Quartermaster James Pullen

Subject: Quartermaster James Pullen Fri Aug 19, 2016 2:42 pm

Hi All,
Does anyone have any information regarding this man. He is mentioned in IK's silver book and a nice picture, but I can't find anything on the WEB search. My late father in law was a Pullen and he kindly left me his hardback copy of Washing of the Spears. It would be nice if I could find a link.

Thanks Guys.

Posts : 2872 Join date : 2010-06-02

This is from the RDVC site and gives a clue about family connections for QM James Pullen. It may help.

10th September 2001 Chris Lovelock
I read with interest the message about the two Quartermasters at Isandhlwana. James Pullen would be the Great Grand Uncle of my wife. And his medals are kept by the family.

Below is an extract from the Regimental museum, describing his career. He doesn't sound like the sort of person who'd refuse to hand out munitions during a crisis.

Extract from the Regimental Museum in Brecon.
JAMES PULLEN - QUATERMASTER, 24TH REGIMENT (2ND WARWICKSHIRE)
James Pullen joined the 24th Regiment as a Private in the year 1851. After 19 years honourable service in various quarters of the globe, Promoted Sergeant to Lance Sergeant 12th April 1865 reduced to Lance Corporal 28th September 1866, promoted to Corporal 18th December 1867, Sergeant 2nd January 1870, whilst in Malta, to the rank of Colour-Sergeant 13th June 1872, and in 1873, whilst at Gibraltar, was appointed Sergeant Instructor of Musketry.
Sergeant Pullen proceeded with the 1st Battalion, at the latter end of 1874, to the Cape of Good Hope, and served with it at its various stations in the Colony. From May to November 1876 he acted as Sergeant-Major to the detachment of his corps which formed part of the expedition to Grigualand West. In July 1877 he was promoted to the rank of Quatermaster on 21st September 1877, and served with his battalion in that capacity throughout the Kaffir War of 1877-1878.
In November 1878 he proceeded with the regiment to Natal, on its embarkation for that country in view of the impending hostilities with the Zulu's. He took part in January 1879, in the subsequent advance of Glyn's column into the enemy's country and was present at the storming of Sirayo's stronghold in the Bansee Valley. In the disastrous encounter with the enemy at the Battle of Isandhlwana on the 22nd January 1879, Pullen was engaged in supplying ammunition from the Battalion ammunition wagon, when the Zulu's broke through the defence lines, he is reputed to have jumped from the wagon, rallied some 20 men about him, and was heard to say "Come on my lads! Follow me, and let us turn their flank" He went out with this party towards the hills to the left of the position and with them attempted to hold back the tip of the Zulu left-horn, and steadfastly performed his duty of serving out ammunition until the line retired on the camp. It is presumed that he was killed at this stage of the Battle.
Quartermaster Pullen was a well conducted, intelligent soldier, most zealous in the performance of his duties. He was a good shot and keen sportsman too - attributes which, perhaps, contributed not a little to the popularity which he enjoyed amongst his brother officers and his men.
Awarded the South Africa Medal with clasp 1877-8-9 and Long Service and Good Conduct Medal 1876.

Steve

Subject: Re: Quartermaster James Pullen Sat Aug 20, 2016 12:27 am

Click on link below. Page 4

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Subject: Re: Quartermaster James Pullen Sat Aug 20, 2016 10:10 pm

Thanks for your help gents. I will let you know if I come up with anything from other sources.

Posts : 1261 Join date : 2010-04-12

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Pullen had been promoted from sergeant-major to QM on 21st July 1877. He served in the 9th Cape Frontier War of 1877-78 and was QM to the 1st Battalion at Isandhlwana.
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