"What was Anthony Durnford’s real role in the Zulu Wars?" Topic

"A complex figure who arrived on the battlefield trailing a good deal of emotional baggage, Durnford had been born in Ireland in 1830 to a distinguished military family. He was commissioned into the Royal Engineers in 1848 and his career showed early promise, but bouts of ill-health and bad luck kept him from active service in the Crimea or with fellow Engineer Charles Gordon in China.

Instead, Durnford spent more than 20 years in routine peace-time postings. In 1854, he had married, but the relationship had crumpled under the impact of the deaths of two children in infancy. Only with a posting to the Cape garrison at the beginning of 1872 did his prospects improve. Durnford enjoyed both the country and the diverse societies he encountered there, developing a sympathy for African peoples rare among British officials at the time. In 1873, he was finally given a command under active service – but the affair had turned out disastrously…"

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Armand

His role was scapegoat and fall guy.

I ran a game a few turns ago called "Durnford was right" where the Zulus attack Chelmsford's reconnaissance column from the rear and Durnford rides to the rescue. BTW, it still turned out bad for the Brits.

it is surprising how often RE's turned out to be good field commanders. maybe it was because they were professionally trained as opposed to just being "gentlemen" as was all that was needed for cavalry and infantry. I suppose RA officers were also trained too.

Thanks.

Armand

Is there a 25mm / 28mm mounted / dismounted figure for Col Durnford available from a US source today? I know Empress has one but just on the UK site.

PzJ

Perry Miniatures produces a very nice tooled command set (SKU: VLW 53) which includes Colonel Durnford, Lord Chelmsford, and Colonel Pearson. It's a bargain at 8.33 British Pounds.

Steve,
RE and RA officers had identical training at Woolwich. The top 20 became RE, the rest RA.
Rod (a former RE officer).