2 sailors who survived isandlwana

Posts : 65 Join date : 2011-12-15

Hi all,

We know of signalman William Henry Aynsley of HMS Active having been killed at isandlwana, can anyone identify the two sailors who survived the battle?

quote :
"The news of the disaster spread fast. Sir Bartle Frere, on the morning of the 24th, was awakened by the arrival of two almost distraught and wholly unintelligible messengers. Their report, when it could be at last comprehended, seemed too horrible for belief. That they had escaped some terrible ordeal was evident; that they were members of the company of naval volunteers that formed part of the General's army, their uniform proclaimed. But of the General they could say nothing—he might be dead, he might be missing—all they knew was of their own miraculous escape from a scene of slaughter. Colonel Pulleine they declared was dead, but further news had to be awaited with anxious hearts".

Cheers

Matt

Posts : 420 Join date : 2011-05-14

Matt,

I would say it is a typo' and should read Natal, rather than naval.

kwaJimu1879

Guest

good evening

What was the uniform of the signalman Henry William Aynsley of HMS Active HAVING Been Killed at Isandlwana?

He was an officer?

He defended well the dagger, the weapon was what kind?

Cheers

Pascal

Posts : 1997 Join date : 2011-08-01 Age : 23

He used a cutlass

This is the finding of his body

The body of Signalman Aynsley of HMS Active, the naval ADC Milne's servant, was found by Lieutenant Newnham-Davis and some of his Mounted Infantry; his pockets had been rifled, and several photographs were strewn around him. ... Newnham-Davis gave the photos to Milne, but kept Aynsley's cutlass as a souvenir

Cheers

Posts : 1605 Join date : 2009-09-21

Aynsley was seen with his back to a wagon cutless in hand and laughing as he was fighting off the Zulu's. Obviously enjoying his work.

Guest

HI

Ultimately, one against one, melee, the Zulus are lower than the European soldiers with their bayonets ect ...

Cheers

Pascal

Posts : 2315 Join date : 2011-09-12

The two Natal/naval (ho ho) volunteers were Stafford and Davies.

Subject: Re: 2 sailors who survived isandlwana Sun Mar 11, 2012 1:22 pm

Julian Whybra wrote:: The two Natal/naval (ho ho) volunteers were Stafford and Davies.

Were they naval or Natal, Julian?

Posts : 2315 Join date : 2011-09-12

Natal - Capt. WH Stafford 1/1 NNC and Lieut. HD Davies NNH