Private Carson, one of the mounted infantry soldiers ambushed by Zulus March 1879

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Carson, one of the 99th Regiment who volunteered into the Mounted Infantry, had a narrow escape one day. He was out on vedette duty, and when by himself fifteen kaffirs rushed out of the bush and tried to catch hold of the bridle of the horse he was riding. He had the presence of mind to put spurs to his horse and galloped off. As he rode away the kaffirs fired on him, and he received five shots, one in the muscle of his arm, two in the thigh, and one in the shoulder blade. Fortunately he had his rifle slung across his shoulder, and the manner in which the weapon was marked by bullets it had been the means of saving his life. He galloped into the fort as coolly as possible. . . .

99th Regiment - A sepia photograph of Sergeant Carson, pictured here later in life while working as a hotel porter in Belfast. After being attacked by the Zulus whilst on Veddette duties at the Mission Station at Eshowe, Natal in South Africa, he was immediately promoted to L/Corporal, eventually retiring as a Sergeant. The Regimental magazine, The Nines, later told his story. 'One of the Vedettes, Pte Carson attached to the Mounted Infantry, went out to patrol. Some eleven Zulus sprang out of the long grass and seized the horse by the mane; he at once stuck his spurs in and got clear of them. They then fired at him, one bullet taking off two fingers of one of his hands, a second struck him on the left thigh, passed through it, then through the pommel of the saddle and into the other leg, a third went through his right arm, a fourth struck his rifle which was slung over his back. His horse was also assegaied on the flank'. He accounted for the Zulus' bad shooting by them holding out their rifles at full arms length. The injuries received by Private Carson are clear to see in this photograph which shows the hand with the missing fingers.
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Was he a "Corporal" or "Private"

"On the morning of Friday 7th March Corporal Carson had ridden out to take up his position at No. 4 vedette post. As he approached his allotted position, a group of twelve to fifteen Zulus burst from the long grass and rushed towards him. Carson's horse reared up in fright and the first warrior up grabbed at its mane. Carson managed to retain his seat and put spurs to his horse, which leapt forward and away from the Zulus. One of them thrust forward with a spear and plunged it into the rump ofthe terrified animal as it galloped away, while the rest fired a ragged volley to bring Carson down. Several shots struck him; one passed through the front of his right thigh while another smashed into the right hand almost severing two fingers, and leaving them attached by no more than a thread o f skin. A final bullet aimed for the very centre o f his back, failed to find its target because it struck the lock of the Swinburn-Henry carbine. Carson managed to reach his fellow vedettes. The Zulus had abandoned the pursuit."