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Majoor Friedrich Wilhelm von Wichmann wasn't the finest photographer, but these snapshots of the Tugela are interesting nonetheless.

This panorama (two images combined) was taken from the westernmost of the Colenso Kopjes and shows Boer shelters behind an east-west wall or breastwork. It was taken some time after 19th December 1899, the date on which the waggon bridge was hit by a "fluke" shot from Lieutenant England's 4.7-inch Naval Gun.

Apart from the two individuals walking towards the camera on the far left, there is a conspicuous lack of Boers. Where is everybody?















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And a couple of the Boer "floating" bridge.
















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Fabulous photos.
Neville asks of the panorama of the Boer Trenches "Where is everybody?".
Well, here's my guess. The photo was taken at midday at the hottest time of year (Jan/Feb) in a horribly hot place (Colenso). The Boers manned their trenches at night, but during the day - apart from brandwachte- the trenches would be empty while men slept in shady shelters 500 - 2000 m back, out of range and/or below the trajectory of long range bullets. Horses and wagons were even further back. After all, with both Colenso bridges blown and clear views from high ground for miles around, this was the one part of Natal where it was impossible for the British to launch a surprise attack in daylight.

Another of Majoor von Wichmann's snaps, depicting a Staatsartillerie 75 mm Krupp BL gun and limber.








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