Cairns east of Isandhlwana

Posts : 2871 Join date : 2010-06-02

Prompted by Frank's earlier comment I have marked what appear to be cairns to the east of Isandhlwana (part of which can be seen on the left edge of picture). Although this seems to conform pretty well to the shape of the initial defensive line it is based on simply picking out the white dots, some of which may not be cairns at all. However, it is certainly easy to see a general pattern from the satellite image.
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Steve

Subject: Re: Cairns east of Isandhlwana Tue Dec 05, 2017 9:11 pm

Hi Steve,

Is the lighter area, stretching North from the bottom centre of the photo, Durnfords 'donga'?

If so (assuming they are not Zulu bodies and are cairns) what are (or rather whose are) the cairns to the east of this donga - out in the plain?

Unless I am getting my dongas confused....

Ta

Simon

Posts : 2871 Join date : 2010-06-02

Hi Simon

Yes, it is the northern end of "Durnfords" donga. As to the cairns (if that is what they are), I can only assume they are covering early Imperial troop casualties (perhaps Pope?). But others who know the ground might know better.

Steve

Subject: Re: Cairns east of Isandhlwana Wed Dec 06, 2017 2:33 am

Sime
That's the second Donga.Top right, there is a village, the road to its east. Part of the 'Durnford donga is just visible to its right. That's the upper reaches. The red circle away on its own isn't a cairn.
Steve have you compared it back with the map?
Bassage commented that the whole of G company fell where they were on guard duty that evening. So that furthest line of dots 'should' be Popes men. Theres around twelve or so, Mike Snook has the entire G company force being buried under those twelve.

Subject: Re: Cairns east of Isandhlwana Wed Dec 06, 2017 6:25 am

Hi,

I did wonder about the feature by the village but I wasn't sure, that explains the cairns to me.

I wonder is anyone (on the forum) 'techy' enough to superimpose a conventional map of the battle - camp areas etc on to a Google Earth photo. It may have already been done but I do not recall seeing one.

That way at a glance you could see camps, terrain features and cairns (albeit some of the cairns would be in the camp areas.

Cheers

Simon

Posts : 2871 Join date : 2010-06-02

I think you would need the professional version of Google Earth to do an overlay and I am too much of a skinflint to pay real money. It is fun though messing about.

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Steve

» Cairns at Isandhlwana
» 24th Men Killed at Isandlwana near a kraal
» PRIVATE C. CAIRNS, 58TH (RUTLANDSHIRE) FOOT