TOPIC:

British forces should not have been north of the Tugela at that time let alone in Dundee.
Just imagine if White had created and held a defensive line at the Tugela as Louis Botha did.....how many British soldiers would have been saved for a more meaningful campaign!

Iain

Hello Iain,
The British army was north of the Tugela river for a number of reasons which go back to 1896.
A plan for the defence of Natal as far north as Newcastle was in place and supported by the colonies governor Walter Hely Hutchinson and don't forget that the logistically important Ladysmith is north of the Tugela.
Moreover, Natals coalfields are also well north of the Tugela and in a district that was the centre of the largest and best steam and household coalfields, it was also quite a rich and populous area too!
It had been said the the Government Railways only had a reserve of coal that would last two to three weeks!

The British government should have listened to their Commander in Chief South Africa in 1898, when he warned them, "an army of two hundred thousand will be needed" but, they sacked him instead!

Regards Frank

Hi Frank,
Sorry about only replying now but its been a hectic week
Sir Redvers Buller had warned Lansdowne in July & August not to go North of the Tugela but was ignored.
White made the further blunder of splitting his forces by letting Penn - Symons go to Dundee. They were so lucky to be able to retreat back to Ladysmith.
The area from Ladysmith to Dundee may be a coal mining area but if you lose it to the enemy or dont have the forces to defend it, the consequences are the same.
Lets face it, the war office handling of the whole situation was a comedy of errors! The usual story with Britain; first let the enemy nearly defeat you, then get smart and sort the blighters out!

regards, Iain

Good Morning Everyone......

If anyone is interested.....



Mike

Well spotted Mike, I noticed it this morning.

Paul

QSAMIKE wrote: Good Morning Everyone......

If anyone is interested.....



Mike