Help !!! Dissertation on the Anglo Zulu war

Subject: Help !!! Dissertation on the Anglo Zulu war Wed Oct 22, 2014 5:22 pm

Hi Guys

My youngest son is studying History at University before taking up a place at Sandhurst.

he has been taking military related modules and wants to do his dissertation on the AZW. Presumambly so he can find excuses to raid my library for books - whilst getting his laundry done and emptying my beer fridge. I had hoped ! had inspired him with my love of the conflict but I think the beer fridge holds more importance!!!

My discussions with him around potential areas of interest made me realise that I just havent got the depth of knowledge to point him in the direction of some new and interesting research. I am still learning myself.

Can you please help - what would you want a fairly bright and capable historian to spend his time on.

So far we are looking at the relationship and roles of Officers and senior NCO's using the Zulu war as a backdrop.

Having been to Fugitives drift with me - he is keen to do a study related to Isandlawana.

He feels that the Role of the Colonial troops could be of interest too - but we cant think of a good hook.

Finaly we though a piece comparing and contrasting Isandlwana, Maiwand and Abu Klea could be interesting .

Any ideas on topics would be greatfully received.
Sergio

Posts : 2558 Join date : 2009-04-06 Age : 62 Location : UK

This topic may give some suggestions
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Hi Sergio,
It might also depend on the size of dissertation he is going to write as what he picks as a subject!

One thing that has always intrigued me, after the decision by Frere and Chelmsford what the cost was in financial term and the logistical problems. He could then relate Victorian costs to a modern day cost of the war. I cannot remember, but it may have been Chard who left an estate of £9K which equates to a modern day estate of £750K.

Another thesis could be what if the Zulu's adopted a guerilla war against the British and Colonial forces. What would have been the complications and implications on the British and South Africa on a long drawn out conflict.

Just a couple of thoughts
cheers
Richie

Posts : 2871 Join date : 2010-06-02

Two thoughts from me.

First, it might be interesting to make comparison with the Second Afghan War, which the British were fighting at the same time, with more than double the number of troops and with a victory that left subsequent control of things to the Afghans (aside from foreign policy). No diamond or gold fields of course!

An aspect of the Anglo-Zulu War that needs exploration is the story of the accompanying wives and families and those at home - largely invisible in the midst of all the daring do, but surely bearing the greatest impact of the disaster at Isandlwana.

Steve

Guest

Very incisive Steve, much neglected..no diamonds
and gold.. Very Happy

Posts : 225 Join date : 2011-09-19

Sergio

What about the big question - "Was Chelmsford incompetent or unlucky ?" There is an abundance of evidence both for and against and enough to come up with a reasoned judgement.

Good luck !

Bill

Subject: Dissertation on the AZW Thu Oct 23, 2014 9:06 am

Hi Sergio
I'll go with Bill's thought ! , there is so much evidence to peruse , should be a cracking paper I'd expect .
Cheers 90th agree

Sergio a thought for your son

The significance of communication.

Just a few examples from the many.
The conflicting orders regarding the Durnford columns movements mid January.
The demotivation effect, ergo the dispatch Chelmsford /Durmford
The lack of communication Chelmsford/Glyn and its effect on communication down the chain of command
The significance of badly passed verbal orders, Chelmsford to Crealock
The effects and misinterpretations of poorly worded orders Chelmsford/ Crealock/Durnford

There are numerous other examples, Durnford/Carbineers. Scott to piquets, Clery to Scott Clery to Pullein Pullein to Chelmsford Gardner to Chelmsford etc etc etc
More than enough to write a few volumes on and gets away from the normal subjects selected from iSandlwana.

Just a thought.

Cheers

PS If your son doesn't I may just be tempted to do one myself.

Thanks Guys

Some really good ideas . I will let you know what he decides on

Regards

Sergio

Guest

Sergio, your welcome to any images, maps. sketches i have. Salute

Thanks Xhosa - I really appreciate it.

he won't be starting his dissertation until next year (he has to come up with a plan and get it approved first). At which point I will point him here.

It should give me enough time to scrub any details of those DCM and Isandlwana medal purchases from the site !!

Subject: Help !!! Dissertation on the AZW Tue Oct 28, 2014 5:20 am

Hi Sergio .
Yes mate , you best start scrubbing ! LOL Joker

. I picked up my first 80th Regt Medal from DNW last Friday agree

.
Cheers 90th Salute

Good on you 90th > I obviously have never spent a lot of money on medals ( see scrubbing post above) .

One of my real fears is that when I die my wife will sell my books, artefacts and medals for what I told her I paid for them Sad

Subject: Help !!! Dissertation on the AZW Wed Oct 29, 2014 12:50 am

Hi Sergio
Thanks Mate , I'll be in the same boat ! , mine has no clue about the collection , she wouldnt have any idea ! Shocked

Cheers 90th Suspect

We have a deal, I don't ask about her ever growing shoe cupboard and she doesn't come into my study. Very Happy

Guest

Anybody got the right time! scratch

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Subject: Help !! Disertation on the AZW Wed Oct 29, 2014 8:48 pm

Hi Les
I noticed that on the weekend I think it was , instead of my Aussie time being shown on the forum , I have the UK time now !
Strange or what ? scratch

Wonder if Pete can adjust it to the way it was scratch

90th $Don\'t agree$

Aussie time no such thing. Stick to UK agree

Guest

Hiya Gary, thought it was just me! that's why i
posted the screengrab, the time now is 21.38
uk. Salute

xhosa

Guest

Admin, its all a matter of timing. Very Happy

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Guest

Clue...its not 7:43.

Posts : 2871 Join date : 2010-06-02

The time is 14 hours out in UK. It is not that time anywhere in the world. We have left the planet.

Steve

That's frighting !!!!! Needs investigating. Suspect

Posts : 2871 Join date : 2010-06-02

Call the Doctor.

Steve

Guest

Call Greenwich. Shocked

Posts : 2871 Join date : 2010-06-02

Call Albert Einstein.

Steve

Gents are we all singing from the same time zone. Let me know adjustments have been made.

If your time zone is not showing.

When you are logged in, click on "Profile" on the top of your forum

Click on "Preferences" tab. Go down and stop just before the Save button and choose the Timezone according to your country/area. Then press save. agree

Simples

» DVDs available about the Anglo Zulu War
» Two maps. The Anglo Zulu War 1879 & The Dividing of the Zulu Kingdom after the War.
» The Anglo Zulu War in Colour.