List of Casualties after Inyzane

12th January, 1879, at Isipezi.

KILLED.
Privates Two, N.N.C.
WOUNDED.
Lieutenant Purvis, N.N.C.
Corporal Mayor, N.N.C.
Private Twelve, N.N.C.


18th January, 1879, in Zululand, on march with Colonel Wood's column.
WOUNDED.
Private Jack, Wood's Irregulars.
Private Slanyola, Wood's Irregulars.


20th January, 1879, in Zululand, on march with Colonel Wood's column.
WOUNDED.
Trooper J. Berry, F.L. Horse.
Trooper Randall, F.L. Horse.

22nd January, 1879, at Inyanzani.
KILLED.
Private J. Bough, 2nd Battalion 3rd Foot.
Private J. Kelleher, 2nd Battalion 3rd Foot.
Lieutenant J. L. Raines, N.N.C.
Lieutenant G. Platterer, N.N.C.
Sergeant Emil Unger, N.N.C.
Corporal W. Tieper, N.N.C.
Corporal E. Miller, N.N.C.
Corporal Carl Goesch, N.N.C.
WOUNDED.
Private Peter Dunn, 2nd Battalion 3rd Foot, since dead.
Private J. Corteel, 2nd Battalion 3rd Foot.
Private F. Smith, 2nd Battalion 3rd Foot.
Private F. Clifford, 2nd Battalion 3rd Foot.
Private H. Walker, 2nd Battalion 3rd Foot
Quartermaster - Sergeant Kelly, Musketry- Instructor, 90th Foot.
Private W. Devenport, Musketry Instructor, 2nd Battalion 24th Foot.
H. Gosling, A.B., Naval Brigade.
G. Berryman, O.S., Naval Brigade.
G. Doran, O.S., Naval Brigade.
T. Butler, A.B., Naval Brigade.
E. White, O.S., Naval Brigade.
Krooman, Jack Ropeyarn, O.S., Naval Brigade
Ducklewis, O.S., Naval Brigade.
Lieutenant H. Webb, N.N.C.
Sergeant O. Aeydenburg, N.N.C.

SIR,
I HAVE the honour to report my arrival here at 10 A.M. this day, with the column under my command, and, I am happy to state, without a casualty of any kind—except, of course, those which occurred in the engagement of yesterday, of which I have already duly informed you by telegram, despatched yesterday evening.
Yesterday morning, the mounted troops which preceded the column under Major Barrow, had crossed the Inyezane River—which is about four miles from our camping ground on the previous night—when I received a note from him to say that he had selected a fairly open space for a halting place, which he had carefully vedetted. I at once rode forward, to reconnoitre, and found the ground covered with more bush than seemed desirable for an outspan ; but as there was no water between the Inyezane and the places where we bivouacked last night—four miles further on, and with several steep hills to climb—I decided upon outspanning for a couple of hours, to feed and rest the oxen, and to enable the men to breakfast.
It was then just eight o'clock, and I was in the act of giving directions about the pickets and scouts required for our protection, and the wagons had already begun to park, when the leading company of the Native Contingent, who were scouting in front—personally directed by Captain Hart, Staff Officer to the Officer commanding that Regiment — discovered the enemy advancing rapidly over the ridges in our front, and making for the clumps of bush around us.
The Zulus at once opened a heavy fire upon the men of the company who had shown themselves in the open, and they lost one officer, four non-commissioned officers, and three men killed, almost immediately after the firing began. Unfortunately, owing to scarcely any of the officers or non-commissioned officers of the Native Contingent being able to speak Kafir, and some not even English (there are several foreigners among them), it has been found most difficult to communicate orders, and it is to be feared that these men who lost their lives by gallantly holding their ground did so under the impression that it was the duty of the contingent to fight in the first line, instead of scouting only, and, after an engagement, to pursue.
I must add, however, that every exertion has been made by Major Graves, Commandant Nettleton, and Captain Hart, to explain to both the officers and men the duties expected of them. These officers, indeed, have been indefatigable in their exertions.
As soon as the firing commenced, I directed the Naval Brigade, under Commander Campbell, Lieutenant Lloyd's division of guns, and Captain Jackson's and Lieutenant Martin's companies of the Buffs, to take up a position on a knoll close by the road (and under which they were halted), and from whence the whole of the Zulu advances could be seen and dealt with.
Meanwhile, the wagons continued to park, and as soon as the length of the column had thereby sufficiently decreased, I directed the two companies of the Buffs, which were guarding the wagons about half way down the column, to clear the enemy out of the bush, which had been already shelled, and fired into with rockets and musketry, by the troops on the knoll above-mentioned. These companies, led by Captains Harrison and Wyld, and guided by Captain Macgregor, D.A.Q.M.G., whom I sent back for this purpose, moved out in excellent order, and quickly getting into skirmishing order, brought their right shoulders gradually forward, and drove the Zulus before them back into the open, which again exposed them to the rockets, shells, and musketry from the knoll.
This movement released the main body of the Mounted Infantry and Volunteers, who, with the Company of Royal Engineers, had remained near the Inyezane, to protect that portion of the convoy of wagons. -The Royal Engineers happened to be working at the drift when the engagement began.
When thus released, both the Engineers and Mounted Troops, under Captain Wynne and Major Barrow, respectively moved forward with the infantry. Skirmishers on the left of the latter, the whole being supported by a half-company of the Buffs and a half-company of the 99th Regiment, sent out by Lieutenant-Colonel Welman, 99th Regiment, who with the rear of the column, was now coming up.
About this time the enemy was observed by Commander Campbell lo be trying to outflank our left, and he offered to go with a portion of the Naval Brigade to drive away a body of Zulus who had got possession of a kraal about 400 yards from the knoll, and which was helping their turning movement. The Naval Brigade was supported by a party of the officers and non-commissioned officers of the Native Contingent, under Captain Hart, who were posted on high ground on the left of the Etshowe Road, and who checked the Zulus from making any further attempt on our left.
Shortly afterwards, when the kraal was evacuated, Commander Campbell suggested that the enemy should be driven off still further, to which I at once assented, and I desired Colonel Parnell to take Captain Forster's company, the Buffs, which up to this time had remained at the foot of the knoll, and assist the Naval Brigade to attack some heights beyond the kraal, upon which a considerable body of Zulus were still posted.
The action was completely successful, and the Zulus now fled in all directions, both from our front and left, and before the skirmishers on the right.
I now ordered the column to be reformed, and at noon we resumed our march, and bivouacked for the night on the ground described in the first part of my letter.
The last shot I fired was about half-past 9 A.M. I enclose a list of the killed and wounded, and, in addition, I beg to state that both Colonel Parnell and myself had our horses shot under us.
The loss of the enemy I can, of course, only approximately give. By all accounts, however — and I have taken every pains to verify and confirm the statements made—upwards of 300 Zulus were killed. The wounded, if there were any, were either carried off or hid in the bush, as only two were found. The dead were lying about in heaps of seven and eight, and in one place ten dead bodies were found close together. At another 35 were counted within a very small space.
As far as I can ascertain, the numbers opposed to us were about 4,000, composed of the Umxapu, Umdhlanefu, and the Ingulubi Regiments, and some 650 men of the district.
I had already been warned, through Mr. Fynney, Border Agent, and other sources, that I might expect to be attacked at any moment after crossing the Umsindusi River, but the number of Zulus stated to be in the neighbourhood was estimated at about 8,000.
All the commanding officers speak highly of the behaviour of their men during the engagement, and of the coolness of the officers and the pains taken by them to control the expenditure of ammunition.
This I can personally vouch for as regards troops on the knoll, as I was present with them the whole time. The practice made by Lieutenant Loyd's guns, and by the rockets of the Naval Brigade, directed by Mr. Cotter, boatswain of H.M.S. "Active," was excellent, and no doubt contributed materially to the success of the day.
Major Barrow particularly wishes me to mention the steadiness and good conduct under fire of the Natal Mounted Volunteer Corps. Those engaged were the Victoria and Stanger Mounted Rifles and the Natal Hussars.
Of the commanding officers themselves I have already, spoken.
From the officers of 017 staff, Colonel Walker J.B., Captain MacGregor, and Lieutenant knight, the Buffs,—my orderly officer—I have received every assistance, not only during yesterday's engagement, but ever since they joined me.
I cannot speak too highly of the energy and attention to their duties of Staff-Surgeon Norbury, R.N., my Senior Medical Officer, and his assistants. The field hospital was established in a convenient place, almost immediately after the firing began, and the wounded received every attention.
Lastly, I wish to report the good example shown to the Native Pioneers by Captain Beddoes and Lieutenant Porrington, who, throughout our march, under the direction of Lieutenant Main, R.E., repaired our road in front, and during the engagement remained on the knoll, fighting rifle in hand.
I must apologise for the great length of this letter ; but as the present is the first campaign of British troops against the Zulus, and as the Natal natives were being tested as soldiers for the first time, I have purposely gone into details. Should we again be engaged with the enemy there will, of course, be no further necessity for describing everything so minutely.
To-morrow morning I propose sending two companies of the Buffs, two companies of the Native Contingent, and a small number of mounted men, to reinforce Lieutenant-Colonel Ely, 99th Regiment, who, with three companies of his regiment, left behind for the purpose, is now on his way to Etshowe, with a convoy of 60 commissariat wagons.
I have written to request Colonel Ely not to advance beyond the Umsindusi till reinforced.
On Saturday, Major Coates starts for the Tugela with 50 empty wagons, escorted by four companies infantry, two native companies, and a few troopers to bring up more stores.
I enclose a couple of sketches of the ground on which the engagement took place, made by Captain McGregor and Lieutenant Knight, from memory.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
C. K. PEARSON,
Colonel.

From: northeastmedals.

Detailed Map: The Battle of Inyezane

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H. FLETCHER CAMPBELL Commanding Naval Brigade.

"22nd, 5 A.M. marched. After passing 5 miles along a fertile valley the path turns, suddenly to the left, and the ascent of the high land on which Ekowe is situated commences, the head of the column reached this turning, and was preparing to halt for breakfast, when it was suddenly attacked along the entire right flank and on both fronts by the enemy, who had evidently been lying concealed in the bushes; they boldly advanced to within 150 yards in extended order rushing from bush to bush and firing with great rapidity. Two 7-prs. Royal Artillery and two 24-prs. Naval Brigade rockets were placed on a knoll at the foot of the pass, but commanding the valley from which the flank attack was proceeding, these supported-by two companies of the Buffs and A and B Companies of Naval Brigade opened a heavy fire on the enemy, checking their advance. This knoll continued to be the head quarters of the column during the engagement.

From head quarters to the head of the pass, the road or path to Ekowe leads along the top of a low ridge for about a mile; this ridge is commanded on both sides by two higher ridges running parallel to it and distant 800 to 1,000 yards. On these high ridges the enemy were posted in large numbers, they also occupied a position B, 300 yards from head quarters on the same ridge, and had commenced to open fire from this latter post when a well directed rocket from the Naval Brigade was driven right through the Kraal B instantly expelling the enemy.

Having been instructed to defend this part of the position I advanced A .and a part of B Companies of the " Active's" men in skirmishing order along the ridge above-described, leaving the remainder of B Company with the rockets, to assist in protecting the head quarter position, which throughout the day was exposed to an irritating fire from the bushes on the sides of a mountain opposite, as well as from the enemy in the plain, the colonel commanding having already had a horse killed under him.

My attention was now wholly directed to the advance along the ridge (see sec. 6, par. 1), along the top of which runs the track to Ekowe. Notwithstanding the heavy fire directed against our small party from front and both flanks, steady progress was made, and the enemy driven back step by step for about three-quarters of a mile, when he posted his troops for a final stand in a strong position perpendicular to the road parallel to which the Naval Brigade were slowly advancing. By this time four men of the Naval Brigade had been sent to the rear badly wounded, and another temporarily stunned by a bullet passing through his helmet, when the arrival of a company of Buffs under Colonel Parnell enabled the attack very rapidly to be pushed to within 100 yards of the Zulu position. A final rush was then made, headed by the Naval Brigade, and the position carried by assault. The first unmounted man in the enemy's position was Thomas Harding, Ordinary of H.M.S. " Active," closely followed by the remainder of A-Company, under Lieutenant Hamilton.

Two other hills were carried as soon as the men had recovered breath, thus breaking through and driving back the right horn of the Zulu army, dispersing it in all directions, and clearing the road to Ekowe, along which the column shortly after advanced without molestation, camping for the night five miles south of that place.

The action lasted nearly three hours, and resulted in the enemy being driven back on all sides with a loss of 300 dead; only one wounded Zulu was found on the field, so it is to be presumed the wounded were removed by their companions.

The loss of Europeans in the engagement was eight killed and sixteen wounded, one of whom has since died.; out of the killed six were officers or non-commissioned officers of the Native Contingent; these men fought, as far as came under my notice, with great bravery, being, of course, unsupported by their men, one out of ten of whom only have fire-arms, while the Zulus appear all to be possessed of them.

I enclose the reports of Lieutenant Dowding, commanding Royal Marine Light Infantry, and Midshipman Coker, in charge of the Gatling, both of whom were placed so far in rear that I had up opportunity of observing their movements.

It is with greatest gratification I report the splendid behaviour of the Naval Brigade in action of 22nd instant; all were remarkably steady under fire; those employed on the ridge were exposed to a cross fire for nearly two hours, after which they responded to my call for the final assault with alacrity, and led the rush till success was secured.

I particularly recommend Lieutenant Hamilton, whose company was in front during the action.

Sub-Lieutenant Fraser also did good service in command of the Reserve, being under fire the whole time. Boatswain Cotter was most successful with the rockets I placed in his charge.

Lieutenant Craigie, Gunnery Lieutenant, rendered valuable services as Acting Adjutant.

Ekowe was reached early on 23rd, and the head quarters are expected to remain for eight or ten days before any further advance is made.

200 men marched in the direction of the Tugela this morning, and 400 more leave tomorrow, to escort convoys; reports have reached that attacks have been made on these.

The force lately beaten, by the 1st Division of the Column are said to be assembled in the bush at Umlatoo River, there to attack us on advancing. It seems probable that they will not be dispersed without some loss on our side. The Zulus seem adepts at skirmishing, always in extended order; they rush from one bush to another, delivering their fire, and then retiring under cover to load. It requires a good marksman to bring them down. Nothing like the masses of men spoken of as composing their armies has been seen, and they show no disposition to meet us in the open, but confine themselves to taking us at a disadvantage as on the 22nd instant.

The enemy have unfortunately carried off the six Martini-Henry rifles and ammunition of the Europeans of the Native Contingent killed; doubtless these will be used against us with effect in the next action.
I trust my proceedings may meet your approval.
I have &c.,

(Signed) H. FLETCHER CAMPBELL,
Commanding Naval Brigade.

I beg to recommend to your notice, E. White, Principal Officer First Class, who continued to fight after having been struck by a ball. E. Futcher, Principal Officer First Class, took a leading part in the movements.
Thomas Harding, Ordinary, the first unmounted man in enemy's position.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

TOWNLY W. DOWDING, Lieut. Comdg. R. Marines. H.M.S." Active "

"SIR,
I HAVE the honour to report that in accordance with orders, I marched the Marines from the camping ground near the Amatikulu, on the morning of the 22nd inst. in rear of the Gatling gun.

After marching about; 2½ hours we heard rapid firing commencing at the front of the column; almost at the same instant an officer of the Native Contingent rode up to me, reporting that the enemy were in large numbers on our right. Immediately told Captain Forster of the Buffs, who was in command of the rear guard.
He ordered us to extend on the right flank of the wagons, at the same time the Gatling gun was brought into action. I advanced the Marines in line with a Company of the Buffs under Captain Foster, but owing to the height of the reeds and bush we only occasionally got a glimpse of the enemy about 400 yards in front of us, and apparently, in large numbers. They appeared to be trying to get round the rear of the column. I was able occasionally to open fire at them on arriving at the edge of the reeds.
After advancing in this way about a quarter of a mile, we found another company of the Buffs, moving from the front of the column, and some 300 yards to our front. I therefore at once moved my men back on the Gatling gun, and made my way at once to the Head Quarter Staff, and reported my arrival to Colonel Pearson.
He ordered Mr. Coker to bring up the Gatling gun at once. I was told to place my men at the top of the hill to the left of the Gatling gun, when I at once opened fire on the enemy, who were keeping up a fairly continuous fire in our direction. The Gatling gun shortly opening fire on our right; after about a quarter of an hour Mr. Craigie rode up with half of " B " Company, saying he had orders to bring up the rest of the Naval Brigade to support " A" Company, and as the Gatling gun was now well guarded, I at once joined him with the Marines.

We moved rapidly along to the kraal on the top of the hill that had been already taken, where we found the remainder of" B " Company, keeping up a continuous fire at the enemy on our left, and then advanced on the main road, up a steep hill, until we joined Mr. Hamilton's men. The men behaved well and steadily under fire. The marching at the commencement in extended order being very heavy through the thick bush and reeds.The amount of ammunition expended was between 500 and 600 rounds.
I have, &c.
(Signed) TOWNLY W. DOWDING,
Lieut. Comdg. R. Marines.
H.M.S." Active "

A. Campbell, R.N., Comdg. Naval Brigade.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LEWIS C. COKER."

"SIR,
I HAVE the honor to report I was placed in rear of the leading column with Gatling gun. About two and a half hours after leaving the camping grounds, the head of the column was engaged. A report having come in that the Natives were threatening the rear of the column, I placed my gun on a hill, in a good position for firing if necessary.
I brought my gun into action, but through the clumsiness of my driver, my disselboom carried away. I repaired it as quickly as possible; no natives appearing, I moved on with the wagons; owing to the disselboom I was very much delayed.

On arriving at the foot of the hill, where the head quarters were, I was ordered by Colonel Pearson to bring, the gun up and place it opposite a hill where some natives had taken up a position.
I immediately opened, fire on them, they retiring into the bush I ceased firing, having expended, about 300 rounds, and stationed my men to try and pick off a few natives who were annoying us considerably.

The men behaved well under fire and worked hard to bring the gun into action.
I have, &c.
(Signed) LEWIS C. COKER."

Source: Eye-Witness Accounts. northeastmedals
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Quote :

I moved on with the wagons; owing to the disselboom I was very much delayed.

Anyone know what a disselboom is.

Hi Mr Greaves

A Disselboom is a South Africa wagon shaft: the pole or shaft on a wagon or cart

1879Graves thanks very much for your quick response. That something else i have learnt. I wonder what kind of trouble he had.

hi mrg.
My guess is when coker refers to the disselboom being " carried away ", I think it means it simply broke and was laying on the ground .
cheers 90th.