Zulu War Diary Part 3

August

 

1^st- Slipped mooring and went out to sea en route for Natal having on board General Chelmsford, a stiff breeze blowing.

7^th- Anchored at Natal at midnight, General left ship next morning manned yards Marines Forming guard of Honour fired salute of 17 guns.

8^th- 2 Barques washed ashore in the open roadstead where we lay.

15^th- After dark orders came aboard to sail for East London for troops, and in about an hour was on the way there.

17^th Passed East London this morning having lost our reckoning owing to strong currents we had gone 50 miles past it before it was found out. We about ship and came back again dropping anchor at 7.0.p.m. on the next day 18^th 100 men of the 1/24^th came aboard with their baggage, as soon as they got aboard we got on the way to Natal again. On the 23^rd caterers of messes allowed ashore I went and got good wetting crossing bar after crossing which we got into a very fine Harbour, we landed along side a wharf the people eyeing us very much. The first place we saw as is generally the case was a hotel and the first place a bluejacket or marine pops into, we soon had a few bottles of beer on the table it being 2/- a bottle. We then went on to Durban but I have not much to say about it, remained ashore for night next coming aboard with provisions, also bought oranges, bananas, pineapples etc. for the mess.

26^th- General came aboard hands piped to get up anchor, their was a heavy swell on at time, when we got a good strain on the capstan when the ship gave a heavy lurch, putting such strain on as to smash capstan bars like so many matches there was a panic for a moment as we jumped clear of the bars but some of them were bent so much, we were just rigging deck tackle to get up anchor when the cable snapped nearly carrying away capstan. Having lost our anchor we sailed for St Johns River, but soon came back owing to sea rising and let go one of our sheet anchors. Next morning we got up anchor with deck tackles after a few hours hard work to find that this anchor was broken which is now useless and we had to let go our port sheet anchor at St Johns River, where Commodore and General went ashore to find good place for landing troops. They soon came back again to ship that night it came on to blow, engines turning all night to take strain of cable anchor watch kept and leadsman in chains to see we did not drift any.

30^th- Landed troops this morning the weather having abated and soon after that got ashore saw the British flag hoisted on a hill.

31^st-Got up anchor and lay to waiting for General coming down the river but it came on rough and he could not cross bar at mouth of river, we had to lay to all night under steam.

September

 

1^st- Morning calm and beautiful and General came aboard and we started for Natal where we arrived next day but did not anchor merely laying to while General landed and then proceeded back to Simons bay, with a head wind now commenced our hardships again, we were almost without coal and will have to stop steaming. Next day we had stopped steaming wind blowing a stiff gale ship rolling and pitching heavily everything double secured, lifelines placed along decks. Heavy seas wash over us. The ship often rolls 3 ratlines (main) below water. For 14 days we were in this gale of wind, beating close up to it under reefed fore and main topsails. We had to wear ship about every 6 hours. On the 10^th I slipped as the ship gave a heavy lurch cutting my eye severely. I was taken to doctor, as I was almost knocked insensible.  Many others have received injuries by falling. We cannot do anything in the shape of work, about 2.0.a.m. this morning the storm raged fiercer than ever some heavy seas washing over her. On the 11^th wind abated a little but sprung up again during night.

14^th-Wind went down considerably and on Sunday 15^th took up our moorings in Simons Bay. Having been 14 days coming 700 miles, which we have done before in 3 days. The waves rise higher and the storms and hurricanes more violent at the cape than any other part of the world, the wind or gale often blowing for weeks together, a south easter being the most violent.

16^th Marine killed by a spar falling from above and fracturing his skull.

26^th- Quarters, fired 4 rounds each gun.

October

 

2^nd- 48 hours leave to Cape Town.

15^th- Went to Naval hospital ashore with hurt, discharged on 31^st, ship going to Natal again.

November

 

2^nd- Set sail for Natal the weather was splendid and we run it in 3 days 17 hours. We lay to while we communicated with shore. On getting which we let go anchor. Everybody is making preparations of a war with the Zulu’s.

7^th- We left Natal for Delagoa Bay arriving there on the 9^th next day sending our steam punnace ashore to confer with Portuguese Governor respecting landing of arms in this place for Zulu’s by merchant vessels. Set sail again on the 12^th back to Natal arriving there on 14^th from 14^th to 19^th very busy preparing to land for Zulu war.

20^th-Next morning we were on the march by 6.0.a.m. marched 5 or 6 miles and halted for breakfast, after which resumed the march, halting for the night at a small river called         .This river afforded us a finer bathe, very refreshing after a hot days march. The place abounds in prickly pear trees.

21th-Up at break of the day next morning. Some time being taken up in rearranging baggage on waggons, when we resumed our march. As we advanced, civilised habitations became few and far between, here and there a solitary farmhouse or stores was seen. They got scarcer as we marched along, some fine landscape scenery met our view, this part of the route being very undulating and covered in many places with splendid vegetation, halted for dinner at another river        and then marched till sunset, when we arrived at the river       ,where we spent some time in finding a suitable place for camping, as the place was full of sugar plantations. However we managed to pitch tents among the sugar canes though in a straggling fashion. Orange and lemon trees, and banana trees were growing in the gardens of the natives. There was a sugar mill in the village for crushing the canes. It rained hard during the night.

22^nd-Crossed the river which was wide but shallow, early in the morning, Merely pulling our boots off and tucking trousers up as we crossed. The day was very cool and marching pleasant, with the exception of the roads being a little heavy after the rain we had during the night. The scenery along the road was beautiful and very varying. 7 or 8 miles brought us to a river, here we halted to off boots and pants. I and several others went a little down the river to find a good place to cross. I went on very well till about half way over, when I slipped on a rock and nearly went over head. Luckily I stuck to my rifle with one hand while the other clutched the rock, or I might have been carried a little further down stream as there was a great force of water rushed between the rocks. However I managed to get to the other side, stepping from rock to rock. When I got over, hearing someone shout, I turned to see what was the matter, when I observed them pointing to some objects in the water that on close inspection proved to be crocodiles. This made some of the men rather timid about crossing and some waited for the wagons to cross on which they mounted and so got over dry footed. On reaching the other side we encamped, owing to the oxen being tired out. We took advantage of this to wash are clothes in the river as it was early in the day. Saw a few more crocodiles while doing so.

23^rd-On the march again this morning, which after a few hours brought us to a place called Stanger, where we encamped, this being a very short march as it was only 10.0.a.m. when we pitch tents, there is a small river here, a hotel, stores and military barrack.

24^th-Did not start this morning till 10.0.a.m. owing to the rain, it had continued raining since we halted yesterday. After a march of some few miles, we arrived at the banks of the river Tugela, our destination for the present. This river is very wide (about 300 yards) and deep in places, and after heavy rain little better than a rushing torrent, it empties itself into the sea about four miles from here. On the top of a hill in a very commanding position and overlooking the river from which it is inaccessible, is a fortification called Fort Pearson, its front and left face is almost perpendicular from the river, of solid rock.

   A detachment of the 3rd Buffs (about 170) were stationed here, who received us with cheers and when we had pitched our tents, they marched us up to their own canteen and regaling us with a pint of beer each, which we were by no means loath to drink after our march. We relieve them; they have been here three weeks but will now join their depot at Thrings post.

25^th-Next morning we busied ourselves placing guns in the fort, storing the ammunition in magazines. We had bathing parades at 5.30.a.m., and again in the evening, this will continue while we are here.

DECEMBER

 

 

1^st-During the past few days we have not done much, we erected a camp oven, but it would not bake properly, and we preferred baking our own bread in camp kettle lids, one company of brigade manning fort. Large numbers of pondos are crossing the river from this side and returning to there own country. No doubt thinking it best to go now before the war breaks out. Their goods are well searched for arms etc., by the authorities, which they are not allowed to take with them. It is laughable to see some of the goods they are taking over to there country, fancy trunks, silk umbrellas of all shape and colors, there is nothing more odd than to see a naked savage triumphantly carrying a fancy sunshade over his head. These are men who immigrated from their own country and came into Natal to be employed by the traders and farmers, and these things were the products of their savings.

    At divisions, Capt. Larnplell said prayer, read articles of war; warned us about having connection with native women, who according to the laws of their country would suffer death for doing so.

3^rd-Yesterday paid money, received 20/- at 6.0.a.m. This morning went down river in a boat with four others, for the purpose of laying a target on one of the sandbanks in the centre of the river, after fixing the target we went to another small island covered with long grass in which were hundreds of what appeared to be canary nests, made of grass and woven in a wonderfully delicate and intricate manner to the tops of the long reeds, most of the nests contained eggs of a cream color with black

 spots. In one of the nests we found a beautifully colored frog, being white and marked with black lines like Chinese hieroglyphics intended bringing it to camp as a curiosity, but in reaching the nest down it jumped out and I lost sight of it amid the rushes. Guanos are very plentiful; crocodiles have also been seen on the banks of the river further down. After securing one of the nests we got to the boat again and pulled down stream, as we made the boat fast the bugle sounded for breakfast, which was welcome our pull up the river having given us an appetite.

4^th-A large snake, eight feet long was caught this morning by several marines while bathing. He essayed to attack them twice but from the loose nature of the sand was unable to make a spring at them, our fellows had provided themselves with sticks before the snake could escape into the water, and beat it to death. It was brought to camp and given to Doctor Thompson who is making a collection, who pronounced it a Cobra di capello. A troop of twenty mounted volunteers encamped here this evening. The weather is insufferably hot.

10^th-This is the day fixed for the reading of Sir Bartle Freres Ultimatum to the deputies of the King, but though everyone was waiting they did not arrive here today. A bodyguard of 20 Marines and 20 Bluejackets were held in readiness all day, receiving 10 rounds of ammunition extra.

11^th-Early this morning the chiefs of the Zulus were observed coming down towards the river. I should say there was about 150 of them, boats were engaged to bring them across, about noon all the chiefs had arrived at this side of the river, and the high commissioners took their places under a large tree close to the river. Over the tree was spread a wagon cover as an awning, and underneath it were a table and a few chairs. The king’s deputies squatted down on the ground in front of the table, the bodyguard of marines and bluejackets being formed outside them. Then the proceedings commenced by one of the commissioners reading to them Sir Bartles award.

The boundary lines were first spoken of the land this side of the buffalo and blood rivers was to belong to the British government, and other matters concerning the transvaal was spoken of, but to uninteresting to write of fully, suffice it is to say that the king was to disband his army, and send them to their homes and that soldiers were to be allowed to marry when they liked. That no acts of violence or aggression among his own people was to be committed by him, and that the king be fined 600 head of cattle, for detaining British subjects and acts of violence to others he was not to take the lives of any of his subjects, before being tried in his presence by a recorder. Who are for the future to be stationed in Zululand.At present he puts his people to death for adultery, stealing cattle, which-craft and many other offences.

The ultimatum was interpreted to the kings deputies by Major Fynney the border agent it was after 4.0.p.m. before the proceedings terminated. Some of the chiefs shaking there heads and expressing their opinion that the king would never submit to the terms of the government

  An enterprising photographer named Loydd from Natal, photographed the proceedings under the tree, which no doubt will prove interesting, and on the following day took photo of brigade formed in the line four deep, two front ranks kneeling the other two standing and at the ready position, the marines being in centre of the brigade a gun on each flank.

This was one of many moments when typing up this diary blew me away because to help with some of the names of land marks and units I had my Zulu War ref book and the above picture was in it. I now look at this picture and know that one of the Marines in my relative.

24^th (Christmas Eve)-Up to this date nothing of any consequence has occurred. I received a letter from mother on the 17th who writes me that all is well. We frequently march out of a morning for exercise and we have been practising during the past few days for sports, which our captain is about to get up on Boxing Day, including, tugs of war, running. Jumping, hurdle races, three legged races, throwing a weight, etc. this is Christmas Eve and I am busy stoning raisins, pickling current, etc. We obtained the materials from stanger about 18 miles off, my tent mates stopping up in watches till 3.0.a.m. on Christmas morning boiling it. There is every prospect of enjoying a merry Christmas.

25^th (Christmas day)-Christmas day dawned upon us with every appearance of being a fine day, and it proved to be so, the sun pouring its burning rays on us pitilessly. We attended divine service after which the tents were inspected. Most of them being gaily decorated with branches of trees in blossom and with fruit. In my tent I had molloes cut out of paper and branches of trees forming an arch over the tent door, inside the tent we decorated with eatables, arranging them in such a manner with flowers and fruit as to look very nice. We had roast and corned meat for dinner, the meat we corned ourselves, plenty of plum pudding, which is indispensable to a Christmas dinner, and plenty of English ale procured from Natal by the canteen at 1/6 a quart. Capt. Campbell having advanced us 5/0 per man in the morning so that we could get sufficient for our wants. I was cook on this day and remained in the tent to arrange it for the officers inspection, to whom I wished a merry Christmas at the same time inviting them to have a piece of pudding, which they praised very highly considering it was made in the field. Christmas passed very jolly indeed far different from the last Christmas I had on shore during the Kafir war.

26^th (Boxing Day)-Sport commenced at 2.0.p.m. the first race; a hurdle race was won by thos. Smith R.M who also won the 100-yard flat race. The three legged race was taken by Thos Smith and J.H.Cook R.M, half mile by Seanlon R.M, long jump and throwing the weight by P.Nagle G.M, tug of war by the marines pulled by companies of 10 in a team, consolation race by J.Smith, the sack race was very amusing as well as the chase after a pig which was caught by L.Warren. Everything passed of very well and a very enjoyable day was spent. The canteen being well patronised during the evening.

28^th-Gear coming up every day for pontoon bridge, which we are busily engaged in preparing for the troops to cross-river Commodore and Sub Lieut. Heugh arrived here from Durban.

29^th-Sunday, Inspection by General Lord Thesiger who spoke a few words to us " on the pleasure he felt to have us under his command once more, and that he wished to impress on our minds that when we crossed the river into the enemies country, we should always be on the alert when on outpost and that although the enemy might not attack us for the first, second or even the third week, we should not abate any of our watchfulness or become careless. For come they assuredly would sooner or later and that we should not be afraid if sometimes opposed to 10 or even 15 times our number for we should remember that they knew nothing of discipline and he was sure we should not fail to leave are mark behind us." The Commodore also spoke a few words " on the confidence he placed in us that we would not be behind in upholding the name the navy has always borne." At the close three cheers were given by the men for the General and Commodore.