1879 Morosi Campaign

[Mark]

Do any members know of any good books or other sources regarding the Morosi Campaign of 1879?

Also do any members know much about the Herschel Native Contingent?

I have a South Africa Medal with 1879 clasp to a Private D. Sefete of the Herschel Native Contingent and I am trying to find out more about this native soldier and the campaign.

Regards

Mark

[hickspasha]

The Morosi Campaign was part of the 9th Frontier or 9th Kaffir War and is mentioned in "The Washing of the Spears" by Donald R. Morris. I can't recall how much was said about it since the book concentrates on the Zulu War. It is mentioned because what instigated it was Chelmsfords' invasion of Basutoland. Books on the 9th Kaffir War or colonial history of Basutoland would have more on the subject. Also since Herschel was a district in the Cape Frontier, a history of that region may make mention of the Herschel Native Contingent. I would also try sending a written (snail mail) letter of inquiry to the South African Military Historical Society. I'll bet they could be of great help with your quest.

I pulled these recommendations off the site I mentioned in another thread (Regiments.org):
9th Kaffir War:
1877-1878 Ninth Kaffir War 1877-78, by Ralph Zuljan (OnWar.Com)
Chronology:
Jahreschronik 1870-1899, by Bernd Marek (Chronologische Kriegsgeschichte)
Research Collections and Guides:
British Army: Campaign Records, 1816-1913 (TNA Research Guides: Military Records Information 25)

Have a look here, Mark, for any information on your medal: http://www.regiments.org/wars/19thcent/ ... tm#museums (click on "Battles & Honours")
I'm afraid I don't know much about medals so I hope this list is of some help.

[Mark]

Hi Hickspasha

Cheers for the information and links, you certainly seem to know your stuff. I've had this medal for about 16 years but never researched it since I tend to concentrate on South Staffords (including 38th and 80th Regiments) recipients.

Regards

Mark

[berring]

The 1879 campaign against the Basutos (Chief Morosi) is summarized in British Battles on Land and Sea by Charles Grant, 1897. Excerpts of this are contained in Donald Featherstone's Victorian Colonial Warfare - Africa (Blandford - 1992). Featherstone says that there were no specific battle honours for this campaign as it was fought simultaneously with and as an extension of the 9th Kaffir War. The campaign is famous for the night attack of Morosi's mountain stronghold by 350 Cape Mounted Rifles, some yeomanry, burghers and fingo levies.

[Mark]

Quite an interesting but little known campaign.

I have since sold the medal listed above in order to buy an Indian Mutiny to the 38th but have several Zulu Medals to the 80th - always looking for more too

Mark

[Brett Hendey]

I have a copy of an article written by G S Whitehead in the Natal Police magazine 'The Nongqai' entitled 'How I Shot Morosi'. It is an interesting account written from the perspective of an 'other rank'. It includes the following:
"Colonel Bailey presented me with a cheque for L25, and I afterwards received two rewards for gallantry of L5 each, and was recommended in Colonel Bailey's dispatches. ...... The L25 was handed in to the canteen for No. 1 Troop the following day, to have their little rejoicing, and you can believe me it was soon melted."

Regards
Brett

[Liz]

And here's an engineer's report and some modern analysis of the challenge posed by the siege of Morosi's mountain, courtesy of the South African Military History society http://samilitaryhistory.org/vol083jh.html.

[Danjou]

I am researching the Morosi Campaign and have just come across this thread.
It was not part of the 9th Frontier War, but came shortly after it. The trigger for the conflict came in early 1789 when Morosi's son Doda escaped from goal in Quiting, where he was being held for stock theft. There were a number of skirmishes and two unsuccessful assaults on the mountain from then until the 22nd November of that year, when the mountain was taken by the Cape Mounted Riflemen.
I have one medal from the campaign, that of my Great Grandfather, who served with the 2nd Regiment of the Cape Mounted Yeomanry. I would be interested to know of any others that are in circulation.
Brett, if you still have the copy of the article in 'The Nongqai,' I would really appreciate a transcript as I have not come across that yet.

[Brett Hendey]

If you pm me your postal address, I will send you a photocopy of the article.

Regards
Brett

[jakecollingwood]

Hi Brett please could you also email me a copy of this transcript if not too much of a problem. I am researching my great grandfather who I believe fought in this campaign Arthur Herbert Collingwood. Cheers
Jake

jakecollingwood @ hotmail.com

[malcsampers]

Hi, I have just bought the medal Mark mentioned above in 2007/8 and would be grateful for a copy of the article mentioned if anyone sell has it. Medal came via ebay Australia, so has certainly travelled the globe

[TOWERBOY]

I have a medal too Trooper H.B.LEONARD. 3rd Cape Mounted Yeomanry. Mortally wounded at Morosi's stronghold 5/6/1879, i believe this was a VC action!!!!

[Mark]

Hi, I have just bought the medal Mark mentioned above in 2007/8 and would be grateful for a copy of the article mentioned if anyone sell has it. Medal came via ebay Australia, so has certainly travelled the globe

When I sold it the buyer was in South Africa if I remember correctly! Glad it has found a good home - I must admit sometimes miss it as it was my first Zulu.

Mark