Sergeant major Edward Smith

Posts : 1 Join date : 2021-05-04

Hi I have a distant relative who was killed around 09/09/1879 . He was killed while attempting to clear up remnants of the Zulu army? The area he was killed in was Umbellinis Mountains and Manganyoba Caves. His name was Sergeant major Edward Smith and he was killed with another soldier called Corporal Promfrat. His commanding Officer Colonel Bray wrote a letter of commendation (which the family still have) from camp Luneberg. At the time of his death he was serving with the K.O.R 9th Regiment 2/4 . Does anyone know if there are grave markers to these two brave soldiers, where is the area they were killed and what previous action they may have seen
I am thinking of visiting S Africa this year can anyone tell me the location of the caves , is it safe to visit and is there accomodation in the area . Any information would be greatly appreciated Martin Francis

Subject: Re: Sergeant major Edward Smith Sat Mar 05, 2022 6:28 pm

Could these be the caves on the Filter farm, the Major took me some time back, Frank are you aware, I remember being a confrontation their.

Subject: Re: Sergeant major Edward Smith Sat Mar 05, 2022 6:33 pm

Martin F, I will contact the Major and see what that comes up with.

Subject: Re: Sergeant major Edward Smith Sat Mar 05, 2022 7:39 pm

Martin,

Just for the sake of clarification Sergeant-Major 1641 E. Smith & Corporal 11th Brigade/910 I. (or J.) Pomfret were killed during a skirmish with the forces of Manyayoba kaMaqondo’s forces at the Tafelberg Mountain stronghold of the late Prince Mbilinini waMswati on Monday, 8th September 1879.

Both men were serving in the 2nd Battalion, 4th (King’s Own Royal) Regiment. I’m fairly convinced that they are buried at the German Church in Luneberg, somewhere I think I have photographs of the graves markers taken back in 1991.

The 2nd/4th Regiment were mainly used as Lines-of-Communication troops during the Zulu Campaign, and the only action they fought in as a unit was the skirmish of 8th September 1879. The action was concluded with the dynamiting of the caves’ entrances which sealed the defenders and their dependants alive in caves without the chance of escape.

JY

Posts : 310 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

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Subject: Re: Sergeant major Edward Smith Sat Mar 05, 2022 8:58 pm

John Young and Tim Needham great work both your knowledge is breath taking.

Posts : 1 Join date : 2021-10-29

John Young wrote:: Martin,

Just for the sake of clarification Sergeant-Major 1641 E. Smith & Corporal 11th Brigade/910 I. (or J.) Pomfret were killed during a skirmish with the forces of Manyayoba kaMaqondo’s forces at the Tafelberg Mountain stronghold of the late Prince Mbilinini waMswati on Monday, 8th September 1879.

Both men were serving in the 2nd Battalion, 4th (King’s Own Royal) Regiment. I’m fairly convinced that they are buried at the German Church in Luneberg, somewhere I think I have photographs of the graves markers taken back in 1991.

The 2nd/4th Regiment were mainly used as Lines-of-Communication troops during the Zulu Campaign, and the only action they fought in as a unit was the skirmish of 8th September 1879. The action was concluded with the dynamiting of the caves’ entrances which sealed the defenders and their dependants alive in caves without the chance of escape.

JY

Many thanks for the information, I never realised that Smith and Pomfret were the last two casualties of the war martin f and cherry f

Subject: Re: Sergeant major Edward Smith Sun Mar 06, 2022 4:30 pm

Happy to have been of assistance.

JY

Subject: Re: Sergeant major Edward Smith Sun Mar 06, 2022 5:44 pm

Posted on behalf of Tim Needham.
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Subject: Sgt Maj Edward Smith Mon Mar 07, 2022 7:12 am

Aussie Inkosi
Yes I went there with the Major , the Filter's weren't home , with the help of the farm workers we looked for the caves on the property but couldn't find them , went back with Ian K a year later and the family was home , they took us to the caves , the Major and I weren't far away the year before , only about 50 mtrs off ! . Yes the Grave to Smith & Pomfrett is in the Luneburg Cemetery , been there several times , I see Tim posted a pic which is excellent , as you are no doubt aware I have no idea , yet to learn ! .
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