1906 Zulu Rebellion: role of the Natal Police?

[GRAZ]

Hi
Does any body know if the Natal Police took part in any of the fighting during the rebellion.Any information would be appreciated.

Cheers
Graz

[Brett Hendey]

Hi Graz

The Natal Police were a paramilitary organisation and were the first line of defence in the Colony. Natal's Volunteer Regiments (e.g. Natal Carbineers, Natal Mounted Rifles) were mobilised when trouble started. Given this situation the Natal Police were active throughout the 1906 Rebellion. In fact, it was the killing of two Natal Policemen on 8/2/1906 that caused Martial Law to be proclaimed. The second phase of the Rebellion followed the ambush of a Natal Police escort on 4/4/1906, during which four policemen were killed. This ambush was set by Bambatha, after whom the Rebellion is now often named. The NP were awarded more Natal Rebellion Medals (1114 + 50 to NP Gaolers) than any other unit, the next highest number being to the Natal Carbineers (1010).

There is a good summary account of the role in the Rebellion of the NP in the book:
Holt, H P. 1913. The Mounted Police of Natal. London: John Murray.
Original copies of this book are expensive but there is a cheaper modern reprint published by Kessinger Publishing.

I hopes this helps.

Regards
Brett

[GRAZ]

Hi Brett
Thanks for the information

Cheers
Graz

[free1954]

now here is a slice of history that i have never heard of before, thanks to all for posting.
a quick search and i found you can read that book online. http://archive.org/stream/mountedpolice ... 7/mode/2up