My First article

Hi DB.

Why did Pulliene gladly give over commard to Durnford.

Durnford was senior to Pulleine.




Cheers

Then why did Pulliene argue with Durnford, when he required Compaines of the 24th.

Then why did Pulliene argue with Durnford, when he required Compaines of the 24th.

Becasue Pulleine's orders were to defend the camp, and the 24th were his men.

Then what was Durnford taking command of.

Pulleine offered Durnford command of the camp, Durnford declined it stating he wouldn't be remaning.

Durnford decided to leave camp, asked for 2 Coys of the 24th, Pulleine refused them, stating his orders were
to defend the camp and produced his writen orders from Major Cleary, Durnford argued and Pulleine sayed that if Durnford directly ordered it then the Coys would have to go, Melvill heard about this and pursaded Durnford to leave the Coys.




Cheers

But there are primary sources that state Durnford assumed commard when he entered the camp. Pulleine didnt offer commard. And I wonder what would have happen if Mellville hadn't remonstrated with Durnford regarding the two Compaines of the 24th.

Pulleine offered command of the camp, see Cochrane's report.



Cheers

Read the court of enquiry witness statements.

"5th Evidence.—Lieutenant Cochrane, 32nd Regiment, states: I am employed as transport officer with No 2 Column, then under Colonel Durnford, R.E., on the 22nd January, 1879, the column marched on that morning from Rorke's Drift to Isandlwana in consequence of an order received from the Lieutenant General. I do not know the particulars of the order received. I entered the Isandlwana camp with Colonel Durnford about 10 A.M., and remained with him as Acting Staff Officer. On arrival he took over command from Colonel Pulleine, 24th Regiment. Colonel Pulleine gave over to Colonel Durnford a verbal state of the troops in camp at the time, and stated the orders he had received, viz., to defend the camp, these words were repeated two or three times in the conversation. Several messages were delivered, the last one to the effect that the Zulus were retiring in all directions—the bearer of this was not dressed in any uniform. On this message Colonel Durnford sent two troops Mounted Natives to the top of the hills to the left, and took with him two troops of Rocket Battery, with escort of one company Native Contingent, on to the front of the camp about four or five miles off. Before leaving, he asked Colonel Pulleine to give him. two companies 24th Regiment. Colonel Pulleine said that with the orders he had received he could not do it, but agreed with Colonel Durnford to send him help if he got into difficulties. Colonel Durnford, with two troops, went on ahead and met the enemy some four or five miles off in great force, and, as they showed also on our left, we retired in good order to the Drift, about a quarterof a mile in front of the camp, where the mounted men reinforced us, about two miles from the camp. On our retreat we came upon the remains of the Rocket Battery which had been destroyed."

From one of Cochrane's accounts

Pulleine said

"I'm sorry you have come as you are senior to me you will of course take command."

Durnford replied

"I'm not going to interfere with you, i'm not going to remain in camp."

Essex

"At about ten A.M. a party of about 250 mounted natives, followed by a rocket. battery, arrived with Lieu tenant-Colonel Durnford, R.E., who now assumed command of the camp."

Impi

Just a bit confused as to why you started a topic about my piece of work on papers being removed from Durnfords
body, then ask about who was in command of the camp ?

I'm a bit confused. I'm sure in your artical. It said Pullliene handed command over to Durnford.

LH

I make no such referance.




Cheers

What confuses you ?

I don't state that Durnford took command in my article.



Cheers

Drummer Boy 14 wrote:

Durnford was senior to Pulleine.




Cheers

Hi DB 14,

iIt's a difficult task to write an article.
The critic is easy ...so for the best!!! (see Julian WHYBRA!)
Well done DB 14. ("félicitation" in French)
What is the subject of your next article?

regard

YMOB