In the 70's of the 19th century in the Anglo Zulu War of 1879, King Cetshwayo and the Zulus fought numerous battles against the colonial government, most of which the British won by only a narrow margin, and with great effort. Although the English had superior military knowledge, their troops were almost defeated because of the bravery of Zulu warriors and the ingenuity of their generals. In one battle for instance, the Zulus crouched down in the grass with their spears for 24 hours and attacked the cavalry from underneath as the horses rode past them. Only after relentless unsuccessful attempts at Rorke's Drift did the Zulus' luck change.
Unexpectedly employing diversionary tactics, an estimated 15 000 Zulu warriors surprised and successfully split the British force at Isandlwana, near Nquthu, and in a two-hour engagement killed all but 74 of the 1 500-strong invading troop. The Queen's Colour was finally lost a short distance away at Fugitives Drift… but only after a valiant rear- guard action by survivors of the carnage who were pursued across the Buffalo River. Lieutenants Coghill and Melville were immortalized for their bravery.
Within hours and a mere 15 kilometres due west of Isandlwana, some 4 000 Zulu attacked the Swedish mission station at Rorke's Drift used by the British as a magazine and field hospital. Here, the 'Heroic Hundred' earned 11 Victoria Crosses – the most ever awarded for a single engagement – while holding the impi at bay for 12 hours. When the Zulu finally retreated they left behind 500 dead – to the 17 British fatalities.
The regiments invading from the eastern seaboard were also set upon that day, ambushed by 5 000 warriors lying concealed among bushes and gullies. Although their casualty list was high, the 4 000-plus British repelled wave after wave until late afternoon when the Zulu withdrew… allowing the column to continue its march.
Our Tours to This Region
 Natal - A Zulu Kingdom Experience
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| The past that still has reporcussions today - Isandlwana |
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