PAST EVENTS
Our first monthly meeiting of 1986 started with a highly successful presentation of a new outlook on an old subject. Guest speaker Jeff Mathews drew a good attendance not only on account of his reputation as a good speaker, but also on account of the intriguing title of his talk "WHAT REALLY HAPPENED AT ISANDLWANA!" Touching on the details of operations only in so far as it was necessary to identify time and locality of certain events our speaker focussed attention on the person, actions and omissions of Lord Chelmsford himself.
He pointed out that although a number of writers had examined Chelmsford's rôle at Isandlwana, their analysis had invariably been of a cursory nature, and he is therefore usually seen as a shadowy figure whiich leaves the camp in mysterious circumstances - only to return when it is too late. They, and even Donald Morris, the author of 'The Washing of the Spears', fell for the conspiracy of silence on the true nature of events, a cover up which was perpetrated by the Horse Guard establishment led by the Duke of Cambridge and supported by the Royal family in England. The internal conflict within the military establishment, of which the débàcle at Isandlwana is but a solitary example, is a fascinating instance of Victorian intrigue and is an area which requires further analysis.
The speaker set himself the task to re-assess and to re-instate Chelmsford in a prominent rôle as a major character in the Isandlwana drama, with the hope that his presentation would allow a far clearer picture to emerge of the circumstances surrounding the Isandlwana débàcle. In this he by and large succeeded. He produced a good deal of evidence to show that Chelmsford and his staff completely underestimated the fighting ability of the Zulus. Chelmsford was not only overconfident but on occasion referred to Zulu warriars with downright contempt.
One such occasion was when he ordered his artillery not to engage the enemy until they had advanced to within 600 yards, lest they be "frightened away" prematurely. This attitude led to carelessness, inadequate communications, and ill-conceived, if not foolhardy, actions. The poor quality of many men in command and their personal incompatibilities, and a dearth of competent staff officers: all contributed to Chelmsford's problems, but a lack of purpose and direction on his part aggravated the situation.
Many questions and much discussion followed this lecture, but its outline remained clear and impressive and added a new dimension to a much debated subject. 'Midge' Carter conveyed the sincere thanks and appreciation of the meeting.
FOR SALE:
Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler - English translation, Published 1939 R7,00.
The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L. Shirer R10.00.
My Three Years with Eisenhower (1942-45) by Capt Harry C. butcher, Naval Aide to Gen. Eisenhower R5,00.Personal diary he promised never to publish.)
Military History Journals: Vol 4 No's 1 2 3 Vol 5 No's 4, 5, 6, Vol 6 No's 3, 4. Total R8,00. Contact fellow member Vic Conrad Tel (031) 23-nnnn. '
FUTURE EVENTS
FIELD OUTING TO SPIONKOP AND LADYSMITH : 16TH AND 17TH MAY 1986.
An invitation has been received from the Natal Branch of the Southern African Museums Association for any interested members to participate in an outing to Spionkop and Ladysmith on Friday 16th and Saturday the 17th May 1986.
Provisional Itinerary:
Friday 16th May: Rendezvous at Spionkop Resort early afternoon.
At 4 p.m. Dr. Tim Maggs, the Natal Museum's Archaeologist, will lead a tour to an archaeological dig in the Spionkop reserve. At a braai in the evening Dr Maggs will give a talk on the Iron Age in the area.
Saturday 17th May: 8 a.m. Drive to the top of Spionkop (the road is in good repair). Mr. Gilbert Torlage of the Natal Parks Board will give a commentary on the battle.
10.30 a.m. Depart for Ladysmith to view the NEW SIEGE MUSEUM after which a light lunch will be available at the Royal Hotel. After lunch depart for Platrand and Caesar's Point (Wagon Hill) led by Dr. Thorrold of the Ladysmith Historical Society. Depart for home or spend remainder of weekend exploring at leisure.
Some members may wish to make this a one day outing on the Saturday joining the tour at either Spionkop or Ladysmith. Will those members requiring accommodation on Friday night please contact Mr. Graham Dominy of the Natal Provincial Museums Service at Telephone .... 53201 (Pte Bag 9... PMB 32001) AS SOON AS POSSIBLE as he is arranging a block reservation at the Spionkop Resort. To assist with the catering he would like also to know the numbers attending the luncheon at the Royal Hotel on saturday.
FUTURE MEETINGS
FEBRUARY 20TH Major Denis Sheil-Small will present a slide talk entitled "A Pictorial History of the Gurkhas".
March 20th Our National Chairman Major Darrell Hall will give a slide talk on "The Secret War with Japan".
April 10th Fellow-member Commandant Justin Hulme - "50 Years Ago" (SADF 1929 - 1933)
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE NEXT TWO MEETINGS WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE THIRD THURSDAY IN THE MONTH. PLEASE DIARISE. Venue: Lecture Room, lower ground floor, 'SB' Bourquin Building, the Natalia Development Board's head office, on the corner of Jan Smuts Highway and Buro Crescent, Mayville, commencing at 8 p.m. Glasses and ice will be provided so please bring your own refreshment. FRIENDS AND INTERESTED PERSONS ARE WELCOME.
TAILPIECE
"When you know the enemy and you know yourself, in a hundred battles you will never be in peril.
"When you are ignorant of the enemy but know yourself, your chances of winning or losing are equal.
"If ignorant both of your enemy and of yourself, you are certain in every battle to be in peril."
(Sun Tzu - The Art of War. 500 B.C.).
(Mrs) Tania van der Watt,
Secretary, Durban Branch,
S.A. Military History Society,
Box 870, HILLCREST, 3650.
Tel. (031) vvvvvv