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JustinYoung
| Joined: 25 Apr 2006 |
| Posts: 15 |
| Location: UK |
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 Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 9:03 am |
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I was reading about the incident in May 18th 1879 and it seems odd that more wasn't made of Schrembrucker saving Captain Moore- Here is the account from the 'Graphic' - I'm curious to think what other people think;
�A CRITCAL MOMENT�
'This engraving depicts an incident of the Zulu War, which occurred on Sunday, May 18th. A report having reached the camp that about a hundred Zulus has occupied a kraal on the side of the Pongolo River near Luneberg, where they were said to be harvesting crops, it was decided that Commandant Schermbrucker should make a reconnaissance, accompanied by Captain Moore, 4th King�s Own Regiment, and an orderly, Trooper L. Laasen (Schermbrucker�s horse).
After a while the reconnoitring party found themselves hemmed in by Zulus, whose numbers rapidly increased, and who opened fire upon them. Presently the Commandant�s horse was shot dead, whereupon he took Laasen�s horse, and bade the trooper mount behind him. But the horse refused the double load, and presently it was decided that Laasen should seek safety on foot. The poor fellow, however, never returned to camp. The Zulus were soon after this within 150 yards, and the bullets were flying like hailstones. Moore�s horse was shot down. Now came the critical moment shown in our picture. Moore quickly rose, and directed a well-aimed shot at the foremost of his pursuers. It took effect, and the Zulus were momentarily checked. Schermbrucker utilised that moment by urging Moore to mount behind him. They had scarcely adjusted themselves to the double riding when the Zulus renewed their fire. There, was however, an open path before them, the horse proved equal to the occasion, and soon after noon they were safe at Luneberg. In the evening of the same day the Commandant, with an escort, proceeded to search for Laasen but in vain'
It seems a little odd that Tpr Larsen was left to fend for himself because the horse refused a double load where shortly after a man of higher Rank was able get on without a problem - a fair point could be that at that exact point the Horse was alarmed and this caused the problems but then why did Moore not take him up? There doesn't seem to be any explaination for this anywhere in any of the accounts, as if this wouldn't be expected!
Maybe this account and others I've read just don't accurately enough describe what went on but the fact that many an Officer were given or Recommended at least for the VC for saving another Officers life - which Schermbrucker certainly did (not that I'm personally saying he should have got it) in similar circumstances does make me wonder why this is not more well known. I know their seemed to be a reluctance to make Awards to colonials but I believe Schermbrucker was very well thought of.
Justin
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