Relief of Eshowe

The original plan was that Pearson's men should sally out and join up with the approaching relief force but it was clear that they were not needed in the battle of Gingindhlovu and it would have taken too long to reach Chelmsford's force. On 3rd April the column marched in with the bagpipes of the 91st playing and Colours flying. It was an emotional moment for the men of Eshowe who had suffered an unpleasant two months of sickness and short rations. The print shows the 60th Rifles marching in with the dawn light behind the church. There are crosses on the wooden railing which are not explained.