First and Last Casualty of the Zulu War.

William Martin was the first casualty of the Anglo-Zulu War.Martin was with the Royal Navy Landing Brigade from H.M.S. "Active," and working the ponts across the Tugela River ferrying the invasion force of Pearson's 1 Column on the 12th of January. The river was in torrent and 270 yards across. The pont flipped, killing Martin and injuring Lieutenant Craigie and others.

I can't find any information on the last casualty of the Zulu War. Doe's anyone know ?.

How many troops were killed due to accidents while serving in the Zulu war.

Hi Dave .
I have read a story that the first casualty was someone who fell in the water during the crossing of the Tugela and as
he didnt come back to the surface , there was the opinion he was taken by a Crocodile, this could be your man Martin
or possibly some other unfortunate , I did ask Ian Knight about this story and he seems to think it happened. As for the
last casualties of the zulu war the two unfortunates were SGT- MAJOR . E . SMITH 1644 . and CORP. I. POMFRET 910.
Killed in action Luneberg 8/9/79. when attempting to dislodge zulus from a cave , after this unfortunate incident , the officer
in charge then decided to blow the caves up. Cant remember the officers name . Both these men were from the 2 / 4th batt
( kings own ). I am sure E . SMITH"S medal has been up for sale on ebay uk . Ican tell you the first time I saw it
listed was 14/12/07 opened at 3,395 quid or buy it now 4,495. :) . looking on 23/1/08 3,795 , 10/3/08 opened 3,595 or buy
it now 3,795. 11/5/08 4th listing 3,395 . As I am aware it hasnt been listed since .
cheers 90th.

Has anyone got any further information on William Martin?

I know of a ref. to say that a member of H.M.S. Active was killed but do not have a name.

The medal roll does not help.

Any information on this man would help

I read somewhere. That a well-liked officer who after a long march into Zululand dropped dead with a heart attack after marching up a steep hill. Can’t remember his name.

The seaman who drowned at the lower Tugela on January 9, 1879 as Daniel Martin, Able Seaman, HMS Active.

In a despatch from Commander H. Fletcher Campbell, Commanding Naval Brigade to Commodore Sullivan dated January 9, 1879, Campbell reports "I regret to have to report the death of Dan. Martin, A.B. of H.M.S. "Active," by drowning, this afternoon. He was employed with a party of men under Lieutenant Craigie on a raft, laying out an anchor in the Tugela, when the warping hawser slipped, and swept the deceased and several others into the river. Boats were at hand; but, although one passed quite close, it could not save him."

Two men who dove into the river to save Martin, J. James, Ordinary Seaman and R. Perrins, Leading Seaman both received the Royal Human Society Bronze Medal.

Another member of the Naval Brigade of the "Active" preceded Seaman Martin in death. In a despatch dated January 4, 1879 Commadore Sullivan on the "Active" off Natal writes: "I regret also to report that the death of William Seddon, gunner, 19th Company, Royal Marine Artillery, from inflammation of the lungs, was telegraphed to me this morning. He was ion the sick llist when I was in the camp on Sunday and Monday last."

Does this make Gunner Seddon the first casualty?

Petty Officer Tom

Would those killed in an accident still received the Zulu War medal.?

Hi Petty Officer Tom

Many thanks for the info on Daniel Martin. I had looked on the Medal roll and could not find a W. Martin.

The question was "Who was the first and last Casualty in the Zulu War"

As the Zulu War did not start until the 11th January 1879, both Dan Martin & William Seddon both died before the 11th.

So the question still stands, Who was the first

Another Mystery. Still I like a good mystery.

Hi Littlehand

To answer your question, yes they would have received the medal.

Graves. Hope Your Well.

I cannot find anything deaths prior to the Sihayo's kraal engagement.

“After a sharp action the Zulus retreated, having lost 30 dead and 4 wounded while 10 were captured. On the British side, two of the Natal Native Contingent were killed and twelve wounded, while one officer and two N.C.O.s had been wounded.”

So we have two troops from the Natal Native Contingent killed. Not sure which one went first but I hope this narrows it down.
Names no idea. !!!

Thanks Tom, for giving the correct name. "Daniel Martin"

Apologies 1879Graves for leading you on a false trail. I must have read it wrong, or the source got it wrong.


Dave.

Dave,

The London Gazette, November 7, 1879 has a despatch from Captain Campbell which mentions that William Martin, A.B. drowned when the pont upset.

Easy to assume from that "official" document that the man's name was William.

Petty Officer Tom

hi olh2.
The officer you are looking for is CAPT MARMADUKE STOURTON 63 RD REGT.
The following from THE SOUTH AFRICAN CAMPAIGN of 1879 by MACKINNON and SHADBOLT.

" Died at Pietermaritzburg 18 / 4/ 79. After hearing of Isandlwana he volunteered for Sth Africa and was selected
as a special officer for the 24th Regt . Sent out on 1st March on the transport CLYDE , the vessel was wrecked in
ST.SIMONS BAY , owing to the admirable discipline " no lives were lost " . Arriving shortly at DURBAN he proceeded in charge of the
drafts of the 24th at P"BURG. During the morning of the 18th April he marched a distance of 12 miles and was the cheeriest in the party - singing , bugling and keeping the spirits up in every possible way . The afternoon advance commenced with an exceedingly
steep ascent , on surmounting which he gasped for breath . Turning to an officer of Artillery , he said " I feel my life - blood ebbing
away, I am nearly done . Instead of falling out , he continued with the column in its march up another trying hill to the camp. When
the bugle sounded halt , he had just enough strength left to give his word of command , and then fell fainting to the ground. Within
an hour afterwards , in spite of every exertion made by his comrades he passed away. He was buried with military honours in the
camp cemetery at Pietermaritzburg. He was married in 1870 to Marie , daughter of William Franks Esq,
cheers 90th

From: Companion to the Anglo Zulu War by Ian Knight.

Quote :

]"The following day, when the river had abated the anchor had to be dragged slowly on to the Natal bank by the hawser, still firmly attached on that side. A further attempt was made to ferry it across to Zululand on a barrel raft but midstream the hawser tipped over the raft, spilling Lieutenant Craigie and Able Seaman Dan Martin of the Active into the water. Craigie struggle to the surface and was rescued by boat but, despite the affords of two of his comrades who dived in to save him. Dan Martin was never seen again-the first of many lives lost in the cause of the Anglo-Zulu War."[/i]