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Hi Frank

Trooper W Sibthorpe - Natal Carbineers
He was a Isandlwana survivor.


Sibthorpe arrived at Helpmekaar. It was quite likely that he crossed the river with the British officers and joined up with four other Carbineers (Edwards, Granger, Muirhead and Fletcher). The Zulus blocked their way to Rorke's drift and the small band had no option but to press onto Helpmekaar, where they thought that other British troops were stationed. On their arrival there, it was found that the garrison consisted of just 6 men, as the two companies of troops stationed there had moved towards the drift.
Having experienced what the Zulus could do, just a few hours earlier, the Carbineers quietly slipped away, together with 4 men from the Newcastle Mounted rifles.
Captain Essex very diplomatically reported that " The garrison consisted of only about 25 Europeans, ten volunteers and other camp followers having continued their retreat".
Muirhead and Fletcher reached Pietermaritzburg the following morning, which indicated that they had ridden through the night. He is mentioned in Mike Snooks book as an Isandlwana savivor.


Rory, sorry about the wrong post. Maybe Admin can delete.

Apologies

Regards
Anthony Govender

Well worth you reconstituting as a medal then, I really hope you find what you need in due course, be careful, both items have been reproduced in more recent times!

Thanks Frank