Zulu War Veteran

[seth2]

Still pondering the photograph of the two soldiers.

I wonder could the photo of the two soldiers date from the end of Arthur's career when he is recorded as being transferred to first army reserve? Would the reserve have worn such militia uniforms? 

Or might the uniform have been changed in ways mentioned when the 57th of Foot were merged with another regiment in 1881? 

Thanks
Seth

Seth,

Private 50th Brigade/1754 Antcliffe, A. served in 57th (West Middlesex) Regiment of Foot entitled to the Bar '1879'.

The 57th were stationed in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) when in February 1879 it received orders to proceed with all to Natal, South Africa in the wake of the disaster at Isandlwana, 22nd January 1879.  The battalion embarked from Ceylon on 22nd February 1879 onboard H.M.S. Tamar, and land at Port Natal (Durban) 10th-11th March 1879, arriving to city of Durban on 12th March 1879.  The battalion marched up the coast and arrived at Fort Pearson on the Tugela River on 26th March, where it was detailed to 1st Brigade of the Eshowe Relief Column.  The fortified mission station at Eshowe had been under siege by Zulu forces since 23rd January 1879.

The 57th crossed the Tugela River into kwaZulu (Zululand) on 29th March and began their advance.  On the morning of 2nd April 1879 whilst the column was encamped in laager was attacked by a Zulu force of some 10,000 - 12,000 warriors near to a place called Gingindlovu.  The 57th held the right flank of the laager and assisted in repelling the first desperate onslaught of the Zulu.  It was specially mentioned by Lord Chelmsford, the General Officer commanding British Forces in southern Africa, for its steadiness under fire.  On the following day the column relieved the besieged mission station at Eshowe.

After the relief of Eshowe the 57th were assigned to 2nd Brigade of 1st Division under the command of Major-General Henry Hope Crealock.  Crealock was to have assisted in the 2nd invasion of kwaZulu in June 1879, however, he was something of a ditherer, and his division earned the nickname of 'Crealock's Crawlers' and rather than arriving at Ulundi (Ondine), the Zulu seat of power and taking part on the Battle of Ulundi on 4th July 1879, the 57th arrived about three weeks later and took part in the disarming of the Zulu army.  The 57th were also deployed in the search for the Zulu king, Cetshwayo kaMpande, who had eluded the British forces, until his eventual capture on 28th August 1879. 

Following the King's capture the 57th took part in the subjugation of border tribes on the Tugela River before returning to Durban in October of 1879, from where they embarked on 1st November 1879 onboard the hired transport City of Venice bound for England.

I agreed Ken's comments the two soldiers are Militiamen rather than regular soldiers, it is feasible that he could have served as a volunteer prior to his regular enlistment.

Isandlwana

[John Young]

Seth,

If you have the original photograph try taking a look at the shoulder strap with a magnifying glass, it should have a designation on it which might help identify the unit.

The belt that the standing soldier is wearing is an 1871 Valise Pattern belt, by the time Arthur was discharged from the regular army the belt had changed patterns twice; first in 1882, then in 1887.

The other thing that is missing in the photograph is a medal or medal ribbon for 1879.

Isandlwana

[seth2]

Thanks Isandlwana
The belt point is a  nice one. Thanks for it.
Indeed...why wouldn't he be wearing medal.

I do not have original, but I will pass your e-mail to the person that does. They will probably try to magnify.

Seth
Fascinating.

Seth,

If you have the original photograph try taking a look at the shoulder strap with a magnifying glass, it should have a designation on it which might help identify the unit.

The belt that the standing soldier is wearing is an 1871 Valise Pattern belt, by the time Arthur was discharged from the regular army the belt had changed patterns twice; first in 1882, then in 1887.

The other thing that is missing in the photograph is a medal or medal ribbon for 1879.

Isandlwana

[Olpherts]

Hi Seth- I have this soldiers Zulu war medal. Can you confirm the family have recently sold it at auction (Lockdales, where I bought it). Or, if they still have it then there is a duplicate out there!