Lieutenant J A Roberts


Joseph Roberts was from Durban and commanded the 2nd Troop, Sikali's Horse of the Natal Native Horse, until his death at the battle of Isandhlwana. The three Troops of this unit were sent up onto the plateau on the 22nd Jan 1879 and patrolled in a northeasterly direction. It was Charles Raw's no.1 Troop that stumbled on the vast Zulu Impi who were waiting for the right moment to attack the redcoats. They were pursued by the Zulus and rode back to the camp at Isandhlwana. It is unclear at what point Roberts was killed but it is suggested that he was the victim of friendly fire from the Royal Artillery as he came down from the plateau.


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by Stephen Luscombe