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Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 2:30 am

Hello all, this is a request for some help in identification. I have just come into possession of a framed illustration that initially appeared in the August 30, 1879 edition of "Punch" which seems rather unique. The illustration depicts a British soldier lying on his back in the brush, legs raised and knees crossed with his rifle placed between his knees, but with his face looking over his right shoulder behind him at a grinning Zulu warrior with iklwa. The caption reads:
A "POSITION" IN PRACTICE. How a Doubt Suddenly Occurred to a Noted Wimbledon Prize-Winner (Who Had Volunteered for Zululand} As To the Advantages of the "Back-Position" in Actual Warfare!

This would certainly seem to be based on an actual individual, who had earlier distinguished himself at Wimbledon, and was serving in Zululand during the late stages of the 1879 conflict. Can anyone help in identifying who it was?
Thanks in advance!

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 10:53 am

Tim

Would that be the same illustration on page 35 of the book 'Rorke's Drift' by Edmund Yorke ?

The 'caption' for it in the book being 'The perils of campaigning in Zululand'.

Coll

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 1:11 am

This might have some bearing !

The August 2nd 1879 'Illustrated London News' included;

Portrait of Corporal George Taylor, 47th Lancashire Rifle Volunteers, winner of Queen`s Prize at Wimbledon.

The Illustrated London News 1879
August 2nd

The Zulu War: Sketche by Melton Prior: Death of Lt Frith in skirmish at Erzungayan Hill
Natives in a farmhouse making bread for British troops at Estcourt., by Melton Prior.
A Sketch at Utrecht, showing where the Prince Imperial lived.
The Zulu War: Ambassadors from King Cetewayo to sue for peace..
The Zulu War: View of the spot where the Prince Imperial was killed, looking west.
The Zulu War: View of the spot where the Prince Imperial was killed, looking east.
The Zulu War: General Newdigate interrogating a Zulu spy at his HQ, Landman`s Drift.
The Zulu War: HQ of General Lord Chelmsford, Erzungayan Camp.
Portrait and brief article on The Late Mr C Landseer, artist.
The Prince and Princess of Wales at Grimsby.
Illustrated article titled: A sketch of the rise and progress of pictorial journalism, with 4 good sketches.
Portrait of Corporal George Taylor, 47th Lancashire Rifle Volunteers, winner of Queen`s Prize at Wimbledon.
Extension of the Hospital for Consumption, Brompton, London.
Out Patients at the Sassoon General Hospital, Poona.
Unveiling the Bombay Statue of the Prince of Wales presented by Sir Albert Sassoon

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 1:28 am

Coll: I would imagine it is that illustration, but I do not have Yorke's book for comparison.

Sean: Thanks very much, your listing certainly indicates that the illustration is that of Cpl. George Taylor of the 47th Lancashire Rifle Volunteers! I thought it looked like Melton Prior's work, but could not find or make out a signature or initials. It will be interesting to try to find out a bit more regarding Corporal Taylor.

Thanks to you both for your responses!

Tim

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 3:09 am

Here's an article by David Minshall with a bit on shooting positions, including the 'back position', and the Punch illustrations, (and humour !)

http://www.lrml.org/historical/smallboreman03.htm

Sean

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 8:56 pm

Looking at some of the other recent posts ref. the accuracy of military rifle shooting,

if you care to read David Minshall's article above, esp Parts 1 & 2, you will get an idea of their potential, and some history of rifle, rifling and bullet development.

How's this for a 'mere' muzzle loader !

The first prize meeting of the NRA was held on Wimbledon common, where it was to remain an annual event until 1890 when it moved to the new ranges at Bisley. Queen Victoria fired the inaugural shot at the first rifle meeting on 2 July 1860. A Whitworth muzzle-loading rifle placed in a mechanical rest had been aligned with a target at a distance of 400 yards. Joseph Whitworth handed a silken cord attached to the trigger to Her Majesty and the rifle was discharged by a slight pull on the cord. The adjustment was so accurate that the bullet struck the target within 1.25 inches from the centre.

Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 12:40 am

I had no idea of Wimbledon's earlier history as a rifle range, thanks for the website to the article. I wonder how much Corporal Taylor was able to test his 'position' at the very end of the campaign.