Chatterbox Annual 1893 "Brave Act in the Zulu War"

Whilst searching for something totally unrelated I discovered this little gem in the 1893 Chatterbox Annual:

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A Critical Moment.
John Young Collection.

The engraving depicts Commandant F. X. Schermbrucker, of the Kaffrarian Rifles saving Captain Henry Moore, 2nd Battalion, 4th (King's Own) Regiment, whilst on a reconnaissance to the Tafelberg stronghold, near to the Ntombe River on Sunday 18th May 1879.

Some may be aware of the scene as depicted in The Graphic. Neither engraving show the teenage orderly of Schermbrucker, Trooper L. Larsen, who was ordered to give up his horse by Schermbrucker in order that Schermbrucker and Moore might escape to safety whilst he was abandoned to his fate.

It makes me question the title of the piece in Chatterbox and why two weeks later an officer was court-martialled for abandoning someone to their fate. Obviously the life of a noble-born Frenchman trumps that of a boy from Denmark.

John Y.

Subject: Brave act in the Zulu War Fri May 13, 2016 8:26 am

Hi JY
I may be wrong , but I thought Larsen gave up his horse , Larsen was a runner of some note , and thought he'd be able to get away in that fashion , therefore giving up his horse ?
Will email you soon
90th Salute

90th,

Schermbrucker's horse was killed first, he ordered the 14-year Larsen off of his horse which he then mounted himself. Then Moore's horse was killed, Moore then gets up behind Schermbrucker and they make good their escape whilst leaving Larsen on foot pursued by up to a hundred warriors.

There's very strange version of the events in Terry Sole's book which sounds somewhat concocted to me, not helped by the author spelling Larsen's name as Larson throughout.

I will await your debriefing, the Major seems to have enjoyed your company.

John Y.

Subject: Brave act in the Zulu War Fri May 13, 2016 8:46 am

Hi JY
We had a great time , he Major is a true character ! Very Happy

90th

» The annual parade in memory of Cwmbran’s Zulu War hero, Private John Williams (Fielding) VC, is due to go ahead on January 18th 2014.
» Natal Carbineers - Isandhlwana 1880s
» Considered brave ...?