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DateOriginal Topic
29th August 2001Cave?
By Bob Bennett
I read somewhere that there was a cave in Isandlwana, in which a trooper had made his last stand. I know that Alan and Peter visited the site, and was wondering if there is indeed a cave.

Also, I read an account taken from one of the Zulu's who had participated at Isandlwana, in which he stated that there was a large group of troopers with a leader who had a sword which "shined like the sun". He stated that the group was in a position that was so defensible as to make any Zulu approach impossible. He later stated that they charged down from their position and met their fate.

Who was the leader? The group? Why would they leave such a position?

Bob
DateReplies
30th August 2001John Young
Bob,

Yes the cave does exist, it's just above Younghusband's cairn. A few issues back in The Journal of the Anglo-Zulu War Research Society, we did cover the point. If you want I could send you the piece and the engraving which accompanied the article.

As to the officer, it is speculated that it was Reginald Younghusband, officer commanding 'C' Co. 1st/24th. As to why they left their position who knows? Local speculation is they had expended their ammunition, and fixed their bayonets, and "died like British soldiers do."

John
30th August 2001Alan Critchley
John,

I would appreciate any info on the cave since I'll be there again in a few weeks.

Alan
30th August 2001Bob Bennett
John,

Yes, please send the piece, I have a voracious appetite for knowledge on the Anglo-Zulu war. Thanks.

Bob
14th December 2001Ashley Bestbier
I'm curious to know if Reginald Younghusband of Isandlwana, is related to Francis Younghusband, of Everest fame?

Thanks