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Date	Original Topic
18th January 2002	Isandlwana & The Black Prince By Bob Bennett Just looking for opinions here. I think that the Black Prince, with the same number of men and horse as Pulleine/Durnford, would have won the day at Isandlwana. I think that the English army of 500 years in the past would have done much better that the more modern 1879 troops.
Date	Replies
18th January 2002	Ian Woodason Bob, An interesting observation but as it was the disposition of the British troops rather than their quality that was the major factor in their defeat, one would have to ask whether the Black Prince would do as well as you posit starting with his men in the same positions. If they do not start in the same positions then the comparison loses value, because if the 1879 British troops started in more advantageous positions then they too could probably have defeated the Zulu. Given the dispositon that suited their own particular tactics most armies from history could have defeated the Zulus, given the distribution that the British actually had, few could. Ian
18th January 2002	Greg I think that 2 comatants of the black princes period, armed as they were would after a while be worn out what with chain mail , plate armour etc.The instict of the zulu to close to hand to hand combat and their level of stamina allowing them speed and none restricting equipment.I wouldnt be so sure that the Black prince would have it all his own way.And remember that the black princes men wouldn`t be offered any quarter as in the middle ages,if things didnt go their own way !.
18th January 2002	Stephen McDonald I think this Black Prince theory is a load of crap. Bob, give your head a shake...ok? Comparative military capabilities spanning 500 years just doesn't make sense. Its a waste of our time. Bob, ...oh what the heck. Shouldn't even acknowledge this type of dribble...
18th January 2002	Bob Bennett Ian and Greg, Thanks for your responses, and for taking the scenario for what it was, a hypothetical situation. Stephen, I understand that prison inmates are able to use pc's these days, Kudos to you, keep up the rehabilitation. Bob
19th January 2002	Alan Critchley do be quiet now, there's a good gentleman, you'll upset the lads. Alan
19th January 2002	Stephen Thanks for the kudos Bob, my rehab is good quite well altho I have lapses once in while. I should be out of HM Prison in about 3 years and then I'm confident I can be a worthwhile member of society. But Bob, really...your scenario wasn't hypothetical (as hypothetical scenarios are by definition based on plausible actions). Your scenario was ludicrous. Cut down on drinking the flourinated water Bob...things will clear up in a while. Stephen
19th January 2002	Bob Bennett Stephen, Curiouser and Curiouser, it seems that you and Webster's have different definitions of hypothetical. I will allow Webster's to demonstrate. Hypothetical - being or involving a hypothesis : CONJECTURAL <hypothetical arguments> <a hypothetical situation>: SUPPOSITION inference from presumptive evidence : a conclusion deduced by surmise or guesswork. Scenarios comparing the great golfer Bobby Jones to Tiger Woods, Vince Lombardi and his Green Bay Packers to Super Bowl champions et at. exist everywhere. To call any scenario ludicrous shows a closed mind and lack of creative thought, your "favorite Zulu character" answer in the next question provides evidence that both are present in your case. I can only hope that the site itself, both Alan and Peter, do not condone the suppressionist comments that you have displayed. Bob
20th January 2002	Stephen Hi Bob, Bob, pause and think about you comments. Perhaps you need to broaden your perceptions on things. Seriously tho, we should all have some fun on this site. We should all challenge views as we see appropriate. Bob, lets not stifle free speach by complaining to Alan and Peter. OK? It goes without saying that we are all gentlemen. STEPHEN
22nd January 2002	Peter Critchley Hi guys, So long as no-one takes what's written personally, and it's within the rules governing this discussion forum, I'm fine with it. If anyone feels that they have a problem, I would rather get an email, than a flame war breaks out. Keep it calm now.. :) Peter Webmaster