No.1 Column under Colonel Charles Pearson

Does anyone know how far in miles is Isandlwana from Inyezane River where Pearson was based, and how long would it have taken Pearson to get to Isandlwana.

The Zulu’s were seen around 08:00hrs. What time did the main Zulu attack actually take place against Pearson's column, and how long did the Battle Last.

I believe Isandlwana really got started around 10:30 just after Durnford arrived.

I’m trying to find out if the Battle of Inyezane and finished before Isandlwana had started.

hi oh2.

cant tell you how far nyezane is from isandlwana , or how long it would have taken to get from one to the other in 1879.
nyezane battle started at just after 8am and was over by 9.30 am , well before isandlwana which started at about 11.45
12.00. hope this helps.
cheers 90th

90th This might be another one for Jamie.

Old Historian. Just out of interest, are you trying to determine weather or not Pearson could have helped out at Isandlwana.

hi pete,
i have sent an email, will post reply.
cheers 90th.

Old H.

Found this website. Click on any of the numbers on the map. Nyezane looks a fair distance from Isandlwana. Click on numbers 16 and 20

This is a good map. I will put in on interesting web-sites as well.

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Great Map. Thanks 24th. A bit to far I think.

Old H.
Came across this.

Shortly after 08:00 a small number of Zulus appeared near the knoll on the ridge, and a company of the Natal Native Contingent (NNC), under Lieutenant Hart, were sent up the spur after them. While this company gave chase a mass of Zulus appeared over the crest of the ridge and began pouring downwards. These men were the left "horn" of a 6,000 strong force, dispatched at the same time as the army that engaged the British at Isandlwana, who were preparing just over the crest, to attack the British camp. This left horn had been prompted into a premature attack by the advance of Lieutenant Hart's company, and in the face of this advance the NNC fled, leaving their European officers and NCOs to make a fruitless stand before being swept aside. As soon as Hart and his men began firing, the camp prepared for defence, forming a hasty firing line. A naval company and two companies of Buffs with a Gatling gun and 7-pounders moved up to the knoll, opening up across the advancing Zulu column. Thus, when the Zulus emerged from scrub and began their assault on the camp, they were taking heavy fire on both their flank and front of their force. The Zulus wavered and then withdrew the way they had come.

While the left horn was being repulsed, the rest of the Zulu impi appeared over the crest. The kraal was taken, and switching their guns to focus on it, the force previously attacking the left horn's flank advanced up the slope and captured the kraal. This position allowed the British to move the Gatling gun onto the crest where its rapid fire soon drove the Zulus off the centre and left end of the ridge, as the British mounted troops came up the right-hand spur to complete the action. The successful counter-attack resulted in 10 British killed and 16 wounded. The Zulu impi withdrew with 350 kill.

Young Coker with his gatling gun was the hero of the day.

sas1

hi sas1,

there is an error in the post you lodged, can you tell me the source ? , as NYEZANE battle was over before 9am !.
isandlwana didnt start till 11.45- 12.00. by all accounts.

cheers 90th