TOPIC:

I can't believe that there were no casualties at Elandslaagte in the Natal Field Artillery, were they that far back?

Doug.

LOL, No, they actually fired the opening shots, did they not, but, with their tiny guns, they could not have remained in the vanguard for very long, survival would have been uppermost on their minds I dare say!

Doug wrote: I can't believe that there were no casualties at Elandslaagte in the Natal Field Artillery, were they that far back?

Doug.

I liked Conan Doyle's description of the outranged 7 pounder guns, "the six little guns lay back at their extremest angle, and all barked together in impotent fury.”

They were soon withdrawn and sent back to guard the train. No casualties for the NFA that day.

This more a case of no Elandslaagte gained.

Spink are auctioning the pair to Gunner J. Davies, of the 21st Battery, Royal Field Artillery:

QSA (3) DoL LN Belf (2459 Gnr: J. Davies, 21st. Bty: R.F.A.)
KSA (2) (2459 Gnr: J. Davies. R.F.A.)

Most of the men of the 21st Battery departed to Elandslaagte on that day. I wonder what happened to Gunner Davies?

David

Interesting looking at the records that there was another Davies AJ, 42nd battery also not on the roll, also went to Woolwich on the same day as J Davies. AJ has a much higher number but could be the younger brother I suppose. Not that it explains the lack of the Elandslaagte bar, but AJ only had 2 bars on his QSA.

Doug.

To be quite honest far more could have been achieved with a single 1 pound VSM, sadly, if Her Majesties government could not afford them (the RHA's galloping batteries were still in the future, just!), the Natal government would have had no chance whatsoever.

djb wrote: I liked Conan Doyle's description of the outranged 7 pounder guns, "the six little guns lay back at their extremest angle, and all barked together in impotent fury.”

They were soon withdrawn and sent back to guard the train. No casualties for the NFA that day.