Help support TMP


"Harry Smith's last throw" Topic


6 Posts

All members in good standing are free to post here. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the posters, and have not been cleared with nor are they endorsed by The Miniatures Page.

Please be courteous toward your fellow TMP members.

For more information, see the TMP FAQ.


Back to the 19th Century Media Message Board


Areas of Interest

19th Century

Featured Hobby News Article


Featured Link


Top-Rated Ruleset


1,137 hits since 25 Dec 2012
©1994-2025 Bill Armintrout
Comments or corrections?

Tango01 Supporting Member of TMP25 Dec 2012 11:23 a.m. PST

The eighth frontier war 1850-1853.
From the author:
"'This book tells the often harrowing story of the Eighth Frontier War against the Xhosa people of the Eastern Cape, often from the viewpoint of those actually doing the fighting. It was the longest of those wars and it was to be followed by the Ninth, and last, in 1877-1878. By that time there remained little of the Xhosa lands which they had once called their own, the extent of which had been eroded after almost every war.

'The Xhosa had previously fought with some chivalry, refusing to make war on white women and children, just as they had in their own internecine wars. This war changed all that and chivalry was cast aside by both sides. It is often a gritty story, with atrocities committed by both white and black, but it is also leavened with the dry, mordant humour that only a serving British soldier can provide.

'The "Harry Smith" of the title is the famous 19th century British soldier, Sir Henry George Wakelyn Smith, who served at the Cape of Good Hope on two occasions. The first was in the years 1828-1835, during which he was second-in-command to Sir Benjamin D'Urban. This ended with Smith departing the Cape under a cloud after his involvement in the murder of the Xhosa paramount chief Hintsa.

'His second period of service, between 1847 and 1853, was as Sir Harry Smith, baronet, the hero of Aliwal. His appointment there was as Governor and High Commissioner. Although Smith claimed to have ended the Seventh Frontier War in 1847, shortly after his arrival, his greater claim to fame was his management of the Eighth War, which he himself did much to foster. In particular, the book endeavours to evaluate Smith's role as one of the prime causes of the war."


See here
link

Hope you enjoy!.

Amicalement
Armand

Florida Tory25 Dec 2012 12:35 p.m. PST

I enjoy the story of how he first met Lady Smith during the sack of Badajoz.

link

Rick

Tango01 Supporting Member of TMP25 Dec 2012 12:45 p.m. PST

I like that history too my friend.
Very Napoleonic.

Amicalement
Armand

Khusrau26 Dec 2012 12:39 a.m. PST

Harry Smith was also the name of the Australian commander during Long Tan.

At the fortieth anniversary, my wife and I stood at the dawn dedication, watching the sunshine reflected off the memorial through Harry's legs.. and heard one old digger remark that they always knew that the sun shone out of Harry's ar$e…

Not relevant, but too good a story not to share.

Tango01 Supporting Member of TMP26 Dec 2012 11:14 a.m. PST

A good story indeed my friend.
Thanks for share.

Amicalement
Armand

Settler26 Dec 2012 6:22 p.m. PST

I enjoyed the book very much and from a wargamers perspective I see many fine scenarios to game.

Some may find this recent link of interest as it concerns rules and figures. A most fascinating period and well worthy of more attention.

TMP link

Sorry - only verified members can post on the forums.