An Ironic Coincidence Re: Little Big Horn and Isandlwana/Rorke's Drift

Posts : 9 Join date : 2013-02-14

There is a little known ironic coincidence regarding the battle of Little Big Horn and the battles of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift: the court of inquiry into Major Marcus Reno's conduct at Little Big Horn held a day of hearings on January 22nd, 1879... the same date as Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift, two battles which put Little Big Horn to shame.

Due to time differences, Isandlwana was in its closing stages when the Reno Court of Inquiry began its proceedings for the day. Rorke's Drift, however, was still ongoing when the court convened for the day.

Another irony: Anthony Durnford and his mixed force of 24th Foot, Natal Carbiners, and Natal Mounted Police all died in the manner hundreds of Americans daydreamed Custer and his men had died: shoulder to shoulder in the face of an overwhelming assault by hundreds of warriors. (I say "daydreamed" because the group of troopers with Custer on Last Stand Hill were in actuality whittled down by long range fire before their position was overrun. The Cheyenne and Lakota preferred to whittle their enemies down before the final assaults, whilst the Zulus -though some warriors were fair to excellent as sharpshooters- loved nothing more than close quarters combat.)

Hi Tony1879
I remember being home one lunchtime when I was at high school ( back in the 70's ! ) and on the news there was a story of how Reno , had been cleared of Cowardice , or some such charges , my best guess it was 1971 or 72 ? .
Cheers 90th Salute

» iSandlwana and Little Big Horn a direct link.
» The right horn at iSandlwana
» The comparison of the battles of the Little Bighorn and Isandlwana