The retreat from the Donga.

Subject: The retreat from the Donga. Wed Jun 06, 2012 5:37 pm

This series shows the Donga itself, its distance from the camp and the
retreat line passed Charlie Pope. One thing it does emphasise is the
distance between Pope and Durnford.
It allso gives a really good indication of the type of Rocky Ground they had
to contend with.

It's the small donga, the Mpofane. And probably the last defence before retiring
on the camp.

Looking South towards Bradstreets defence line

Looking North towards Popes position

His view of the camp and his line of retreat

Looking back East, the donga is just below the red roofed hospital
building, this view shows the ridge the zulu attacked over.

On his retreat his view to the North would have been of Popes company.
These are their cairns.
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Photos & Text by Forum Member Springbok9
If I have them in the wrong Order, I'm sure Springbok will put right.

Subject: The retreat from the Donga. Wed Jun 06, 2012 8:58 pm

Many, many thanks springbok9 and Pete, these are just great, very much appreciated. Salute

Springy, please put my name down for the book, so that when it becomes available I can be one of the first in the queue. Very Happy

Much obliged for the photo's mate, brilliant.

Martin. Salute

Posts : 558 Join date : 2012-05-05

Thank you very much for the photos. I think Springbok can be modern day version of "Mitford" the photography is out-standing.

Subject: Re: The retreat from the Donga. Thu Jun 07, 2012 7:42 am

Possible Pete wont mind if I explain these a little more.
1) Looking approx South from the road crossing would be where Bradsteet and his men spread out
2) Looking North East towards connical hill and the Nkengeni Ridge over which the uVe charged. This was the awesum killing field that stopped the left wing in its tracks
3) This is probably close to the origginal road position and shows just how far Durnfords defence line was from the camp and how far they had to retreat. If you look carefully, the first of Popes cairns is just visible on the right hand side just below the darkish line that marks the Mpofane donga.
4) This looks back to the Donga, the red roofed Hospital marks its position, the shot gives a really good view of the nKengeni ridge and shows why the uVe couldnt get to Durnfords troops and had to outflank them moving towards the right on the photo behind that ridge and then up to Mahlabamkhosi.
5) On the line of retreat and now a few hundred yards back from the Donga you can see of in the grass the first of Pope Cairns.
6) Petes missed posting this one one but its in the Mpofane donga around half way between the first donga and the camp, maybe Admin could post this one.

Hope this helps to explain the distances involved.

Cheers folks.

Subject: Re: The retreat from the Donga. Thu Jun 07, 2012 9:48 pm

Apologies Springbok. Photo posted. See your photos above.

Subject: Re: The retreat from the Donga. Fri Jun 08, 2012 1:46 pm

Thanks Pete
So my discription number 6 is actually the first photo.
Couple of interesting things on this one is that if you look onto the horizon you still cannot see the firing line.And if you bare in mind that a big piece of the field in the middle distance left was covered in tents then even from this position the firing line couldnt see what was happening behind them. The cairns are really close to the line of retreat and have allways been described as belonging to Pope. If thats a fact then he got a long way across the battlefield before meeting the left horn. That would mean he had more time that we have all been lead to believe. Ergo that could also mean that there was a stand in the small donga and it kept the left wing at bay for some time. And that I would suggest would be down to the Carbineers.

Cheers

Posts : 2593 Join date : 2009-04-24

Springbok. I see you maybe writing a book.

Subject: Re: The retreat from the Donga. Fri Jun 08, 2012 1:58 pm

Ctsg
Yes, thats quite right, although not in the normal manner, sorry if that a touch vague.

Cheers

Subject: Re: The retreat from the Donga. Fri Jun 08, 2012 1:59 pm

Probably easier to call it a travelogue.

Cheers

» What is a Donga
» Younghusbands Retreat
» supplies of ammunition - Isandlwana - DURNFORD's donga