IGNATIUS FERREIRA
(familiarly known as Jonkey), son of Mr. Philip Ferreira, a pioneer
in the Colony of Natal, was born at Pietermaritzburg on the 8th February, 1850.
He was several years at the High School, where he became known as one always to
shine in athletic sports and manly exercises. After leaving school he entered
the Master of the Supreme Officials Office, remaining there for two years.
Afterwards he assisted his father in the business of auctioneer. Whilst living
in Maritzburg he joined the Natal Carbineers, of which he continued to be a
member till he left the City for the Diamond Fields, where he lived several
years. On the commencement of the Zulu War he went to the front as a civilian,
in the capacity of Contractor's Agent, and there accepted a special temporary
appointment, and attached himself to the Commissariat Department. He took part
in the gallant defence of Kambula on the 2th March, 1879, when the camp was
attacked by the full strength of the Zulu army, and at the close of the day was
found amongst the dead. He was killed by
what has often been called, thanks to Mr Simon Haw (the author of For Heath and
Home), “a stray bullet”.
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| An artisit impression of the battle. |
Warfare is a fascinating subject. Despite the dubious morality of using violence to achieve personal or political aims. It remains that conflict has been used to do just that throughout recorded history.
ReplyDeleteYour article is very well done, a good read.