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DateOriginal Topic
5th October 2001Matabele War of 1893
By Stephen McDonald
Peter, this is somewhat off topic but it's an interesting campaign that took place in (then) Rhodesia. On Dec 3, 1893 a patrol of volunteers led by Maj. Allan Wilson pursued Lobengula, King of the Matabele tribe. Due to a number of strategic errors but not a lack of courage, approx. 45 men were surrounded by 7,000 natives and wiped out after a valiant struggle.
Peter, this isn't related to your site but it is a great story. Discussion Forum contributors can refer to the book 'The White Men Sang' by Alexander Fullerton (1958 pub.Peter Davies Ltd., The Windmill Press, Kingswood, Surrey)
Peter, are you or any other contributors familiar with this bit of history?
Cheers
DateReplies
5th October 2001John Young
Stephen,

I've written about the Shangani Patrol in the past, I could send you my text on the subject if you're interested?

Please e-mail me at the above address, as I've problems trying to contact you directly on a previous attempt.

Regards,
John
6th October 2001Lyn Purves
Stephen.

The dramatic story of Allan Wilson's last stand at the Shangani river is a very well known part of Zimbabwean (Rhodesian) history. I agree with you; it is a great story. I recently met one of Major Forbes' descendents in Zimbabwe who told me all about it. Two other works: "A Time to Die" by Robert Cary (1969) and "In Pursuit of the King" which I enjoyed but I can't remember the name of the author. I can find out though when I go to Zimbabwe at the end of the month if you are interested. Incidentally, the History Society of Zimbabwe is very active and they produce an annual journal. They regularly visit historical sites in Zim. but at the moment are somewhat constrained because of the lawlessness there.

Lyn Purves
7th October 2001Ian Woodason
Liz, the details on the book you mention are

O'Reilly, John. PURSUIT OF THE KING. An Evalution of the Shangani Patrol in the Light of the Sources Read by the Author.
Bulawayo, Books of Rhodesia, 1970

Ian Woodason

www.keynshamlighthorse.com

Dedicated to the pursuit of memorials to those involved in the Anglo Zulu War of 1879 - we've found a few Shangani patrol ones too!
7th October 2001Stephen McDonald
Thanks All for the additional information.
I found the book in a library in northern Manitoba (of all places), so I thought that the Shangani Patrol might be well known.
Lastly, I did find some pictures of the actual battle site and a memorial on the Web. However, that was a while ago & I can't recall the URL, nor what key words I used to land on it.
Thanks again
23rd February 2004robert cary
this guy who wrote was my grandfather so i know what its about, though i am only 13 i have read it alot of times. i like the way the book tells the the truth of everything, that is why he was such a great writer. i liked his other books eaoecially "who's who"
23rd February 2004robert cary
this guy who wrote was my grandfather so i know what its about, though i am only 13 i have read it alot of times. i like the way the book tells the the truth of everything, that is why he was such a great writer. i liked his other books eaoecially "who's who". if anyone can tell me where to find it i would be most grateful