Lord Chelmsford with Wood at Kambula--Patrol by Buller--Capture of
cattle--Scene from Kambula Kop--Zulu attack on patrol--Removal of
Wood's camp to Mayegwhana--Wood's force--Scarcity of drivers and
voorlopers--Newdigate at Conference Hill--Fort and depôt at
Conference Hill--Work of No. 1 column--Exciting incident with a
convoy--Distribution of troops--Forts on the Tugela, Inyezani, and
at Ginghilovo--System of guards and precautions against
surprises--All ready for the advance--Recapitulation of military
situation--Newdigate's forts at Landsman's Drift--Arrangements for
garrisons in rear of advance--The Lower Tugela command--Patrol by
Wood and Buller in direction of Isandhlwana--Second patrol by
Buller--Zulu attack--The Prince Imperial on patrol--Reconnaissance
in force to Isandhlwana and burial of the dead.
On the morning of May 3rd, Lord Chelmsford, with Prince Louis Napoleon,
Colonel Crealock, and Captain Molyneux, arrived at Wood's camp at
Kambula. His lordship went round the camp soon after his arrival, and
expressed himself uncommonly pleased with all the arrangements for the
discipline and internal economy of the laager, being particularly struck
with the quiet and easy way in which all the duties were carried on,
without noise, excitement, or delay of any kind. The whole force was
paraded in the afternoon for the General's inspection, and his lordship
took the opportunity of saying a few well-chosen and appropriate words
to each corps.
On the following morning (Sunday), after divine service was over, Lord
Chelmsford suggested to General Wood that it would be advisable to make
a reconnaissance in the direction of the White Umvolosi valley in view
of choosing a suitable position for an entrenched camp within easy
communication of Durnberg and Conference Hill. The day was fine and
pleasant, and Buller, who had proceeded in advance with a number of his
scouts, soon signalled back that the patrol were watched by a number of
Zulus, who now and then exchanged shots with his men from the
neighbouring hills. After riding about three miles towards the
south-east in the direction of the Zinguin Neck and Tonguin mountain,
the party entered a rugged part of the country near where the White
Umvolosi takes its rise, passing along by a winding road, flanked on
either side by the usual mimosa thorns, when suddenly was heard the
"whirr! whirr!" of a couple of leaden messengers, though as yet nothing
in the shape of an enemy could be seen. In a short time, however, Wood,
who had cantered on in front, saw with his practised eye sundry
copper-coloured bodies creeping along in the bushes below about half a
mile off. They were so intent upon watching Wood and his group of
horsemen that they did not at first see that about a score of Buller's
men had gained their flank, and almost cut them off. It was a most
exciting scene as the mounted scouts were observed looking about for
something in the shape of a path by which to descend the cliff which
formed at this part almost a sheer precipice of some 300 feet. They,
however, managed the descent by a rough cattle-path, sending down
showers of loose stones and _débris_ before them as their horses half
slid, half scrambled to the base. All this time the main body were
crossing a wide plateau dominating the White Umvolosi valley and the
river, which wound away at the base of the cliff. Looking over the
precipitous sides, they could perceive a small herd of cattle penned up
in a kraal in the centre of a little bush-covered flat adjoining the
stream. As it was thought just possible that they might capture some
prisoners, and obtain information of what Zulu forces were in the
neighbourhood, and as cattle-hunting is one of the great ends of Zulu
warfare, half a dozen of the General's escort were detached to see what
they could effect. Getting down the cliff as well as they could, and
then winding through the dense thorns in the valley, they soon found the
kraal, and, having collected the cattle, began to return. But this was
certainly a puzzle upon which they had not calculated. To ascend the
cliff by the way they had come was impossible, whilst on the other side
ran the river, wide, and apparently very deep. Undoubtedly the only way
out of the difficulty was to find a ford. They were, therefore, busily
occupied in searching for one, when they perceived a mounted scout, sent
by Buller, on the other side of the stream, who was gesticulating very
excitedly, and trying to warn them of some danger. As it was impossible
at the distance to hear what he said, one of the mounted men was sent
down to the bank, and he came back with the news that the bush behind
was full of Zulus. The warning did not come a moment too soon, for
within fifty yards of them came a crowd of naked savages, yelling and
flourishing their assegais and rifles, in evident triumph at the success
of their stratagem. Shouting, therefore, to the men who were staying
behind with the cattle, the rest put spurs to their horses and galloped
along the banks of the river, looking out all the time for any sign of a
ford by which they might cross. Fortunately this situation was seen by
that portion of the party who had gone round by the opposite bank, and
they had come down to meet their comrades, having hit upon a ford higher
up the stream. It was, however, a close shave, so close indeed that by
the time they had reached the other side of the river by the ford, which
was up to the horses' girths, and which they splashed through at a
gallop, the Zulus had actually reached the bank, and were only prevented
from capturing the two men left behind with the cattle by some
well-directed shots. The yells of baffled rage from the disappointed
Zulus were answered by a ringing cheer of triumph from the little party
as they rode up the steep which led to the column. The enemy, however,
still continued to appear at various points along the sides of the
hills, and in some places appeared to be dropping like monkeys from crag
to crag, and it was easy to see that had not these scouts been mounted
they would have been greatly at a disadvantage on such difficult ground.
In fact, part of the line of scouts was in a valley surrounded by
mountains, and from which egress, in case of a struggle setting in,
would be difficult. They, therefore, hurried to get upon ground more
favourable for cavalry movements. As they did so the rear sections had
twice to turn and drive off the enemy, who began to come closer to
their rear. Facing about, one of the sergeants charged right at them
with half a dozen men, and silenced their fire on the right. Several
more galloped to the left rear, where the fire was as close as fifty and
sixty yards, and on this occasion all had some narrow escapes. However,
in about a quarter of an hour they rejoined the main body, having driven
off the Zulus. Their horses' heads, however, had hardly cleared the
bushes when shriller yells than before arose along the mountains in
front, and they had only commenced riding into the plain when another
sharp rifle fire began crackling along the ridges of the Zinguin Neck.
As they steadily advanced this firing ceased, and the scene along the
hills, which seemed to terminate to the west in a stupendous cliff,
became more varied and interesting. Signal fire after signal fire of
grass was lighted, and broad columns of smoke rolled into the air, and
these being repeated from summit to summit, evidently showed that their
movements were carefully watched. A party of horsemen was now despatched
to scour the valley on the left front, and all along the woods, which
fringed the sides of the steep hills in front, jets of smoke marked
their downward progress. As the crackling and flashing approached the
bush where the hills met the plain, individual forms of Zulus could be
seen, and then coming swiftly towards the main body there broke out from
the dust and smoke a small mob of cattle, quickly followed by the
skirmishers galloping in. Three small kraals were found to be in flames,
fired by the Zulus as they retired with their cattle before the advance
of the English horsemen. Two mobs of oxen could be seen, numbering some
hundreds, which were being hurried away to inaccessible places. The
ground in front of the English force was of a loose and calcareous
nature, and, occupying as it did the space between mountain and river,
was torn and cut up in every direction by deep white gullies, by which
the Zulus were retiring sheltered from attack. The ridges between these
gullies afforded the enemy additional shelter, being grown over with
scrubby brush. Half the cavalry were now sent on to secure the
approaches to the river, and guard against any surprise in that
direction, and in a quarter of an hour, protected by the horsemen in
rear, the whole body had passed over in safety.
The General, with his escort, had during the morning's march passed two
of his old camps on the Kambula, and about twelve miles further on came
to a piece of elevated rock or hillock, whence they had a capital view
of White Umvolosi valley, while to the south-west they looked down upon
the Blood river, Conference Hill, and the dark shadow of the Durnberg
range beyond. The Zinguin Neck, where the White Umvolosi has its source,
stretched away at their feet, and farther behind they looked upon the
southern slopes of Zlobani, rising in ledges or bastions in the
distance. Just underneath the shoulder of Conference Hill could be seen,
in the bright sunlight, the white tents of Newdigate's division, and in
the opposite direction was a magnificent view of the precipitous
terraced ledges of the Zlobani, down which our brave fellows had been
driven on the fatal 28th of March. As soon as they reached the top of
the Zinguin they were met by Buller, whose people were actively engaged
in harassing a number of Zulus who were keeping up a desultory and
harmless fire from the krantz in front. The breeze now cleared away the
mists which hung over the valley, and away to the west could be made out
what seemed to be a village perched upon a terrace half way up the berg.
The face of this terrace presented a wild and singular appearance. What
at a distance had appeared level and almost unbroken was in reality a
sort of amphitheatre not less than 1000 feet high, crescent shaped, and
with a terrace fortified by low stone walls springing from rock to rock,
and intersected by enormous fissures or caves connected with each other,
and from which cover a dropping fire was kept up. Leaving their horses
in charge of some few of the men, some twenty riflemen dashed into these
rocks, where the cover would equally shelter them with the enemy. From
this moment the ringing of shots was incessant, and it soon became
evident that the Zulus were in force in a favourable position to annoy
the column until they were expelled. The face of the crescent seemed as
if some powerful eruption had flung from the top of the hill on to its
sides tons of black and jagged rocks and stones, which, piled in wild
confusion and irregularity on top of each other up the face of the
position, presented innumerable caves and crannies, from which, as well
as from stone walls, jets of smoke and bullets were continually issuing.
The dismounted men, meanwhile, began to swarm up the right and left hand
ridges, potting away as they advanced, while a few moved up the centre,
firing when necessary and taking advantage of what cover was afforded.
Several exciting incidents now occurred. As these sharpshooters gained
a better and more commanding position for their concerted attack, the
Zulus, finding the situation rather too hot, one by one began to escape,
and the moment a dusky form was seen gliding through the thorns half a
dozen rifles rang out, sometimes succeeded by the crashing sound of the
body of a huge savage rolling from a high rock to the stones below. It
was simply wonderful to see in what small crevices these big Zulus had
squeezed themselves. Sometimes three or four would get together in one
spot, generally a small cave almost inaccessible from above or below,
and which could only be approached by working along the sides, under the
fire of dozens of other caves and loopholes, every one of which seemed
scooped out for the purpose of creating a cross-fire. As, therefore, to
force home an attack on such positions was not the present object of
Lord Chelmsford, whose purpose and that of General Wood had already been
achieved in the survey they had made, the further retreat of the savages
was not molested, and the order was given to remount and prepare to
return to camp. As the mounted men extended to cover the rear of the
column they were greeted by yells from the few Zulus they had not
dislodged, and a few parting shots were sent after them as they
descended the slope.
On the following morning Wood's entire force paraded at daybreak, tents
were struck, waggons packed, and they bade farewell to Kambula range,
upon which they had been so long encamped in various positions, and set
out for Mayegwhana, where a fresh camp was pitched. Mayegwhana, or
Queen's Kraal, is as nearly as possible three miles north of Bemba's
Kop, on which some months ago, and before he went on to Kambula, General
Wood was encamped. In this new camp Wood had with him the following
troops:--The 13th Light Infantry, under Major England [their colonel,
Gilbert, having gone into Utrecht on a few days' well-earned sick-leave.
Of this fine corps Captains Cox and Persse, both rather badly wounded at
Kambula, were rapidly progressing towards convalescence. Poor Leet, the
other major, still suffered from his crushed foot, which was caused as
far back as February, but which accident did not prevent his saving a
comrade during Zlobani's fatal day, and for which General Wood
recommended him for the honour of a Victoria Cross]; the 90th Light
Infantry, under their own commanding officer, Colonel Cherry; the two
corps making up a compact and admirably homogeneous brigade of 1200. One
thousand men of Buller's and Russell's Horse, now in better condition
than ever, and excellently mounted, with a body of Royal Engineers and
Major Tremlett's battery of mounted guns; a total of 2000 Europeans, and
about 1200 Native Contingent, or in all about 3200 men. With this force,
and supported actively from its base, there could be no difficulty or
danger in pushing on, and it was no secret that the inactivity they were
forced to endure did not lie at General Wood's door, for he on more than
one occasion suggested substitutes for waggon transport--the cause of
the prevailing inaction. Drivers and foreloopers were what could not be
obtained. One of such is required for each span of oxen, the driver, who
stands on the front seat of the waggon and wields an enormously long
whip, and the _voorloper_, who leads in front. Ever since the day of
Isandhlwana, and on account of the panic which prevailed from that date,
due to the massacre of the natives then employed, it was found
impossible to obtain their services in adequate numbers; and even of
those still in employ numbers were continually deserting, for the
purpose of returning to their respective homes within the border.
Meanwhile Wood was not idle, but, day by day, was making the best use of
the scanty material at his disposal. The few drivers and foreloopers he
had been able to retain were sent for and paraded before the General,
who briefly explained to them that in future they should be armed, fully
organized, receive regular rates of daily and liberal pay, while their
personal safety should be looked after by the employment of strong
guards and convoys wherever they had to march. This, it must be allowed,
was much wanted, and gave some grounds for complaint, as in the earlier
stages of the campaign the waggons on too many occasions were not only
allowed to straggle, but were left to shift for themselves. Behind
General Wood's new camp, about ten miles off, and at right angles to
Bemba's Kop, was Conference Hill, at which place General Newdigate was
concentrating the bulk of his command. He had with him at this time the
King's Dragoon Guards, the left wing of the 17th Lancers, part of the
21st Fusiliers and 58th Regiments, with N Battery 6th Brigade Royal
Artillery. Seven miles away from Conference Hill was Doornkop, and here
were the 94th Regiment, three companies of the 21st, and four of the
80th. Conference Hill was within a very short time rendered practically
impregnable by works constructed by the 94th Regiment, who, under
Colonel Malthus, encamped at this spot; it also became one of the chief
depôts for the supplies of Newdigate's division. This depôt was formed
upon a kop, or rising ground, to the east of the larger hill, and was
protected by three exceedingly well-built forts, constructed _en
échelon_, so as to afford a mutual and most effectively-planned flanking
defence. The largest of these forts was a regularly traced bastion of
polygonal form, with the length of its lines of defence in due
proportion to the range of the weapons likely to be employed. The
exterior sides of this work were 150 yards in length, and the parapet
was sufficiently thick to resist anything but artillery fire. The flanks
were drawn at right angles to the faces, so as to give a fire which
could sweep the ditches and ground in front of the bastions. A couple of
ramps were cut in the prolongation of the ditch of the face, whose
surface passed through the crests of the flanks and lines drawn parallel
to the bottom of the counterscarp of the opposite flank, and about two
feet and a half above them. This fort was garrisoned by the headquarters
of the 94th, and the other two, of somewhat smaller dimensions, by a
company each of the Royal Engineers and the 94th. Considerable pains
were expended in the construction of these works, which did the
Engineers and the 94th the greatest credit for the workmanlike line and
scientific character of their tracing and position. The plan of these
works somewhat resembled that adopted by General Newdigate at Landsman's
Drift. The cattle laager was composed of waggons formed into square,
while at each salient angle were small forts--one of which had
artillery--and the whole were joined corner to corner, so that a
straight line drawn between their extreme points would pass through the
centre of each square. By this means a perfect flanking defence was
obtained, as each fort commanded two faces of the laager. Meanwhile the
First Division had been by no means idle, in spite of their difficulties
as to transport and the attacks of camp fever, which had been so much
more frequent with them than with No. 2 column. From their base at Fort
Tenedos a convoy was started every eight days to Fort Chelmsford, on the
Inyezani, and its regular departure did much to expedite the forward
movement of that force. On the 5th May, however, a somewhat more
exciting episode took place. A convoy of the usual description was
paraded on that day for the conveyance of stores and ammunition to the
Inyezani. Fifty waggons, not too heavily laden, with 3000 barrels on
each, were detailed under the protection of a convoy, composed of C
Troop of Lonsdale's Horse, commanded by Captain Hampden Whalley. From
the foot of the fort whence the convoy started stretches a sandy plain,
dotted with trees, and containing about 3000 acres. This, as it gets
narrowed into a gorge between the river and the mountains, becomes
broken, being intruded upon in every direction by foot-hills and
watercourses. The fort cattle were grazing upon this plain under the
charge of some of De Burgh's horsemen, when, as the convoy was passing
across the first drift over the river, about two miles from the fort,
but out of sight of the sentries, suddenly there sprang out from gully
and kloof hundreds of swarthy warriors, who set to work, some shouting
and firing, to try and drive the cattle away through the pass, whilst
others, by far the larger portion, made a combined onslaught upon the
leading and rear waggons of the train. The convoy had, therefore, a
double duty to perform--to assist De Burgh's men in recovering the
grazing cattle, and also to beat off the Zulus who were attacking the
waggons. Their object was to intercept the cattle now being run off at a
rapid pace, and to secure the waggons in front and rear, which had been
partly surrounded by the enemy. Whalley at once despatched a messenger
to the fort for assistance, and remaining himself, as in duty bound, to
repulse the waggon attack, detached about twenty of his best men, under
his subaltern, to overtake and bring back the absconding oxen. The
waggons were soon out of danger; for the men dashed at the Zulus in such
a determined manner that the attacking party, not very numerous, soon
bolted into the bush, but the other portion of the skirmishes deserves
description. After a gallop of a mile the leading troopers in pursuit
came up with the enemy and the cattle, which were now all in confusion
and involved in the broken waterworn hills at the foot of the pass, and,
on looking back, they were astonished and considerably mortified to find
that they did not appear to be followed by the rest of their party!
Undauntedly, however, the sergeant in command pushed on, firing steadily
and with fatal effect from the saddle, and, with his gaze fixed firmly
upon the leading cattle, worked his way through the frightened oxen to
the front. He was well and gallantly followed by half a dozen men, who
had managed to keep up with him in his rapid ride in pursuit, and these
fine fellows, nothing daunted by the numbers of the enemy, kept potting
away at every Zulu that showed his head from behind the rocks, to which
most of them had now retreated. Suddenly the low banks of the ravine, up
which they were now rushing, swarmed on both sides with the enemy, and
it was evident that the driving of cattle into this position was one of
the usual Zulu artifices by which they were so often successful. The
Zulus kept up a feeble and ill-directed fire from the crevices of rock
where they had taken cover, and all this time the troopers were employed
in heading and turning back the cattle, a task which would have been far
beyond their best energies had not an episode occurred which materially
changed the aspect of affairs. Alone, in the midst of a score of
enemies, the sergeant fought steadily on, loading, firing, advancing,
and driving back the cattle as if he bore a charmed life. The Zulus
seemed paralyzed, and shunned his vicinity, for when he trotted to where
a shield or assegai was seen, it immediately disappeared. He had,
however, great need of help, for he had come to his last cartridge; but
at that moment he felt a chance of life, as he heard the welcome shout
of an English cheer, and, looking in the direction whence the sound
seemed to come, he saw rapidly descending the steep krantz above the
remaining horsemen of his party, who had chosen another and easier path
up the ravine, which enabled them to take the Zulus in flank. The affair
was now over; and although no prisoners were taken, the blood-stains on
the rocks and boulders around proved that there must have been many
wounded. The cattle were all recovered, and Whalley's convoy reached its
destination without further molestation.
Great changes for the better had also been made in the distribution of
the First Division. The 88th had been shifted from their former
position on the extreme left front of Fort Tenedos to the commanding
hill in its immediate front. In like manner they had been advanced _en
échelon_ to the extreme left front, and the Buffs had been moved in
laager to the right rear of the 88th; while Lonsdale's Horse held the
hill formerly occupied by the 99th. The Naval Brigade were in camp
behind the fort, with Cook's Horse posted in their immediate vicinity,
and the Mounted Infantry upon a hill immediately below Lonsdale's Horse,
and a portion of the Artillery were on the old ground of the Engineers,
with the Native Contingent in their front. The forts also belonging to
this division on the Tugela, Inyezani, and at Ginghilovo were by this
time completed, and admirably manned. To guard against any surprise
pickets were posted in advance and on the flanks of these works, to
watch every line of approach, and especially those where the country
afforded cover and concealment. Sentries were placed at the salients of
all entrenched works, and double sentries at the entrances, while
whenever a drawbridge had been made it was carefully drawn up at sunset.
Occasional patrols during the day, and frequent patrols during the night
and in thick weather were not relaxed, and the result was that the
Zulus, seeing such activity, scarcely ever molested the working parties.
In the ditches of the four coast-line forts were placed at intervals
quantities of dry straw and brushwood, with oil and tar poured on in
profusion, to fire in case of attack, and trustworthy soldiers were told
off to fire these on the approach of the enemy. Sandbag loopholes were
constructed on the tops of each parapet, while large beams, supported
at intervals by sods of earth, were used for the same purpose.
Fire-shells were placed in readiness to be rolled into the ditch. The
distances from each parapet of all conspicuous objects was carefully
measured and communicated to the garrison, and rods with whitewashed
tops, so as to be visible at night, were erected, to mark the various
ranges.
Port Durnford also had been reported practicable, and a fort and depôt
was being established there.
It was now the end of the third week in May, and all was ready for an
advance, with the exception of the dearth of transport beasts and
vehicles. It will be well, therefore, to briefly recapitulate the
military situation. Crealock, now at Fort Chelmsford, was to connect
himself with Port Durnford, and then to move along the coast with 10,000
men, supported and supplied by the Naval Brigade from Port Durnford.
This was called No. 1, or the First Column. The second division in the
north under Lord Chelmsford, his immediate subordinates being Generals
Wood, Newdigate, and Marshall, was to move from Dundee, their advanced
posts being already Doornkop, Landsman's Drift, Ladismith, Conference
Hill, and Mayegwhana. General Newdigate was now at Dundee, and had with
him the King's Dragoon Guards, under Colonel Alexander; the left wing of
the 17th Lancers, under Major Boulderson; the headquarters 21st
Fusiliers, the 58th Regiment, with N battery, 6th Brigade, Royal
Artillery. At Doornkop, about seven miles from Dundee, were three
companies of the 21st, and four companies of the 80th. Wood occupied the
most advanced point at the front, at a place called Mayegwhana, or the
Wolf's Kraal, and had with him the 13th and 90th Light Infantry, 1000 of
Buller's and Russell's Horse, a strong native contingent, and a battery
of six 7-pounder mountain guns. Again at Conference Hill were a company
of Royal Engineers and the 94th Regiment, under their commanding officer
Colonel Malthus. In addition to Colonel Malthus's regulars there were at
Conference Hill about 150 Basutos, some volunteers, and a few Natal
natives, all under Captain Birkett. Dundee and Conference Hill were the
two most important bases of General Newdigate, and convoys of supplies
were daily arriving at each. At Landsman's Drift there were three strong
forts, with an intervening space for cattle. These had been designed by
General Newdigate himself, and were constructed _en échelon_. They were
occupied by the 21st, 58th, and five companies of the 2nd battalion
Natal Native Contingent. These three entrenched field-works were
admirably constructed, so as to afford each other mutual defence. In
tracing these works great care had been taken that the angles should be
directed upon inaccessible ground, such as a krantz, a marsh, or a pond.
None of the faces were exposed to enfilade, and the longest were so
traced that they looked towards the ground over which an enemy would
most likely advance, and which could be swept by the fire of the
garrisons. These works were all somewhat in the shape of demi-bastions,
and were constructed on a square or polygon, whose exterior sides were
about 150 yards. The parapets were only breast high, but unusually
thick, and, allowing for the penetration of rifle-fire at ten yards
being twenty-one inches, the parapets had been constructed six feet,
having a base 3·1, while the interior slopes are maintained by strong
revêtements. Works of this character have certain advantages, which are,
that they require less length of parapet than a bastioned fort;
although, on the other hand, there are these disadvantages, namely, that
there is on each side one dead re-entering angle, i.e., an angle
perfectly screened from fire, and that the ditches are not so perfectly
defended as they should be. Each of the battalions above named built one
of these demi-bastioned forts, and the tents of the respective corps
were pitched outside two of the faces, with advanced pickets thrown out
well to the front. In the interval between the right rear angle of the
most advanced fort and the left front of the second demi-bastion was the
cattle laager--a most important matter in Cape warfare. This arrangement
enabled the fire from the first fort to rake the ground in its front and
left faces, while the fire from the supporting work could do the same
duty for the rear and right faces. From this description it will be
understood that the works spoken of effectually covered the cattle
laager, as well as afforded perfect cover for their garrisons. These
three entrenched positions at Landsman's Drift were the delight and the
pride of the regiments who built them; for although the Royal Engineers
had been employed in general superintendence, it was well known that the
actual designs were made by General Newdigate, and the labour carried
out by the 21st and 58th.
The arrangements for the garrisoning of the posts in the rear of the
advance were as follows:--Forts Pearson and Tenedos had each assigned to
them two companies, while a reserve upon which they could draw was
placed at Stanger. Upon the Lower Drift, down as far as Kranz Kop, the
river was to be guarded by 2000 of the border natives, under Captain
Lucas, supported by 130 Natal Volunteers stationed at Thring's Post.
Thirteen hundred men of the Native Contingent garrisoned Fort Cherry, in
rear of the abandoned post which formerly covered the ferry drift, while
the border for seven miles was watched by 2000 natives, under the
superintendence of Mr. Wheelwright, at Hermanberg. Greytown was held by
a garrison of two companies. Three thousand natives lined the Umzinga
border, and Helpmakaar was held by the Natal police and Carabineers. The
defence of the new entrenchment at Rorke's Drift, now called Fort
Melville, was entrusted to three companies of the 2-24th, which regiment
was anything but pleased at the preference which had been given to the
first battalion, newly arrived from England, by allowing it to
participate in the active operations, while the second battalion was
detained in the rear. There were to be four other companies of the
2-24th, and of these one was to hold Landsman's Drift, while two were to
be left at Conference Hill. At Balte Spruit two companies, and at
Burgher's Laager, Utrecht, and Luneberg each one company, formed the
respective garrisons. It will be observed, therefore, that the line of
the Tugela was but thinly defended, but, on the other hand, there was a
strong chain of posts on the advance along the coast. The force at this
period in the Lower Tugela command may be summarized as follows:--The
2-3rd Foot, the 57th, the 3-60th Rifles, the 88th, the 91st, the 99th,
or six battalions of infantry, mustering some 5400 bayonets, with M
battery 6th Brigade, O battery 6th Brigade, 8th battery 7th Brigade, and
the 30th company Royal Engineers. To these may be added the Naval
Contingent, and with the native force the total amounted to quite 10,000
men.
But before the general advance was commenced there remained one sad duty
to be performed--the burial of those who were still lying on the fatal
field of Isandhlwana. It will be asked why this had not been done long
since? The answer is simple: want of cavalry, want of transport, and
want of opportunity. Since the day upon which the fatal surprise took
place, there had rarely been an hour to spare from the trying ordeal of
official duty, while the task of providing for the living and feeding
the daily reinforcements had left no time to attend to the dead. The
moment, however, Marshall's troopers were upon the frontier, it was felt
that something could be done, and every measure and precaution were
taken to bring about a satisfactory result. To avoid any chance of a
mishap or failure, Lord Chelmsford personally consulted General Wood
when at Kambula, and subsequently at Utrecht, and it was decided that,
previous to any formidable cavalry patrol being undertaken in force, a
series of short reconnaissances should be carried out by the
indefatigable Buller and his ubiquitous horsemen. The purpose of this
plan was twofold. In the first place, these perpetual scoutings so
harassed the natives, that the majority, and certainly the wealthier
majority, heartily wished the war was over; secondly, it was of great
importance to learn the whereabouts of the two impis which it was well
known had been for months waiting for the return of English troops to
Isandhlwana, and this information was effectually obtained by Buller's
zeal and activity. The first and most important reconnaissance was made
by General Wood in person, who ordered a night-parade of a selected body
of horsemen on the 9th May. The force on this occasion consisted of
sixty Frontier Light Horse, under Captain D'Arcy; thirty Mounted
Infantry, under Captain Brown; and forty Natal Native Infantry, under
Captain Woodgate, 4th Regiment, General Wood's staff officer. Their road
at first was an easy descent into the fertile plain that was spread out
like a map at their feet; it then wound up in a somewhat zigzag manner
by the sides of a steep hill, flanked on the one side by a ravine, and
on the other by a dense bush. Presently a black body was seen by the
advanced scouts, whom Buller always sent out as "feelers," creeping
through the bushes on the left, and in our rear came a second. No shot,
however, was fired, but a Zulu perched high above, and sheltered in the
bush, hails the passing troops in a jeering manner, and asks them to
come and see his kraal. Orders had been given to the soldiers not to
fire unless fired upon, and this act of forbearance seemed to wondrously
puzzle the native followers, who were with difficulty prevented from
"potting" the interlocutor. They had made about ten miles, when the sun
began to shine over the edge of the horizon in all the splendour of an
African morning. The dew had fallen heavily during the night, and
consequently the first rays of the sun produced a mist, which hung like
steam over the valleys. This, however, soon cleared away and left the
atmosphere clear and transparent, so that the far-off ranges seemed
within a short distance of the column, whereas they were distant at
least thirty or forty miles. This clearness of course was now a great
advantage and aid to the English party, as it enabled the scouts to
observe far ahead, and rendered surprise less possible than if the mist
and fog had prevailed. Pushing on now at a canter, they soon came to a
trek, which led them between two tall hills called Nkandi and Mhundla.
Here in the kloof were two deep spruits or streams, which, however, were
avoided by hugging the sides of Mount Mhundla, and it was noticed that
waggons could be dragged without any considerable difficulty along this
path. The sun was now well above the horizon, and General Wood decided
to halt, off-saddle, and let the men have their breakfasts. The place
selected for the "off-saddle" was a slightly wooded ravine, amidst the
rocks of which ran a clear stream over a grassy and pebbly bed, while
behind was a range of rocky hills, the summit of which was crowned by
huge masses of rock, looking from the distance like vast Titanic slabs
placed by giant strength in their present position. Before was an
undulating plain, bounded on the right by a river, and on the far left
by a dense bush.
After one hour's rest the order was given to mount, and away they went,
men and horses thoroughly refreshed and eager for the road. The bush was
gradually getting thicker, and the road wound by a deep descent into a
thickly-wooded valley. Every one of the party instinctively felt that
Zulus must be near, and bracing up the body and nerves each man prepared
for attack. The leader, too, thought the place suspicious, and made his
dispositions accordingly. Two bodies of horsemen, each a dozen strong,
were sent out to make a wide détour on either flank, while flankers were
also sent out on either side of the column. The mounted men who formed
the advanced guard closed to their centre, while those who had been
extended in skirmishing order in the rear had orders to close up to the
column when the defile was approached, ready to dismount, should it be
found impracticable for horses. It is pretty well known that the most
frequent point of attack in Zulu warfare is the rear of an enemy's
column, particularly when the attack can be made in a defile. The head
of the column is often allowed to pass unmolested by the Zulu general,
who waits patiently until the main body has gone by, and then commences
a furious onslaught upon the rear, which will perhaps be followed up for
miles. So these precautions were not superfluous. Where the column now
was could be seen the traces of burnt kraals and partly destroyed mealie
gardens, showing unmistakably that a skirmish had taken place not long
ago, and Colonel Buller at once recognized the locality as the spot
where, some ten days before, his scouts had had a skirmish with Zulus,
on the occasion when an impi was reported as being in the neighbourhood
of Balte Spruit. The anticipations of attack were soon verified, as a
couple of shots rang out from the right wall of the defile, and this was
at once followed by a tremendous shout coming from the rear. The leading
files of the little party had meanwhile reached the mouth of the gorge
without any casualty, and General Wood and his escort on hearing the
firing at once galloped back to the rear, from whence it came, and saw
in a moment that Zulus were swarming on the sides of the cliff as if to
attack in rear. The bugle at once sounded the halt, and the word was
suddenly given for twenty men to wheel about and charge back in full
force upon the unsuspecting foe, who imagined no doubt that he was going
to be allowed all the fun of peppering the rear without receiving any
punishment in return. With a hearty English shout these fellows, led by
Buller, went straight at the enemy, and bursting over rough ground and
through the high and tall grass drove the flying Zulus in panic before
them. Buller's appearance at this moment combined an element of the
heroic and the terrible with a strong infusion of the ludicrous and
burlesque. Leading his men on at a swinging canter, with his reins in
his teeth, a revolver in one hand and a knobkerrie he had snatched from
a Zulu in the other, his hat blown off in the _mêlée_, and a large
streak of blood across his face, caused by a splinter of rock from
above, this gallant horseman seemed a demon incarnate to the flying
savages, who slunk out of his path as if he had been--as indeed they
believed him--an evil spirit, whose very look was death. The tables were
now completely turned; the whole of the column is safely through the
poort; one or two Zulus are seen limping away, assisted into the bush by
their comrades, while the rest stand not upon the order of their going,
but rush pell-mell to gain the shelter of the neighbouring caves. One
large Zulu is seen to be badly hit, yet he manages to crawl away out of
sight, and doubtless is assisted to escape by his fellows.
The fun is becoming fast and furious. Buller's men are in their glory.
They have dashed into the kloof, and are driving the Zulus out of it in
parties of six or eight at a time. Everybody who an hour ago was as
silent and sombre as the grave thinks it now necessary to yell with
excitement. The sun is now at the meridian, and the day fearfully hot.
The pursuit has been carried through valley and over ridge; by kloof and
through _bosch_, by _bron_ (spring) and _drift_ (ford), and the whole
column is scattered in every direction. It is, in fact, a regular
scramble, and all ranks and uniforms are mixed up together. But the
chase begins to slacken; the pace is too good to last. The recall
sounds, and the firing dies away to a few desultory shots, while the
troopers canter back, dishevelled and puffing like school-boys after a
hard-won goal at football. As soon as the skirmish was over, and the
column clear of the kloof, the journey was continued, and they soon
reached the southern termination of the high valley two or three miles
farther on, where the mountains and table-land descend to the more level
and open country beyond, and by a slope which was noted as too steep for
waggons. The General was the first to set the example of dismounting and
leading his horse straight down most of the way, while the main body of
the little column diverged to the crest of the hill to the west, where
the trek wound gradually away in a spiral manner to the plain. This path
offered no obstacle whatever to the transit of waggons, and, moreover,
avoided a deep donga which lies right across the straight course. Here
General Wood, having an engagement in camp, left Buller and his men with
his orderly officers and escort, while they continued their
investigations in a direction almost due south, over a series of rolling
plains upon the table-land. The mist now most unfortunately came on
again just as they had prepared their glasses for a good inspection of
Ibabanango and the Alarm hill, but they could distinctly see on the
right the high ground before the Khandi and Iheensi hills, and thence
onwards to the Ingutu mountain, where they were not surprised to see
that a signal-fire of considerable magnitude had been made by the Zulus
as soon as they had fairly been discerned in the open and on lower
ground. About five o'clock they reached the banks of the Unyunyebea
river, one of the tributaries of the Ityotyosi, which in its turn flows
eastward into the White Umvolosi. Here, as the locality seemed
favourable, they off-saddled, and the men cooked their dinners, or
rather evening meal. Captain Woodgate, with a Zulu who had returned
lately from Ulundi, and half-a-dozen mounted natives as escort, rode
away to a kop some three miles on, to reconnoitre. A few Zulus were seen
on the opposite ridge, evidently watching the party's movements; and as
they reached the top of the eminence, a messenger was despatched by them
across the valley at speed to the next mountain, where soon after smoke
was seen, showing evidently that their advent had been signalled to the
next post. The remaining Zulus incontinently disappeared up some rocky
ground to the left, and although one of them was chased by four Natal
natives, he as well as his comrades escaped without injury. Colonel
Buller and Captain Woodgate, not having been able to see anything of the
range of mountains for which they were looking, went back to explore the
river, but they had scarcely disappeared down the slope when the mist
cleared off, and there could be distinctly seen the clearly defined
outlines of a high isolated mountain towards the south-east, and this
Zulu scouts declared to be Ibabanango, the principal object of their
search. A number of deserted kraals belonging to Malafchey and his tribe
were close at hand, and it was found that there was plenty of mealies
and firewood, and a very comfortable meal was obtained for men and
horses. As soon as it was sufficiently dark to hide his movements,
Colonel Buller, who always adopted the plan of never bivouacking where
he had halted during the day, quietly shifted the column across the
stream to a spot where a deep donga, sheltered on all sides but one,
gave protection from any night-surprise. The Natal native cavalry did
not bivouac with the remainder of the patrol, but were allowed to post
themselves and lie down without off-saddling at a point indicated to
their commander, Captain Cochrane, by Colonel Buller. Sentries were
posted, patrols sent out, and the night passed without incident or
alarm. The next morning, soon after daybreak, they were again in motion,
and were far more successful in their observations. Colonel Buller,
assisted by Captain Woodgate, obtained excellent data referring to the
position of the two mountains. From the observations and sketches they
were enabled to make, they came to the conclusion that there would be no
difficulty in the transport of waggons on either side of the road as
far as Ibabanango, or in their getting on to the Rorke's Drift road to
Ulundi. Another, and not the least important, point was noted, namely,
that although the district they surveyed was not nearly so well watered
as the Kambula country, the grass improved and became of a better
quality the more one went into Zululand. It was so thick, and at the
same time so green, that it would be practically impossible to get it to
burn for at least another month, so that up to the end of June oxen
would be tolerably sure of grazing. After carefully reconnoitring for
some distance further, without being at all molested, although a few
Zulu scouts were seen here and there, the column returned to camp, which
they reached about 7.40 p.m., after a most exciting ride of some fifty
miles and two days' experience of Zulu skirmishing.
Another reconnaissance was organized for the 12th instant. Colonel
Buller's patrol on this occasion was composed exclusively of picked and
seasoned men, and consisted of 60 of the Frontier Light Horse, under
Captain D'Arcy and Lieutenant Blaine; 40 Basutos, under Captain
Cockerell and Lieutenants Henderson and Rane; and 80 of Baker's Horse,
together with a few mounted scouts and orderlies, making altogether a
well-mounted, well-armed, and well-trained band of 200 horsemen. Colonel
Buller's guests, on this occasion, included the Prince Imperial, whom he
was to meet at Conference Hill, Mr. Drummond, several officers from
headquarters, and Lord William Beresford, who had earned the soubriquet
of "The Ubiquitous." Having received full instructions, and been
supplied with the usual three days' rations, with the best wishes for
luck from their comrades, and a cheer from the men and officers, they
filed out of the camp in the highest of spirits and eager for the road.
Their first halt was to be Conference Hill, where the Prince Imperial
was to join them. This post was at that time the most advanced point of
General Newdigate's division, and from Doornkop the distance is about
fifteen miles. From Wood's camp at Wolf's Kraal the distance would be
about seven miles, and this was soon accomplished. They found his
Imperial Highness waiting for them, with Colonel Malthus, commanding the
94th, and some other officers, showing the Prince round the defences.
After duly inspecting all the defences shown to them by Colonel Malthus,
they made the best of their way to a spot selected for their bivouac,
about six miles farther on, and where they remained the night, while
their horses grazed contented in some mealie fields.
Half an hour before dawn on the following morning Colonel Buller was to
be seen scanning the horizon in all directions, and by sunrise his party
were all in the saddle, and _en route_. They soon reached the ford at
the Blood river, which had gone down considerably since Buller had last
seen it. The country over which they rode was fairly open. They crossed
the ford without difficulty, and gaining the opposite bank, reached a
plain, from which they were, however, divided by a broad and well-worn
watercourse. Here they faced the mountain, a long unbroken range,
varying in height from 1000 to 1500 feet, which ran down the left of the
valley. A portion of the mounted men were now sent away to the right,
with instructions to ride up the kloof, then dismount, scale the rocks,
and await the result of the advance of the main body. Should natives
oppose the latter in force, the flanking party were then to drive them
down the mountain, where it was expected they would fall into the hands
of the Basutos under Henderson and Rane, who were placed in ambush on
the left. After half an hour's careful scouting, not a sign of a Zulu
could be seen, and Colonel Buller then gave the not unwelcome order to
off-saddle at, or rather close to, a kraal which bore unmistakable
evidences of recent native occupation. The troopers had no sooner
off-saddled, however, than the wily savages emerged from the caves and
crevices where they had been hid, and could be distinctly seen making
the best of their way with considerable speed up Sirayo's krantz exactly
opposite to where Buller's men were. They evidently were in some force,
and two or three men on horseback were observed directing their
movements as their reinforcements came rapidly in. The force, however,
they were able to collect was extremely small, and certainly would not
have numbered more than half Colonel Buller's command. The Prince
Imperial was excellently mounted upon a handsome and powerful horse, who
seemed, however a little fidgety under fire. Lieut. Rane was now sent on
with a few Basutos, to see whether any stand would be made by the enemy;
and the Prince Imperial immediately galloped after him, to see what he
could of the fun. When these men arrived at the foot of the mountain,
they found a much easier ascent than they had expected. A footpath,
which, however, was quite practicable for horses, was seen winding in a
devious manner in and out of the tall mimosa-trees which fringed the
belt of the wood, and along this path dashed Rane and his Basutos,
closely followed by the Prince, whose impatience to get to the front was
noticed by all. On reaching the summit, however, not a Zulu or an enemy
of any kind was to be seen. This was soon accounted for by the fact that
half way up the krantz on the right were posted a number of
Zulus--perhaps about 100. While the main body were watching these
people, to see if they would attempt to cut off from the column the
Prince and the Basutos, who were surrounding the plateau above, about
100 savages now suddenly showed themselves, as if to invite combat, on
the opposite side of the ravine. The object of all these man[oe]uvres
was now obvious enough. The Zulus who were running away on the plateau
above were so doing to lure the English force on to follow, when the
party halfway up the krantz would probably be joined by a number of men
from the kraals, and endeavour to block them in from the rear. It was
now noticed that they were about to send messengers away for assistance,
and this they could not do without running the gauntlet of fire of
Buller's column. Crouching down, so as to be concealed as much as
possible from the fire of the English rifles, two of the men belonging
to the Zulu party ran rapidly away from the native column until they
were within fifty yards of Buller's position. As they passed, a man
raised his gun, and made an excellent shot at the leader, who never
moved after he touched the ground, upon which he fell headlong. The
remaining man, seeing the fate of his comrade, ran back to his people
with wonderful activity, sharpened no doubt by the ping and whiz of
half a dozen rifle-bullets sent after him at about 200 yards. Baker's
Horse were now sent on to the table-land above, to look after the Prince
Imperial, Rane, and the Basutos, whom they found in high glee, chasing
some flying Zulus, who seemed too scared to notice that their assailants
only numbered eight men.
They now surveyed the surrounding country without further molestation.
In front lay a broad valley, in the midst of which ran the Blood river,
now shrunk to a thin silver thread; on the left at some distance off
could be seen the table-shaped mountain of Mhlatze; and on the right was
that spot of fatal memories, Isandhlwana, with its huge crag in the
rear, raising its lion-like crest over the veldt below. After descending
the mountain and burning the kraals on its south-east slopes, Buller and
his party returned to camp without any event happening on their homeward
route.
It was now determined at headquarters that a reconnaissance in force
should be made under the command of General Marshall, for the double
purpose of still further pursuing the investigations begun and of
burying the dead at Isandhlwana. For this purpose a force of no less
than 2490 men was detailed, and consisted of the 17th Lancers, the
King's Dragoon Guards, four companies of the second battalion 24th, and
a number of native auxiliaries. Major Black's experience and knowledge
of the road were found of great use, and the two cavalry regiments were
capitally handled by Colonels Drury-Lowe and Alexander. Major Bengough
had charge of the native battalion. The Natal mounted police were under
Major Dartnell, and one hundred and fifty Army Service horses were led,
in order to bring back the waggons. The entire force was gathered
together at Rorke's Drift one hour before daylight, and carefully
inspected by the light of the camp lanterns. They marched down to the
river at daylight, and commenced to ford the stream, which was finally
crossed by six o'clock. Colonel Drury-Lowe commanded the First Brigade,
consisting of two squadrons of his own corps and two of the King's, and
made a détour round the head and crest of the Bashee valley behind
Sirayo's celebrated mountain, and, without any mishap or molestation,
effected a junction with the remainder of the column at Isandhlwana.
Colonel Alexander, with a brigade similarly constituted, marched by the
direct waggon road straight upon his objective, while he threw out
strong flanking parties right and left as he advanced. A squadron was
sent at Colonel Black's suggestion to hold the gorge of the Bashee on
the right, and a number of vedettes were occupied in patrolling the left
of the same valley. Bengough's natives, meanwhile, came on at a rapid
pace, and were thrown out into skirmishing order along the slopes of the
Ingutu range, where the English troops once had such a tussle with
Sirayo and his men. In fact, here, it may be said, the first blood in
the campaign was shed, when they destroyed this cruel chief's
stronghold.
The manner in which Bengough's well-trained men scoured and scouted was
most gratifying to observe. Every nook and corner, every crevice and
cave, were carefully explored, and as the men advanced slowly along the
valley and slopes of the mountain, every kraal was fired that came in
their way. These men gradually worked their way round until they came
along the range to the eastern limit of the valley, where the
hunting-path trends towards the great kraal of Cetywayo. Meanwhile the
cavalry were not idle. Crowds of vedettes swarmed along the sides of the
valley ready to outflank any enemy or take him in reverse should he
appear. While this was undertaken, the main force moved steadily along
the front of the valley, and over the brow of the opposite ridge
Bengough's men swarmed, chanting their war-song in native fashion. Down
the hillside, to hold the head of the valley, came the four companies of
the 24th, marching steadily in column of fours. The sun streamed in
splendour upon the glittering files of cavalry as they wound like a
brilliant chain along the greensward. Nothing could exceed the
picturesque _ensemble_ that greeted the eye on all sides; nothing could
be sadder than the mission upon which they came.
As soon as the entire force was concentrated on the neck, their solemn
but ghastly duty commenced. Rider and horse, officer and private, boy
and man, their grim and parchment-looking skins half eaten by the
carrion birds and half covering the bleaching bones, gave to the scene a
terrible and weird significance, which can never be forgotten. Many of
the bodies were easily recognized. Captain Shepstone at once pointed out
that of Colonel Durnford, which was interred with deep respect in a
donga near the spot where he fell. Forty-five waggons were brought away
by the horses and mules, and a quantity of stores still intact was
carried in them. The staff of the 24th's colours was also recovered; and
the troops, having fully carried out their sad _devoir_ in the most
effective manner, returned home with the same precaution with which they
had moved on to the field.