The Rediscovery of 17th Lancers Lt. Frith's Grave |
Peter Quantrill
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Johnny,
Thank you for that excellent posting. Would it be possible to obtain exact directions from the point on the road to the stream? What about Corporal William Cotter's grave? Any sign of that? It would seem from Commandant Lorrain White's report that although they were killed about one hundred yards apart, they were buried side by side. Motague reported that the graves (plural) were marked by " two trees, quantly shaped aloes, the only two trees in that direction for many miles."Still there I wonder? Have you Nevill Worthington's e-mail address? Many thanks, Peter |
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Peter Ewart
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Johnny
Many thanks for quoting in full the moving story from the Courier. I was slightly taken aback as I had understood that the Frith grave was not one of those which was elusive, although I recognise that the more remote graves will always be in some danger of disappearing into the long grass, as well as the usual problems of neglect and desecration. According to Knight & Castle's Then & Now (p231) Frith's grave was restored comparatively recently by the National Monuments Council. Their book appeared in 1993 and the restoration had apparently been "recent", so it is a shame that the memorial - which, in this picture, looked in absolutely pristine condition with a brand new plaque - had succumbed so soon, although presumably there was no deterioration other than what one would expect after a dozen or so years in the long grass? The photo also shows the other two graves, one either side of Frith - I wonder if any work has been done to identify these two individuals? Were they noted by the recent visiting party? K & C's photo also shows a low, dry stone wall and a barbed wire fence enclosing the three graves - has this survived or disappeared? Peter Q - The same publication (pp232/3) has a photo (presumably modern?) of Cotter's and Scott Douglas's graves, as well as two contemporary sketches, one of the interment itself and the other with a soldier guarding the two recent interments. The photo reveals them both to be pretty robust concrete structures, which - unless dynamited for muti, which isn't unknown as you'll know - should survive. The long grass will have had its own ideas, of course! I have a good many written descriptions of the mission site at kwaMagwaza and its beautiful location between 1860 and c1900 and have often been surprised at the almost total absence of any mention of these two graves in the correspondence I've seen after 1880. I haven't been there myself but have been within a few miles. I'm pretty sure Keith Smith has, though - and if so, he'll have located the graves, I'm sure. Peter |
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Peter Ewart
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See also, of course, the large, relatively recent colour photos of each of these three graves on the Keynsham Light Horse site (linked to this website).
P.E. |
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Martin Everett
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I am not sure about 'rediscovery' of the grave - I certainly took photographs of Frith's grave in November 2004. This was for new book on the WW Lloyd 1/24th AZW paintings (never been published before) - Lloyd produced a sketch of Frith's death - 'Done For' in his published book of stetches from called 'On Active Service'.
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_________________ Martin Everett Brecon, Powys |
Johnny Hamman
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Evening, gents,
Yes, Martin, you are of course correct. I spoke to Uncle Neville at length this afternoon, and he said that he meant rediscovered in the sense that no-one, not even Rob Gerrard at Isandlwana Lodge, knew where the grave was now. The old Zulu showed them the grave, which was hidden from view, completely overgrown in grass above hip length. They would have fallen over the grave without seeing it. The gentlemen from the 17th Lancers cleared the grass with their swords, and held a service at the cleaned up grave. Paul, When you stand in front of the Fort Newdigate slab, looking in the direction of the stream, just behind the zulu homestead, little less than a km from the road, you will find the grave. It is visible now. Neville said you can phone or fax him at 034-2121347, or email him at Tourism Dundee at [email protected] as he does not have his own email. They will pas the email on to him. Incidentally, Ian Knight is now at Isandlwana lodge, but he is leaving again tomorrow. I do not know if Neville spoke to him, but Ian knows where the grave was. There was a second grave there, but Neville said he could not see any markings on it. I will be going back there shortly to take a picture of both. Johnny Hamman Dundee |
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Graves: Scott-Douglas and Cotter |
Keith Smith
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As Peter Ewart rightly says, I have visited these graves a couple of times and have photographs. The first time I visited I could not locate them but when I went back a year later, I contacted, first, the headmaster of the local school, and second, the head of the local church conference centre. The latter was very excited at my visit and took me to the graves himself. Both of these gentlemen were very helpful, and I have found this to be a common trait in Zululand, whether the aid came from Zulu or European.
I was very interested in Frith's grave, having tried a couple of times to locate it from Ft Newdigate myself, and failed. On the other hand, I was able to 'find' Fort Evelyn, with the aid of Rex Duke, a site which is not marked by signs on the road at all. KIS |
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Ron Sheeley
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Keith, I recently acquired an original white ink drawing of the Death of Frith by the illustrator of the ILN and Graphic-Hermanus Willem Koekkoek (1869-1929). I'll send you an email to your private address with a scan of it. Anyone else who would like a scan, just email me. The drawing is entitled "An incident in the Zulu War--the Trumpet Major dismounts quickly and lifted the adjutant's body off the saddle." Ron Sheeley
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The Rediscovery of 17th Lancers Lt. Frith's Grave |
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