| ![Go down](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | | ADMIN
![ADMIN](https://2img.net/u/1313/16/75/50/avatars/1-44.jpg)
Posts : 4354 Join date : 2008-11-01 Age : 65 Location : KENT
![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | Subject: Re: What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Tue Aug 16, 2011 9:52 pm | |
| Two posts sent to the ring. ( Off Topic) |
| ![Go down](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | | Drummer Boy 14
![Drummer Boy 14](https://2img.net/u/1313/16/75/50/avatars/580-5.jpg)
Posts : 2008 Join date : 2011-08-01 Age : 27
![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | Subject: Re: What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Thu Sep 22, 2011 9:28 pm | |
| Hi all thanks for the replys i have just read How can men die better so i now know how and when Durnford died. Once he split from H company he was doomed so if Chelsmford had arrived as the mixed group was still together then they may of survived. Younghusband probebly would of survied but Anstey would most likely of been killed. The battle would still be a Zulu victory considdering over 1000 british and allied people died. But what of Rorkes Drift? The reserve would of already moved on to attack the mission station but could it have been relieved or would Chelmsford of lingered at Isandlwana or moved on to Rorkes Drift? |
| ![Go down](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | | Neil Aspinshaw
![Neil Aspinshaw](https://2img.net/u/1313/16/75/50/avatars/42-32.jpg)
Posts : 553 Join date : 2009-10-14 Location : Loughborough
![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | Subject: Re: What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Fri Sep 23, 2011 11:26 am | |
| Its irrespective if he was re-enforced, (and thats what Pope was probably trying to do) as the right horn was on its way into the weakly defended rear of the camp, Its still a done deal. |
| ![Go down](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | | tasker224
![tasker224](https://2img.net/u/1313/16/75/50/avatars/174-90.jpg)
Posts : 2101 Join date : 2010-07-30 Age : 57 Location : North London
![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | Subject: Re: What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Fri Sep 23, 2011 5:11 pm | |
| Nice discussion, but I think Neil is right. What I really do wonder about, is what would have happened if iSandlwana had been attacked with the whole of the Central Column in camp and not just half of it.
Would the end result have been the same?
(My gut feeling is it would have been a closer run thing, but with the victory again going to the Zulu impi). |
| ![Go down](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | | Chelmsfordthescapegoat
![Chelmsfordthescapegoat](https://2img.net/u/1313/16/75/50/avatars/24-34.jpg)
Posts : 2593 Join date : 2009-04-24
![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | Subject: Re: What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Sat Sep 24, 2011 10:28 am | |
| A close running call for sure, but the positioning of the troops were have been deployed more effectively. The Good Lord Chelmsford would have seen to that. Plus Durnford would have remained in the camp, as there would have been no excuse to leave. And those officers who left the battlefield on horseback also would have stayed. Melville and Coghill may even had gone down in history as the one's who rallied the troops to the colours, instead of running off with them under the pretence they were trying to save the regimental colours. |
| ![Go down](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | | Drummer Boy 14
![Drummer Boy 14](https://2img.net/u/1313/16/75/50/avatars/580-5.jpg)
Posts : 2008 Join date : 2011-08-01 Age : 27
![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | Subject: Re: What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Sun Sep 25, 2011 1:02 pm | |
| Pretty sure it would of been a Britsh victory. The camp was desigened to be held by 12 companies of infantry. If these had all been their along with 6 guns and the hundreds of mounted men then i am pretty sure the Zulus would have been defeated. However if the colum was in the process of moving then they might have been overwhelmed. But one must remember that the Zulus planned to attack on the 23rd not the 22nd. |
| ![Go down](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | | 90th
![90th](https://2img.net/u/1313/16/75/50/avatars/22-38.jpg)
Posts : 10890 Join date : 2009-04-07 Age : 68 Location : Melbourne, Australia
![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | Subject: What would have happened to Durnford had he held out. Sun Sep 25, 2011 2:10 pm | |
| Hi Drummerboy14. Not sure the result would have been any different , there were still no entrenchments made or would have been under construction . The camp may have been designed to be held by 12 Co's of Infantry but you must remember these Co's that were actually there were all well under company strength if I'm not mistaken . Happy to be corrected . From Memory , Company strength was / is 100 men , positve many of these were down to 70 if not less !. Think this is quoted in several of Ian Knight's publications . Ctsg .... As for '' The Good Lord seeing the disposition of the troops set out correctly '' Bah !! . Pulleine followed Chelmesford's standing orders to the letter and look what happened . I dont know if you have these standing orders but if you buy ' The Journal Of the AZW Historical Society Vol 5 ' you will be able to read them for yourself . cheers 90th. |
| ![Go down](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | | tasker224
![tasker224](https://2img.net/u/1313/16/75/50/avatars/174-90.jpg)
Posts : 2101 Join date : 2010-07-30 Age : 57 Location : North London
![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | Subject: Re: What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Sun Sep 25, 2011 5:08 pm | |
| Thanks for all those thoughts. The overwhelming numbers of the Zulu warriors, the speed of their attack, combined with their formidable encircling tactic, certainly seemed to have been way too much for the poor lads left at the camp. The rate of the distribution of the ammo and fire/kill rate of Zulus needed was just not achievable on the day and the lads in camp were inevitably overwhelmed. I just feel that if the number of lads in camp had been double what it was the rate of fire and kill rate would have been doubled, and tthey may have successfully defended the camp. BUT, and it is a big but, the rate of distribution and replenishment of ammo would also have been halved. OK, the Zulus would have suffered twice the rate of casualties in the opening stages of the battle, but my feeling is that they wouldn't have retreated or been disheartened by this, but that they would have pressed home the attack equally as determinedly and ferociously as they did against that half column on the day. I think we would have been looking at double the disaster. |
| ![Go down](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | | Drummer Boy 14
![Drummer Boy 14](https://2img.net/u/1313/16/75/50/avatars/580-5.jpg)
Posts : 2008 Join date : 2011-08-01 Age : 27
![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | Subject: Re: What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Sun Sep 25, 2011 5:17 pm | |
| Hi 90th the Companies where around 80 strong with the exceptiion of G company. If there had been 12 companies, 6 guns and well over 300 horsemen then i am pretty sure the day would have been won. Tasker224 the men on the firing line did not run out ammo or where even short of it. The Zulus did not just charge home they had been pinned down by the fire of the 24th and it was only with Durnfords withdrawl that forced the 24th to retreat and even then they where overwhelmed. Most managed to get back to the Saddle or at least near it. Apart from G company that was cut off and butchered to a man. The 24th performed one amazing fighting retreat. |
| ![Go down](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | | tasker224
![tasker224](https://2img.net/u/1313/16/75/50/avatars/174-90.jpg)
Posts : 2101 Join date : 2010-07-30 Age : 57 Location : North London
![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | Subject: Re: What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Sun Sep 25, 2011 5:34 pm | |
| I realise the Zulus didn't just charge in to the camp, they were not stupid. However, once they had surrounded the camp and entered it the defeat was rapid and unavoidable. Sheer weight of numbers and determination would have produced the same result in the end, even if the end may have been longer in coming. Durnford can't be blamed for the defeat, he was just one small part of the overall defence on the day. It was always going to happen. The Zulus should consider themselves unlucky that Chelmie and the other half of the column were not at home. |
| ![Go down](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | | Drummer Boy 14
![Drummer Boy 14](https://2img.net/u/1313/16/75/50/avatars/580-5.jpg)
Posts : 2008 Join date : 2011-08-01 Age : 27
![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | Subject: Re: What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Sun Sep 25, 2011 5:46 pm | |
| Good points however if all the forces had been at the camp then i am pretty certain the Zulus wouldnt have been able to break in. If they did the the result would of been the same. I agree Durnfords was not totally to blame. |
| ![Go down](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | | 90th
![90th](https://2img.net/u/1313/16/75/50/avatars/22-38.jpg)
Posts : 10890 Join date : 2009-04-07 Age : 68 Location : Melbourne, Australia
![What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? Empty](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | Subject: What would have happened to Durnford had he held out. Mon Sep 26, 2011 12:31 am | |
| Hi Drummerboy14.
One other point which Tasker mentioned was the encircling tactic . It wouldnt have mattered who or how many troops were in the camp as basically nothing would have been done to prevent the zulu storming in the camp from the rear , which was what happened and led to the final result . cheers 90th. |
| ![Go down](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) | | | What would of happened to Durnford if his stand had managed to hold out till help arrived? | |
|
Similar topics | ![+](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif) |
|
| Permissions in this forum: | You cannot reply to topics in this forum
| |
| |
| |