Telegraphic communication was established by the Royal Engineers between Fort Chelmsford and the Lower Tugela; and Colonel Walker, C.B., Scots Guards, was appointed to the command of this portion of the base, and stationed at Fort Pearson.
On the 18th June the long-expected move was made by No. 1 Division, and General Crealock, with the advanced portion of the force, left Fort Pearson and the Lower Tugela. Moving by Fort Chelmsford, he reached the Umlalazi River on the 22nd. The river was bridged by the train under Captain Blood, R.E., and a work commenced on the left bank called “Fort Napoleon.”
The General was engaged reconnoitring on the 23rd and following days, capturing a few cattle, one of which appeared to resent its capture, charging the General, and severely injuring his horse. On the 28th the force encamped near Port Durnford.
But little interest attaches to this division, which had great opportunities before it. An earlier advance and a little dash would have given the laurels of the second campaign to the 1st Division, which at the beginning of May consisted of upwards of 9000 men—6500 being Europeans—a sufficient force to have accomplished the destruction of Ulundi with ease; but it was not to be.
Many absurd stories are told as to causes of delays, one being the want of so many rations of pepper; and the whole ending in the well-known telegram, “Where is Crealock?”
We may here devote a few remarks to the Naval Brigade, which rendered such good service throughout the campaign; and, had opportunity offered, would have largely added to the laurels it won.
After the relief of Etshowe, the Naval Brigade was divided between Lower Tugela and Fort Chelmsford, Commander Brackenbury in command at the latter post, Captain Campbell in chief command. The main force advanced with General Crealock—545 officers and men of Active, Boadicea, and Shah, with 3 9-pounder guns, 6 rocket-troughs, and 5 Gatling guns. At Port Durnford they remained disembarking stores till July 21st, when, after being reviewed by Sir Garnet Wolseley, the Active’s and Shah’s men embarked, leaving the Boadicea’s to continue temporarily the duties of the landing station.
Captain Bradshaw of the Shah, and Captain Adeane of the Tenedos, rendered good service at Durban and Simon’s Bay respectively.
The Royal Marines of the squadron served with the Naval Brigade. Lieutenant Dowding, R.M.L.I., was at first the senior officer, and advanced with Colonel Pearson’s column to Etshowe, remaining there until its relief. Captain Phillips, R.M.L.I., and Captain Burrowes, R.M.A., were landed from H.M.S. Shah, the former senior officer, and in command of the Marines at the battle of Ngingindhlovu.
We must now return to the 2nd Division and Flying Column, which at last began to move in the right direction. Zululand had been carefully reconnoitred to the Babanango Mountain by Colonel Buller, and the advance of the 2nd Division, with the head-quarters, in this direction was covered by the Flying Column, which was always within striking distance.