Could have he been in Hospital at Rorke's Drift ?

Hi,

I was just wondering if it would be realistic for someone to have married in Feb 1878, in England, and then be a patient in the hospital at Rorke's Drift, just 11 months later?
Just a thought......


Chris Packer

HI

Could not predict the guys ...

And it's the fault of the Zulu, they did not attack at Rorke's Drift, their king had forbidden and even if the defenders had had their say, they would have been against it.

Cheers

Pascal

Pascal MAHE wrote:

HI

Could not predict the guys ...

And it's the fault of the Zulu, they did not attack at Rorke's Drift, their king had forbidden and even if the defenders had had their say, they would have been against it.

Cheers

Pascal

Hi,

Have you replied to the correct post ?

Yes, those who were at the hospital at Rorke's Drift had certainly not expected to find their way one day ... Especially after 11 months ... That's right ...

Cheers

Pascal

chrispacket

The 2/24th arrived in the Eastern cape from England aboard the Hymalaya on the 9th March to re enforce the 1/24th. There were smaller re enforcements to the 1/24 in 1877, approx 80 in the last batch so they would fall outside your time frame. The 2/24th under Henry Degaucher left UK on 2nd february 1878, 24 officers and Eight Hundred and Fifty Men.
It would therefore be possible, though barely, for your man to have been in hospital in UK, re joined the regiment and be in hospital in RD during January 1879.

If you post the mans name Im sure one of the forum members will be able to track him.

regards

Hi Chris

Like springbok says, it just could have been possible for him to have been in hospital at RD. You never know, he may have picked up some injury whilst en route, or even picked up a 'bug' that may have grounded him. Again, as springbok says, you could post the mans name and see if anyone on the forum as got any information on him.

It is believed that private William Cooper of the 24th (2nd Warwickshire) regiment, who fought at RD, was a relation of our family, my grandad used to speak of a relative that fought in the AZW, the problem is that there were also three other Coopers that fought at Isandlwana, all KIA, two were with the 24th (2nd Warwickshire) regiment, and the other was in the RA, so it must have been one of the others, as the relative that my grandad spoke of was with the 24th (2nd Warwickshire) regiment, and it appears that the most likely candidate is William Cooper who fought at RD.

Regards, Martin.

Hi,

The man I am referring to was in the N.N.C. married in the U.K, Jan/March 1878, and claims to have been in hospital at Rorke's Drift. At this moment in time I am close to finding the connection, and will post the info when I get it....... I just needed to know if were possible to in 11 months, his life could have changed that quickly.

Many thanks



Chris Packer

Hi Chris

I love a good mystery :lol!:

Look forward to your findings

Sihayo Kraal.

Chelmsford decided to attack his kraal. Early on 12 January the attacking force, consisting of cavalry scouting ahead, the Natal Native Contingent with the 1st Battalion in the lead and four companies of the 1st/24th in support, moved across the Batshe to attack a rocky gorge into which Sihayo's men had retreated, driving their cattle before them. The Natal Native Contingent showed reluctance to face the Zulus, some of whom were armed with rifles. Stones were also rolled down on the attackers. After a sharp action the Zulus retreated, having lost 30 dead and 4 wounded while 10 were captured. On the British side, two of the Natal Native Contingent were killed and twelve wounded, while one officer and two N.C.O.s had been wounded. The latter were taken back to the hospital at Rorke's Drift along with two badly wounded Zulus.

Hi Chrispacket .
It would be possible I found in the 1st Batt / 2nd Regt NNC , Lt. S.C. Alexander , Died of Dysenteric Diarrhoea , age 27 , Out from London had been in the colony 6 mths . So it would be possible but highly unlilkely , I too am looking forward to what further information you will post soon .
cheers 90th.

Hi Chrispacket .
On further checking there were only 7 members of the NNC who were at R.D at the time of the battle , 2 Left earlier
Of the 7 one was killed when attempting to scarper , this being Corp . W . Anderson . If you want their names ask and it shall be done .
cheers 90th.

90th

You beat me by two.
Ive got 5 listed

Wilson
Mayer
Scheiss
Dougherty
Scammell

Are the other 2, Anderson and the and the Zulu killed in the hospital?

regards

Hi Springbok .
These were at R.D . Lt. Adendorff , Corp . Mayer . 1 / 3rd NNC . Corp's . Anderson ( shot while deserting ) , Doughty , Scammell , Schiess , Wilson . 2 / 3rd NNC . One native Pte ( Mkungo's Tribe ) from 1 / 3rd NNC .
Lt. Thomas Purvis 1 / 3rd NNC ( Badly Wounded at Sihayo's Kraal ) left with Otto Witt . This from England's Sons
by Julian Whybra .