Survivors and wounded |
Alan
Site Admin
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Chelmsford didn't want his troops to be exposed to the sight of the camp and so only stayed long
enough to avoid showing the carnage and left before daylight. It wouldn't do his reputation any good either. There was no question of a detailed search in the dark. As to looking for possible survivors, it was too dark and there was the fear of the Zulus returning, or still being there. Those who did escape were eventually accounted for. In any event, anyone remaining in the area of the battle would be unlikely to be missed by 20,000 Zulus wandering about. There have been stories of torture and disemboweling gives that appearance but it was to avoid spirits being left to come back to haunt them. Because that sort of custom is so alien to us it appears to be torture. I don't know about the stories of the drummer boys. |
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David Rae
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Thanks Alan, I've read this before as the reason but is this the reason given at that precise time for leaving before daybreak one or is it an interpretation ascribed by historians or attributed after the event by contemporary sources? It seems Chelmsford was shocked by what had happened - who wouldn't be? But he was also astute and knew that Rorke's was under attack and possibly overrun. It must have been with a heavy heart that he approached the outpost, knowing that what awaited him there could be a similar scene to the one he had just witnessed and also he faced the distinct possibility of being ambushed en route. But, given that the early start and morning approach to Rorke's Drift did have an impact on the Zulus besiegers it may have made political sense at the time to claim this as the reason for the early withdrawal from Isandlwana. All conjecture on my part and perhaps impossible to claim at the time that this was the reason, but there seem to have been quite a few cover ups and perhaps the heroism of the stand alone story of Rorke's Drift would have suffered if the arrival of a large relieving force had played a major part in the public's view of the event. Doing something is fact and can be easily checked, very often the reason for doing or not doing something is not so easy to verify as the reasons are generally "modified" retrospectively in the light of subsequent events.
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Alan
Site Admin
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A glow on the horizon in the direction of Rorke's Drift made it seem obvious that the station had suffered the same fate.
It wouldn't have made sense to travel in the dark without knowing what might be awaiting. Others with more accurate information will possibly provide further details. The troops had been on the go all day and were hungry. I think it would be safe to say though that Chelmsford was not going to take any chances of having a further disaster. |
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Colin
Guest
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That is a fantastic painting...
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Alan
Site Admin
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Colin, it's not a painting. I created it in photoshop using a photo of Isandlwana and
other images including pieces from Fripp's painting. |
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Colin
Guest
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Alan,
Would never have guessed it was created using that facility, but I still don�t have dealings with much beyond basic computer usage...it really is very good though...you are very much skilled in using it... |
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Paul Bryant-Quinn
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Alan
I hadn't realised that you created that image. It is very good indeed: well done. |
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AMB
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Alan,
That�s an excellent depiction of the battle! You should sell prints in the shop.... All the best, AMB |
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Alan
Site Admin
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AMB
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Mr Turner of the 21st Century!
AMB |
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Survivors and wounded |
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