There are no favours in war.

Subject: There are no favours in war. Sun Aug 09, 2009 10:06 am

I have been thinking about the Durnford / Chelmsford situation.

The argument. Was Durnford ordered to take command of the camp. Or reinforce the camp.

If Durnford had taken command of the camp he would have stayed in the camp.

If Durnford had reinforced the camp, he would have stayed in the camp.

Regardless of which order he was given,both instructed him to stay in the camp.

But he does seem to have taken it upon self to leave the camp and protect Chelmsford's rear. When really there was no need. In stead he depleted the force at isandlwana and coursed the fire line to be come over extended when he needed their support to cover his retreat back to the camp.

Posts : 2594 Join date : 2009-04-24

Littlehand. You are correct. Durnford should never have left the camp. He was ordered like you say to either take command or reinforce both of the actions would have required him to stay at the camp. I don't recall reading anywhere where it states that Chelmsford ask for help from Durnford if he should get into trouble. Durnford did not fulfil his obligations as a soldier. He should have followed the orders issued to him.