Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 16
  1. #1
    Moderator KK20's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    my heart at the sea and my soul in the mountains
    Posts
    14,326

    Default The Battle of Congellla 23 MAY 1842

    The Battle of Congella started at midnight. Cpt Charlton Smith lead the Sixth ( Inniskillings) Dragoons regiment on a pre emptive attack on the Boers. Andries Pretorius leader of the Boers at Congella. This was a disaster for Smith and he had to retire leving behind 31 wounded who were nursed back to health by the Boers.

    ( That is correct - nursed back to health by the Boers!)


    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Congella

    http://samilitaryhistory.org/vol053fl.html

    https://www.fad.co.za/Resources/cont...f-Congella.pdf
    live out your imagination , not your history.

  2. #2
    User
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Noord van die biltong gordyn.
    Age
    56
    Posts
    9,111

    Default Re: The Battle of Congellla 23 MAY 1842

    The days of gentleman's wars...

  3. #3
    Banned
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Stella
    Age
    46
    Posts
    10,870

    Default Re: The Battle of Congellla 23 MAY 1842

    I read that a part of Pretorius' success was his "wag van die oues" (guard of the aged). He reportedly used the old gents in his commando to keep watch for the simple reason that they need less sleep. These older gents spotted the advancing British troops.

    It is not clear whether this is fact or fiction.

  4. #4
    Moderator KK20's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    my heart at the sea and my soul in the mountains
    Posts
    14,326

    Default Re: The Battle of Congellla 23 MAY 1842

    Quote Originally Posted by Ds J View Post
    I read that a part of Pretorius' success was his "wag van die oues" (guard of the aged). He reportedly used the old gents in his commando to keep watch for the simple reason that they need less sleep. These older gents spotted the advancing British troops.

    It is not clear whether this is fact or fiction.
    The British were arrogant and thought it was a walk over. ( btw whats your source to this?)
    live out your imagination , not your history.

  5. #5
    Banned
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Stella
    Age
    46
    Posts
    10,870

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by KK20 View Post
    The British were arrogant and thought it was a walk over. ( btw whats your source to this?)
    If memory serves correct it was a well researched historic novel, but it could have been something else. I read quite a lot of literature on SA history from 1995-2005.

  6. #6
    Moderator KK20's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    my heart at the sea and my soul in the mountains
    Posts
    14,326

    Default Re: The Battle of Congellla 23 MAY 1842

    Let me know when you do remember the name.
    live out your imagination , not your history.

  7. #7
    User
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Posts
    1,309

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Ds J View Post
    If memory serves correct it was a well researched historic novel, but it could have been something else. I read quite a lot of literature on SA history from 1995-2005.
    It is also mentioned in the book "Bedoelde Land" by F.A.Venter.

  8. #8
    Moderator KK20's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    my heart at the sea and my soul in the mountains
    Posts
    14,326

    Default Re: The Battle of Congellla 23 MAY 1842

    Thank you.
    live out your imagination , not your history.

  9. #9
    User
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Posts
    1,309

    Default Re: The Battle of Congellla 23 MAY 1842

    I'm not sure if this is the same book Ds J is referring to. The series of books by F. A. Venter are however good reading material if one is interested in the "Great Trek" and the history of Southern Africa shortly after this narrated from the perspective of fictional participants in some of the major events. I first read these books about 38 years ago and they are still some of my favourites.

  10. #10
    Moderator KK20's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    my heart at the sea and my soul in the mountains
    Posts
    14,326

    Default Re: The Battle of Congellla 23 MAY 1842

    The 6th Dragoons are praised for all their victories all over Europe.

    Congella is very quiet ..
    live out your imagination , not your history.

Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •