iSandlwana a forum timeline 1

The times I have added are based on Jackson and Knight in Hill of the Sphinx and Zulu Rising. I have restricted them (I think) to those that are sourced from primary documents and accounts. There is some speculation on timings during the battle itself but I have avoided those at the moment.


1.30am Chelmsford receives an appeal from Dartnell and issues orders for the 2/24th to make ready to advance.
            Smith Dorrien is sent to RD with an order for Col Durnfords force
3.00am Chelmsford leaves camp
First light Durnford  leaves RD to travel the Biggarsberg
7.00am Smith Dorrien arrives at RD
8.00am Durnford is recalled to RD
10.30am Durnford arrives at iSandlwana
10.50am Most of E Coy NNC plus RB arrive
11.00am Raw and Roberts are sent onto the plateau
11.00am (Cavaye)  The first company is sent to the plateau.
11.10am Vause,waggons and rest of E Coy NNC arrive
11.30am Durnford rides out
12.00 The impi is discovered
12.15 Gardner and Smith arrive in camp
12.15 (Mostyn) The second company is sent to the spur
         Durnford reaches the top of the Quabe valley
         The left horn attacks
         Durnford retreats down the valley
         The rocket battery is destroyed
         The chest sits down to wait for the left horn
          Durnford meets up with the remnants of the rocket battery
          The chest  and right horn move to attack.
          Cavaye and Mostyn retreat down the spur
          Durnford reaches the donga
          The reserve moves in behind the left horn and waits on the plain
          The left horn, right horn and chest is pinned down
           The withdrawl  from the donga occurs
           Durnford rides across to speak to Pulleine
1.30 The NNC gives way
1.30 The recall is sounded


Steve