Band Mstr. Bullard, H.T. 1777

Subject: Band Mstr. Bullard, H.T. 1777 Sat Feb 25, 2012 9:21 pm

Any information on his career, dispatches, Or anything welcome.

"January 22nd, Capt. Gardner of the Hussars(25) rode into Utrecht in a deplorable state, poor fellow, with an old shirt and something resembling breeches. His horse was about done up. He desired to know who was in charge and when informed that Lieutenant Justice of the 13th Light Infantry was in command, he shouted, "Up with your draw bridge, the General's camp is taken and every man slaughtered.' We at once put him down as mad, he had nothing to show that he was a military man, but after being closely examined (we had to be particular) he proved himself to be a captain in the regiment of Hussars mentioned to us and even thanked us for putting him through his pacings. It was a great shock to us to hear of the disaster, a regiment - the lst Battalion 24th with whom we shared the trying times of the Gaika and Galeka War of the previous year, Colonels de Gasher (sic)Durnford, Puleen (sic) and other officers, together with other ranks with whom we fought side by side. You can imagine our feelings. The Bandmaster (Harry Bullard) of the gallant 24th was a particular friend of mine and only got the appointment a short time before his death. He was Bugle-Major of the 90th, Was sent to Kneller Hall and passed first class. He... was killed on that ever memorable day, defending the amunition wagons. It brought back memories of the past, he was a good fellow."

Source:The Journal of Lt.-Col. John Scott

Subject: Re: Band Mstr. Bullard, H.T. 1777 Sat Feb 25, 2012 9:33 pm

"In the Zulu War of 1879, the band of the 1st Battalion was in the camp at Isandhlwana which was annihilated, one of the six soldiers of the 24th who survived the battle being Bandsman E. Wilson (a copy of his personal account of the action and subsequent escape from the field of battle is held in the Regimental Museum). Prior to the Zulu attack the bandsmen had been detailed as ammunition carriers, cooks and stretcher bearers, and Wilson was one of the latter. The 2nd Battalion also lost members of their bend on that fatal day including their Bandmaster, Harry T. Bullard.
A rather interesting point is brought to light concerning the Bandmaster of the 1st Battalion, who, as a result of his status, and unlike his counterpart Bandmaster Bullard of the 2nd Battalion, was not present at the battle of Isandhlwana. This man, C. G. Burck, became Bandmaster in 1871 and served with the 1st /24th in various stations prior to accompanying the Battalion to South Africa. The reason why Burck failed to accompany his Battalion on active service remained obscure until research indicated that he may well have been a civilian and not a member of the Regiment. It had long been the practice of certain regiments to engage civilian Bandmasters, usually German or French nationals as they were often considered to be better musicians, the payment for these men being borne by the Officers’ Mess funds. An Army Order of 1814 prohibited foreigners employed as Bandmasters from taking part in military operations, and in the case of Burck this may have been a lifesaver. Following the Army Reform Act of 1881 and the possible rescinding of the order of 1814, or perhaps as the result of being granted British nationality, C. G. Burck was appointed to the rank of Warrant Officer on 5th September, 1882, and continued to serve as such until 4th September, 1889.

Source: John Marsh.

Subject: Band Mstr . Bullard , H.T. 1777 2 / 24th Sun Feb 26, 2012 4:09 am

Hi Littlehand .
Bandsman Wilson's statement regarding Isandlwana is also on page 196 of ' The Noble 24th ' by Norman Holme .
Bullard , HARRY , T. 2/ 24TH 1777 , Bandmaster , Effects claimed by his Mother - in - Law . South Africa Medal Clasp 77-78-79.
Cheers 90th. Salute

Subject: Band Mstr . Bullard , H.T. 1777 2 / 24th Sun Feb 26, 2012 4:31 am

Hi Littlehand .
Came across this in Mike Snook's ' How Can Men Die Better ' . '' Initially , Degacher decided to leave his Bandsmen behind , but then changed his mind when he got wind of the General's order that no Wagons were to go out. In the apparent absence of any Ambulances , the Musicians were to fall in with the Companies as Stretcher Bearers . Bandmaster Harry Bullard secured permission to stay behind , and kept with him 3 teenaged boy Bandsmen who were probably too young to heave wounded men around on stretchers ''.
cheers 90th. Salute

Guest

Hi all

You forget ES where it is obviously issue of all this.

Salute

Pascal

Subject: Re: Band Mstr. Bullard, H.T. 1777 Sun Oct 12, 2014 9:22 pm

If any members plan to visit N.A.M If they have time could they have a look for the following.

"Portrait photograph of Bandmaster Henry James Bullard, 1878, and transcripts of letters to his younger sister Catherine Nash, 26 May 1870 to 4 Dec 1878; with photocopies of reports from the 'Daily Telegraph' 18 August 1879 of the burial of the dead; photographer: H Bown; Bullard was killed at the Battle of Isandlwana, Zulu War (1879)"

Subject: Re: Band Mstr. Bullard, H.T. 1777 Sun Oct 12, 2014 10:13 pm

Littlehand,

The National Army Museum closed in April 2014 for redevelopment it is due to re-open in 2016.

John Y.

Posts : 705 Join date : 2012-05-05

May account for the life size model of a Zulu Warrior being housed in Brecon!

Posts : 307 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Littlehand,

Thanks to your post which I only came across recently I contacted the NAM regarding the photo of H. Bullard and have just purchased a digital copy - unfortunately I can't share it due to copyright etc. but you can buy one for £7.50 by contacting the museum's picture library with the reference.

It is a fairly grainy photograph showing Bullard when he was Bugle Major of the 90th Foot.

The original is not on display at the museum.

Regards,

Tim

Posts : 3463 Join date : 2021-01-04

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Chelmsford Chronicle - Friday 22 August 1879

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