R.A 7 pdr Cannon

Hello,
Can anyone confirm if this cannon is an accurate colour to those used back in the AZW?
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thanks joe

Joe, as far as I am aware, the barrel was black and the carriage, trail and wheels were battleship grey.
Ken

Thanks Ken,
So its kind of like on the picture, thanks again, Ive now got something to go on

thanks joe

Hi ,
Just curios here, at what point did the artillery at Isandlwana withdraw / retreat, how close were the Zulus when they did?

thanks joe

Joe,
This is Lt Curling's account (dated 2nd February 1879): "About 12, as the men were getting their dinner, the alarm was again given and we turned out at once. Maj Smith came back from the General's force at this time and took command. This of course relieved me of all responsibilty as to the movement of the guns. We. being mounted, moved off before the infantry and took up a position to the left of the camp where we were able to throw shells into a huge mass of the enemy that remained almost stationary. The 24th regiment came up and formed in skirmishing order on both our flanks. The Zulus soon split up into a large mass of skirmishers that extended as far round the camp as we would see.
We could form no idea of numbers but the hills were black with them. They advanced steadily in the face of the infantry and our guns but I believe the whole of the natives who defended the rear of the camp soon bolted and left only our side of the camp defended. Very soon bullets began to whistle about our heads and the men to fall.
The Zulus continued to advance and we began to fire case but the order was given to retire after firing a round or two."

According to Zulu accounts, they took shelter in the long grass when they observed the gunners' drill prior to firing and as the projectiles detonated, they would shout: "uMoya!" ("It is only wind"), and then the warrriors took up a chant by an induna which baiscally translated as "Lightning, lightning of Heaven, see its glittering flash".

Curling went on to state: "The guns moved from left to right across the camp and endeavoured to take the road to Rorke's Drift, but finding this in the hands of the enemy, turned off to the left, came to grief in a "Donga", and had to be abandoned."

Capt Edward ("Lucky") Essex's evidence to the Court of Inquiry, written on the 24th January 1879 at Rorke's Drift, states: ".....It was now about 1.30 p.m.: about this period, 2 guns with which Major Smith and Lt Curling R.A. were returning with great difficulty, owing to the nature of the ground, and I understand were just a few seconds late."

As is the case with so many aspects of the Battle of Isandlwana, there doesn't appear to be any firm time, but I would agree with Capt Essex that the two guns must have passed through the nek at about 13h30.

Regards, Ken

Thanks again Ken,
I'll post some pictures of the model cannon whenI get time to Photo it

thanks joe