The running man

Guest

The common story that seems to do the rounds about the fugitives is that only those on horseback escaped.
However whilst looking through various survivors accounts whilst doing some research I spotted a strange line in one of their statements.
It didn't concern Mr G. so I didn't take much notice of it at the time but re reading the account last night it has intregued me again and I wonder if anyone on here might have more information.
The line comes from Stafford's account and he states:-

' The only Imperial Army officer with us who escaped was Captain Essex of the 2nd 24th Regiment and one of the Mounted Infantry men who ran all the way and kept up to us. He was gifted with marvelous staying power'

Seems like someone on foot did escape if we are to believe him.

Any ideas who that could have been? Or is it Stafford being fanciful? (perhaps he means he ran just from Fugitives to Helpmekaar. His statement of events is a bit out of sync)

Kate Very Happy

Subject: Re: The running man Thu Jun 07, 2018 7:37 pm

Hi Kate,

I read a thread a while ago - I think the outcome was that nobody knew for sure.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

I think I started a similar thread a while ago but also drew a blank

Cheers

Sime

Subject: Re: The running man Thu Jun 07, 2018 7:42 pm

From Frank, a while ago:-

Frank Allewell wrote:: Walter Stafford's statement January 1938.
....The only Imperial officer who was with us that escaped was Captain Essex of the 2nd 24th regiment AND ONE OF THE MOUNTED INFANTRY MEN WHO RAN ALL THE WAY AND KEPT UP WITH US. He was gifted with marvellus staying power.
Knew Id seen it some place.
If it was a member of the IMI then he would be one of 10 who did escape. We know Wassall and Westwood were mounted so that leaves 8 to choose from. Evans and Whelan rode on to Rorkes Drift so Im sure they could be discounted. Six left to choose from
Sgnt Naughton
Corporal McCann
Prvt Davis
Prvt Gascoigne
Prvt Power
Prvt Parry.

Cheers

Guest

Smashing, thanks Sime Salute

Kate

Subject: Re: The running man Thu Jun 07, 2018 8:07 pm

Although it does not necessarily follow (as Julian would say - 'Proof Watson proof')

One possible clue is that Stafford never said an 'NCO' of the IMI.

Now, I would have thought that the man would have abandoned his tunic/webbing etc, during the run but he was recognisable as IMI (probably because of his boots & breeches) but it may be that he was a Private.

But it was written in 1938....

Just a thought.......very spurious but.....

Sime

Guest

Possibly Sime, possibly and you are right he may not have been identifiable by his attire but one would have thought that as they mopped their brows and counted their blessings after their escape they would have spoken to one another with introductions given.

He was obviously quite memorable to Stafford if he remembered him and included him in a statement all those years later.

I'll have a look through the link you posted above and see what the outcome of the discussion was re the possibility that someone on foot did actually escape from the camp.

Kate Very Happy

Subject: Re: The running man Thu Jun 07, 2018 8:42 pm

Gardner1879 wrote:: but one would have thought that as they mopped their brows and counted their blessings after their escape they would have spoken to one another with introductions given.Kate

After he got his breath back..... Very Happy

Posts : 2268 Join date : 2010-10-22 Location : France

Bonsoir,
Possibly Pte Frank Gooding (2/3) attached to 1st squadron IMI
Source "England's sons" by Julian Whybra
Cheers.
Frédéric

Guest

Thanks Frederic Salute

Posts : 270 Join date : 2017-07-21 Location : San Diego, CA

Realistically, he was most likely unhorsed at some point and managed to effect the rest of his escape on foot. Nonetheless, an incredibly impressive feat.

Guest

...or even incredibly impressive feet !!
Very Happy

Subject: Re: The running man Sat Jun 09, 2018 12:30 pm

I did read somewhere, that someone legged it from Hlobane to the British camp Khambula.

Posts : 2871 Join date : 2010-06-02

Interesting comment on his stamina from Stafford - but did it never occur to him to give the poor man a lift!

PS Sime, just added a bit of research to the Victorian Wars forum - a guy with an employers reference from the Huntley and Palmers Biscuit Factory in Reading in 1878 - thought of you.
Steve

Subject: Re: The running man Sat Jun 09, 2018 2:31 pm

Hmmmm..... I know Fox's drives me to despair sometimes but I don't think I would join the army to get away from the place.....

H&P made army biscuits in the WW1/2 and Fox's (or as it was at the time Elkes Biscuits) had a contract up until the late 1980's/early 90's making army biscuits - they were sealed in tins......probably still around in some army stores somewhere....

Posts : 2871 Join date : 2010-06-02

I meant 1878! Been a lot of biscuits since then.

Steve

» No Martini Henry Rifles Found Among The Zulu Dead At Rorkes Drift.
» Running for cover: Parliament and the Anglo Zulu War. January – March 1879 By D P O’Connor