ZULU WAR 1870-CROSSING THE TUGELA

[Mervyn Mitton]

I think this is a most dramatic picture from the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. An original from the Illustrated London News of that year, we have the B&W lithographs water coloured by a top artist in the UK. The scene is of the barge from H.M.S. TENEDOS, the guard ship anchored off the mouth of the Tugela River. The barge was made from teak carried on board - amazingly she still survives 130 years later and is hidden in a marsh. We have tried for years to have her rescued and taken to a museum - the money is just not available. The barge carried a half company of troops and was attached to ropes which pulled it across this big river. The main Fort Pearson was on the Durban side and across the river was a temporary camp - Camp Tenedos.

From left - an Artillery or, A.S.C.officer ; only signalman - of 5 on board - who came ashore from Tenedos - and therefore, had the 1879 bar on his 1877-79 medal. We had his medal, but I forget his name now. Then there are Zulu Guides and two Naval officers.