The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-04-19 00:00:00

A VISIT TO THE FIELD OF
ISANDULA.

On the 4th of March (says a Daily News corres-
pondent) a party, consisting of four officers of the 24th
Regiment, twelve officers and non•commissioned
officers of the Natal Native Contingent, and eleven
of the Natal Native Police, the whole under
the command of Major Black, of the 24th Regi-
ment, proceeded at seven a.m. from the camp
to the Buffalo River, and crossed into Zululand to
reconnoitre, fires having been observed burning the
previous night. After .crossing, Captain Symons
pushed forward with the police to examine the valley
at the foot of the Banshee Height. Finding none of
the enemy there, the whole party advanced at a smart
pace, the Natal Native Contingent in front, and the
police in the rear, and proceeded in close order along
the valley, their destination being Isandula. At the
river which runs at the bottom of the ascent leading
to the camp they saw three Zulus a consilerable die-
tance ahead.

"On seeing us (says the narrative of one of the
party) they ran to the right and watched us at a safe
distance under a tree. One more good pull for our
horses, and we were in the neck between the two
koppies.
"The scen3 that struck on our view at this spot
was lwful. Before us lay the camping ground,
thickly strewn with the remains of those who fell.
Waggons were standing in every direction, many
having been moved a considerable distance from their
original position. Some stood as they were left when
the oxen were outspanned. All had been emptied of
their contents, which were lying thick on the ground.
Tinned fish, meat, jam, milk, &c., were in abundance,
but the tins in many cases were pierced by amegais.
Letters, papers, and photographs were mixed up
with brushes and boots of every description. Saddle-
bags and saddlery of all sorts were lying about, gene-
rally cut well to pieces. Scarcely a square foot of
tent canvas was to be seen, and only one waterproof
waggon cover was left.
"The stench from the carcases of the horses, mules,
oxen, and the remains of the poor fellows who fell
was fearful. In most cases we were able to distinguish
what branch of the service the men had belonged to
from the uniforms, but they were long past other
recognition. Birds of prey did not appear to have
been at their horrid work inside the actual camp, but
there were undeniable traces of them %Aside, and
along the way the fugitives took.
"After a good look, having first posted vedettes,
our whole party dispersed through the camp. One of
the first things picked up was a sling of the colours of
the 24th. Many of us recovered letters and photo-
graphs very little the worse for the six weeks' ex-
posure. Some regimental books were found, together
with a considerable amount of money, cheques, and
other property. One of the officers, after a consider-
able time spent in this way, found at some distance
from the camp one of the Royal Artillery gun car-
riages, but no trace of the guns was to be seen.
"On quitting the camp shots were fired at us by the
Zulus on the hill beyond the camp, but the bullets
did not reach. On leaving a detour was made to the
left along the path the fu4itives tobk. Here many
more bodies were lying, and the other Royal Artillery
gun carriage, with the horses and harness a little in
advance, was discovered, though again no trace of the
gun.
"Our return journey was effected in. the same un-
interrupted way as the advance until on emerging
from the Baßhee Valley six or eight slots were fired
front the heights. No damage was done. We arrived
back at three p.m. Some of those who had remained
in camp looked considerably pleased on seeing Us again
safe and sound."