THE RARE AND IMPORTANT
SOUTH AFRICA 1877-9 TO NEWCASTLE MOUNTED RIFLES TROOPER WHO WAS THE FIRST
EUROPEAN FATAL CASUALTY OF THE ZULU WAR
SOUTH AFRICA 1877-9, CLASP
1879 ‘TR. A E DIXON. NEWCASTLE MD RIFLES’
Trooper Arthur Dixon of the Newcastle Mounted Rifles was the first
European fatal casualty of the War when he drowned a couple of days after the
action the unit were involved in at Sihayo's kraal. A letter published (copy
included), possibly from his sister, gives details of what actually happened.
The Newcastle Mounted Rifles was
a Northern Natal regiment raised in 1876, and served in the Zulu War of 1879
under Capt Bradstreet . After crossing the Buffalo River into Zululand at
Rorkes Drift on 11th January 1879, the Newcastle Rifles had their
first experience of coming under fire when they were part of the small detached
force that took part in the first action of the War at Sihayo's kraal on 12th
January. They spent the next days patrolling with the other Volunteer units present
at Isandlwana with a strength of 14 but of these they lost half these men
including Captain Bradstreet who was the senior Volunteer Officer present. Most
of the men died in a last stand with Colonel Durnford and other Colonial
Volunteers. Trooper Dixon, as well as
the other members of the unit who died at Isandhlwana, are commemorated on a
plaque in Newcastle (photos included)
SIHAYO'S KRAAL
The 11th of January dawned a
gloomy day with drizzling rain early in the morning but despite this the
crossing was commenced at 04h30. The mounted men and Natal Native Contingent
crossed by the ford while the infantry were ferried over in the ponts which had
been prepared. The crossing was covered by the artillery mounted on a knoll on
which Fort Melvill was later erected and a screen of cavalry on the Zululand
side, but no opposition was encountered. However, some of the Natal Native
Contingent were drowned in the strongly flowing river. By 06h30 all the troops
were across the river and the rest of the day was taken up by establishing a
camp and moving the wagons, stores and equipment across. Lord Chelmsford rode
off in a northerly direction to consult with Col Wood who had crossed the Blood
River and camped near Bemba's Kop and when Chelmsford returned he had an
interview with Col Durnford who had ridden across from Krantzkop.
Due to the obstacle posed by
the wide sandy bed of the Batshe River and the rocky ridges beyond, it was
evident that a track would have to be made before the column could advance, but
Sihayo's kraal, situated in the Batshe valley threatened the left flank.
Although Sihayo and his son Mehlokazulu were at Ulundi his actions had been one
of the ostensible causes of the war and Chelmsford decided to attack his kraal.
Early on 12 January the attacking force, consisting of cavalry scouting ahead,
the Natal Native Contingent with the 1st Battalion in the lead and four
companies of the 1st/24th in support, moved across the Batshe to attack a rocky
gorge into which Sihayo's men had retreated, driving their cattle before them.
The Natal Native Contingent showed reluctance to face the Zulus, some of whom
were armed with rifles. Stones were also rolled down on the attackers. After a
sharp action the Zulus retreated, having lost 30 dead and 4 wounded while 10
were captured. On the British side, two of the Natal Native Contingent were
killed and twelve wounded, while one officer and two N.C.O.s had been wounded.
The latter were taken back to the hospital at Rorke's Drift along with two
badly wounded Zulus. Lieut Coghill fell from his horse and wrenched his knee in
an attempt to catch a fowl but was able to remain with the column.
38 medals issued to unit, 37
with 1879 clasp. 8 unclaimed and broken up.
Condition GVF, minor EK. A very scarce and
desirable unit let alone the rarity of being the first fatal casualty of the
Zulu War
SEE MY
OTHER AUCTIONS FOR SIMILAR MEDALS
RETURNS ARE
OF COURSE ACCEPTED ON ALL MY AUCTIONS IF ITEMS IS FOUND NOT AS DESCRIBED BUT
MUST BE RETURNED ON RECEIPT AND BY FULLY INSURED TRACKED AND SIGNED MAIL OR COURIER
REGARDING SHIPPING:
I DO COMBINE SHIPPING COSTS FOR SMALLER ITEMS SUCH AS BADGES AND MEDALS IF MULTIPLE ITEMS ARE PURCHASED.
I can ship overseas by courier, if you are an International
buyer and wish to courier shipping, contact me before bidding and I will give to
a shipping quote
KEYWORDS: MEDAL, MEDALS, BOER ,EGYPT, SUDAN, ZULU, AFGHANISTAN, ASHANTEE, SOUTH AFRICA, INDIAN MUTINY, PHOTO, PHOTOGRAPH, CDV, OFFICER, SOLDIER, VC, cabinet card