Zulu War 1879 (South Africa) Zulu War 1879 (South Africa) Tweet The Zulu war of 1879 finally ended by bloodshed two years of political activity by the British designed to remove the last challenge to their Imperial power in southern Africa. Zululand had become a powerful kingdom under the rule of the warlord king Shaka in the early 19th century, but by 1870 European colonial expansion was starting to hem it in. The British were expanding from the south in Natal and the Boers, Dutch settlers were expanding from the west in the area know as the Transvaal which the British annexed to their future cost in 1877. The British had seized their South African colonies during the Napoleonic Wars but these possessions had been plagued with trouble due to violence between the British, the Boers and local African kingdoms. The British plan was to unite black and white under their rule, but first the Zulu kingdom had to be removed. At this time the British were fighting many small wars in various colonies and did not want another war in a distant colony.

Despite this the British High Commissioner Sir Henry Bartle Frere and the Army Commander, Lieutenant-General Sir Frederic Thesiger soon to be the new Lord Chelmsford, decided that war with the Zulus was unavoidable. Using the delay in communications between London and themselves they set in motion what they hoped would be a small quick war. Using a minor border incident as justification Zulu representatives were summoned to a meeting of the Border Commission which actually found in the Zulu's favour but determined to promote the idea of a Zulu threat a condition was imposed on the settlement that the Zulus would have to give up their military system which was key to their culture, a condition the King Cetshwayo could never accept. Lord Chelmsford decided to invade Zululand with 3 columns leaving 2 more to protect Natal and the Transvaal. He expected the Zulus to behave like the other African Armies he had fought and prove elusive and unwilling to fight pitched battles. This was to prove a serious mistake.

British forces crossed the ford at Rorke's Drift on the 11th Jan 1879 and on the 22nd January the British forces divided by Chelmsford were taken by surprise and nearly destroyed by the Zulu warriors at the battle of Isandhlwana, one of the few times in the history of the British Army that is has been defeated by a native Army. The British forces holding the Ford at Rorke's Drift quickly came under heavy attack by Zulu reserves leading to one of the most famous battles in British history. When news reached Britain of the disaster at Isandhlwana it caused an uproar. In March 1879 the second phase of the war began Chelmsford reorganised his troops and awaited promised reinforcements from Britain which would take several months to arrive. With irregular horsemen harassing the Zulu's and an abortive attack on Hlobane mountain which cost 15 officers and 79 men dead the war dragged on as Chelmsford awaited fresh troops.

The war began to turn to favour the British as a Zulu attack on the British camp at the battle of Khambula was repulsed on 29th March 1879. In the aftermath of the battle it was clear that the Zulu Impi would never take to the battlefield with such confidence again and the way was clear for a second invasion. As fresh British troops started to arrive the final invasion of Zululand (May to July 1879) began. King Cetshwayo sent messengers to the British asking for terms of surrender but the British demanded unconditional surrender and Cetshwayo made his last stand at the battle of Ulundi (4 July 1879) . After this final defeat the Zulu nation was smashed and split up into 13 kingdoms which were given to pro British Africans only for it to dissolve into civil war a few years later. The British pulled out of Zululand soon after the battle and Cetshwayo was hunted down and exiled. After a brief return to try and halt the civil war Cetshwayo was defeated and later died in 1884.

Zululand is now part of the Republic of South Africa. History and Timeline of the Anglo-Zulu War, 1879 By Ben Johnson | Comments Famous for the bloody battles of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift, the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 saw over 15,000 British troops invade the independent nation of Zululand in present-day South Africa. The build up to the war started in 1877 when Sir Henry Frere, a British colonial administrator, was sent to Cape Town with the task of uniting South Africa under a single British confederation. However, Frere soon realised that uniting the Boer republics, independent black states and British colonies could not be realised until the powerful Zulu kingdom on its borders had been defeated. Knowing that London did not want a war with the Zulus (they were too preoccupied with troubles in India and Eastern Europe), Frere turned to the new British governor of Natal and the Transvaal, Sir Theophilus Shepstone, for reasons to invade.

As Shepstone's fragile territories were bordered by Zululand, he formally outlined how regular border incursions by the Zulus were effecting the stability of the region. Furthermore, Shepstone expressed concern over the increasing amount of firearms falling into Zulu hands, further fuelling the case for war. In December 1878, an ultimatum was sent to the Zulu king Cetshwayo, requiring him, amongst other things, to disband his army. Knowing that Cetswayo would never accept these terms, Frere arranged for an army led by Lord Chelmsford (pictured to the right) to prepare for invasion... 11th December, 1878 - The British send an ultimatum to Zulu King Cetshwayo 31st December 1878 - Sir Henry Frere grants an extension to the ultimatum 9th January 1879 - The centre column, led by Lord Chelmsford, moves to Rorke's Drift on the edge of Zululand. 11th January 1879 - The ultimatum expires and three British columns cross the BuffaloRiver and enter Zululand.

The central column heads towards the camp of a Zulu chief called Sihayo. 12th January 1879 - The central column destroys Sihayo's camp. 22nd January 1879 - The right column, led by Colonel Charles Pearson, engages 6,000 Zulu troops near to the Inyzane River. 22nd January 1879 - A Zulu force of 25,000 makes a surprise attack on the central column who have made camp at Isandlwana. Chelmsford's column is defeated and he retreats out of Zulu territory. Above: The Battle of Isandlwana 22nd / 23rd January 1879 - A group of Zulu reservists numbering around 4,000 attack the British outpost of Rorke's Drift. With only 150 British and colonial troops to defend the outpost, the protracted engagement lasts some 11 hours before the Zulus retreat. Above: The Battle of Rorke's Drift 23rd January 1879 - The right column is besieged within their mission fort near Eshow.

This siege would last for two months. 24th January 1879 - The left column, led by Colonel Evelyn Wood, receives news of the massacre at Isandlwana and decides to withdraw his troops back to safer ground in the Kraal. At this point, only the left column is militarily effective with Chelmsford's central column having being destroyed, and Pearson's right column being under seige at Eshow. 11th February 1879 - News of the defeat at Isandlwana reaches London and reinforcements are requested. Meanwhile, Chelmsford starts rebuilding his forces for a second offensive on Zululand. 7th March - The first of the reinforcements from Britain arrive at Durban. London has agreed to send seven regiments and two artillery batteries to support Chelmsford's campaign. 12th March 1879 - A Zulu force of 500 men attack a British supply convoy at the Battle of Intombe. With only around 100 British troops protecting the convoy, this is a decisive Zulu victory.

Above: The Battle of Intombe 28th March 1879 - Chelmsford orders Colonel Wood's left flank to attack the Zulu stronghold at Hlobane, in an attempt to distract Cetshwayo from the newly reinforced central column which is marching to relieve the besieged right column at Eshow. However, as the battle begins it soon becomes obvious that the main Zulu army of 20,000 are fast approaching over the hills and Wood signals the retreat. Above: The retreating British cavalry at Hlobane 29th March 1879 - Chelmsford leads out the central column to relieve Eshowe. 29th March 1879 - Following the retreat at Hlobane, Colonel Wood sets up a defensive camp at Kambula with his remaining force of 2,000 men. Starting at 1pm, the battle sees over 20,000 Zulus repelled and by 6pm the battle is over with the loss of only 18 British soldiers. The Battle of Kambula is seen as the turning point into the Anglo-Zulu War.

Above: The Battle of Kambula 2nd April 1879 - Chelmsford's force, marching to relieve Eshow, are attacked at Gingindlovu. Zulu losses are heavy, estimated at over 1,000, whilst the British column suffers only two deaths. 3rd April 1879 - The siege at Eshow ends when Chelmsford's forces arrive. 5th April 1879 - The central and right columns evacuate Eshowe. 4th June 1879 - Aware that Chelmsford is preparing a second invasion of Zululand, Cetshwayo sends envoys to discuss peace. Above: Zulu King Cetshwayo in 1878 16 June 1879 - Lord Chelmsford is made aware that he is to be replaced by Sir Garnet Wolseley within weeks. June 1879 - Chelmsford quickly reorganises his forces, swelled by reinforcements from Britain, and advances again into Zululand. 28th June 1879 - Sir Garnet Wolseley arrives in Durban.

31st June 1879 - With the invading British army in sight, Cetshwayo desperately tries to strike a last minute peace deal. Chelmsford, concerned about the arrival of Wolseley and wanting to redeem himself after the catastrophe at Isandlwana, refuses any such compromise. 4th June 1879 - The main Zulu force of around 15,000 men attack Lord Chelmsford's army at the Battle of Ulundi. The Zulus are destroyed and this effectively marks the end of the Anglo-Zulu War. Above: The burning of Ulundi 8th July 1879 - Lord Chelmsford resigns. 15th July 1879 - Sir Garnet Wolesley takes over from Lord Chelmsford. 28th August 1879 - Cetshwayo is captured and is sent into exile, first to Cape Town and then to London. Tweet If you enjoyed this article, you might also like... The British Tommy, Tommy Atkins - Tommy Atkins, Thomas Atkins and Tommy are all terms that refer to the British common soldier, particularly in...

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Followers of the Zulu king Cetshwayo including his brother Dabulamanzi, 1879 NAM. 1954-06-5-2-13 03. Three columns Chelmsford's invasion force was split into three columns. The right column, under Colonel Charles Pearson, crossed into Zululand near the mouth of the Tugela River with the aim of securing the abandoned mission at Eshowe as a base. The left column, under Colonel Evelyn Wood, entered Zululand from the Transvaal. The centre column, which Chelmsford himself accompanied, crossed the Buffalo River at Rorke's Drift mission station to seek out Cetshwayo's army. Lieutenant-General Lord Chelmsford, c1879 NAM. 2000-12-259-48 04. Disaster at Isandlwana Underestimating the Zulus' speed of movement and fighting ability, Chelmsford split his column.

On 22 January 1879 his camp, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Pulleine, was surprised by the Zulu army at Isandlwana. The camp had not been adequately prepared to resist attack. Pulleine's troops were dangerously strung out. His over-extended line was swamped by sheer weight of numbers and the majority of his 1,700 troops were killed. The Victorian public was shocked by the news that 'spear-wielding savages' had defeated their army. The Battle of Isandlwana, 22 January 1879 Oil on canvas by Charles Edwin Fripp (1854-1906), c1885 NAM. 1960-11-182 05. Rorke's Drift After their victory at Isandlwana around 4,000 Zulus pressed on to Rorke's Drift. One company of the 2nd Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot held them off for 12 hours. This was a welcome boost to British morale after the disaster of Isandlwana, but it had little effect on the campaign as a whole.

Unsurprisingly, it was the defence of Rorke's Drift and the subsequent award of eleven VCs, rather than the defeat at Isandlwana, that passed into British folklore. 'Rorke's House Front View, Buffalo River', 1879 Photograph by James Lloyd, 1879 NAM. 1964-09-104-10 06. Nyezane Meanwhile, Colonel Charles Pearson's column had defeated 6,000 Zulus at Nyezane on 22 January 1879 and occupied Eshowe. Hearing of the defeat at Isandlwana, he fortified the post and his 1,300 troops and seamen, and 400 wagoners, remained there, blockaded by the Zulus. Lord Chelmsford, having marched to Pearson's relief, defeated the Zulus at Gigindhlovu on 2 April 1879 and evacuated the Eshowe garrison two days later. By the end of the month most of Chelmsford's men were back in Ulundi, Natal.

‘Final repulse of the Zulus at Gigindhlovu', 1879 Hand coloured lantern slide, 1879 NAM. 1972-03-1-11 07. Khambula In the north, Wood's column had withdrawn to a camp at Khambula. On 29 March he defeated a major Zulu attack, inflicting at least 3,000 casualties. Wood knew that the Zulus were going to attack for part of his force had run into them at Hlobane the previous day, so he had prepared accordingly. His men were well dug in and were able to concentrate their fire to devastating effect. As the Zulus fell back, their retreat was turned into a rout by Lieutenant-Colonel Redvers Buller's irregular cavalry. Khambula proved a crushing blow to Zulu morale. British Gatling guns, 1879 NAM. 1989-10-2-58 08. Victory at Ulundi At the end of May 1879, Chelmsford invaded Zululand again, this time with a reinforced army.

Despite problems of supply, constant skirmishing and the embarrassing death of the French Prince Imperial while on a patrol, Chelmsford's force made steady progress. On 4 July he drew up his 5,000-strong army in a large square opposite Cetshwayo's capital at Ulundi. Around 20,000 Zulus attacked in their usual fashion, but faced with Gatling guns and artillery their brave charges soon petered out. The 17th (The Duke of Cambridge's Own) Lancers then drove the survivors from the field. Around 6,000 Zulus had been slain for the loss of 10 men killed and 87 wounded. The British were so impressed by the courage of their opponents that, most unusually, they built a memorial to them at Ulundi along with their own. The Battle of Ulundi, 4 July 1879 Oil on canvas by Adolphe Yvon (1817-93), c1880 NAM. 1965-09-46 09. Annexation King Cetshwayo was later hunted down and captured.

The Zulu monarchy was suppressed and Zululand divided into autonomous areas. Civil war followed and in 1883, in an unsuccessful attempt to restore order, the British returned Cetshwayo to his throne. His powers having been greatly reduced, he died the following year. In 1887 Zululand was declared British territory and finally annexed to Natal ten years later. The capture of Cetshwayo by Major Richard Marter, King's Dragoon Guards, August 1879 Watercolour by unknown artist, 1881 NAM. 1965-06-46 10. Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill saving the Colours, 1879 Lieutenant Nevill Coghill (1852-79) and Lieutenant Teignmouth Melvill (1842-79), of the 1st Battalion, 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot, were killed attempting to defend their unit's Queen's Colour (rather than the Regimental Colour as depicted here) in the aftermath of the British defeat at Isandlwana on 22 January 1879.

The Zulus pursued them as they attempted to carry the colour across the Buffalo River. Despite their brave efforts they were eventually overwhelmed. Although 23 Victoria Crosses were won during the Zulu War, Coghill and his fellow officer had to wait until January 1907 to receive their posthumous awards. Chromolithograph after Alphonse de Neuville, 1881 NAM. 1956-02-285 11. Diary of Lieutenant Nevill Coghill, 1st Battalion, 24th (The 2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot, 1879 Coghill died in a vain attempt to defend Lieutenant Teignmouth Melvill who was carrying the Queen's Colour of the battalion from the battlefield of Isandlwana on 22 January 1879. Both officers were posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross in January 1907. The diary was later recovered from the battlefield of Isandlwana and returned to Coghill's family. The final entry in the diary was made on 20 January. He describes the result of patrols sent out into the countryside from 'The San hlana Camp'.

NAM. 1971-12-38-3 12. Victoria Cross awarded to Corporal Christian Schiess, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Natal Native Contingent, for gallantry during the defence of Rorke's Drift, 22-23 January 1879 Despite having been wounded in the foot a few days previously, Schiess (1856-84) displayed great bravery throughout the night in fighting off the Zulus after they had occupied the wall of mealie bags. Born in Burgdorf, Switzerland and raised in an orphanage, Schiess later settled in South Africa and joined a British colonial unit, serving with them throughout the Zulu War. He became the first Swiss National to be awarded the VC and the first man serving with South African forces to be decorated with the supreme British award for gallantry. He later died in poverty during a sea voyage to England in 1884. NAM. 1958-11-96 13.

Assegai recovered from the vicinity of the Prince Imperial's body, June 1879 The assegai, of which there were two forms, the thinner bladed throwing spear and the broad bladed stabbing spear, was the weapon of the Zulu armies. The French Prince Imperial, Louis Eugene Napoleon, then in exile in England, served on Lord Chelmsford's staff during the Zulu War. He was ambushed and killed near Ulundi on 1 June 1879 after setting out on a reconnaissance patrol without his full escort. When it was recovered, the prince's body had 18 assegai wounds and he had been ritually disembowelled. Louis Napoleon's death caused an international scandal. He had only been allowed to go to South Africa after the Empress Eugenie and Queen Victoria had intervened on his behalf, but with the proviso that he be kept out of danger. NAM. 1963-10-166 14.

Zulu shield, c1879 This large cowhide ‘ishilunga' shield was taken at the Battle of Ulundi on 4 July 1879, an engagement that witnessed the final destruction of the Zulu army of King Cetshwayo. The colour of a shield helped identify warriors in battle as well as whether they were married or not. Many chiefs and great warriors had white shields with one or two spots, the young and inexperienced had black shields whilst the middle warriors had red and white shields. The patterning on the shield also identified which 'Impi' or regiment a warrior fought with. NAM. 1963-10-308 15. Other ranks' waist belt, 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot, 1879 This belt was taken from the possessions of King Cetshwayo after his capture in August 1879. It is likely that Cetshwayo had earlier received it as a war trophy from his army after their victory at Isandlwana on 22 January 1879.

Five companies of the 24th Regiment's 1st Battalion and one company from the 2nd Battalion were engaged at Isandlwana. The regiment lost 540 men including the 1st Battalion's commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Pulleine. NAM. 1964-08-73-15 16. Leopard's claw necklace owned by King Cetshwayo, 1879 Cetshwayo was taken prisoner in August 1879. This necklace was found among his possessions. Only kings and great chiefs were allowed to wear lion or leopard claw necklaces as they were symbols of power. Deprived of his kingdom by the British, Cetshwayo was sent into exile at Cape Town. NAM. 1963-10-284 17. Walking stick used by King Cetshwayo, c1879 Cetshwayo became a fugitive after the Battle of Ulundi on 4 July 1879. He was taken prisoner in August. This stick was taken from the king after his defeat and brought back to Britain by a Colonel Bell.

It is carved with two snakes coiled around the shank. It is a typical example of the staffs carried by men of high status; the snake was a common symbol representing the protection of the ancestral spirits. NAM. 1963-08-1 18. Steel jointed wristlet owned by one of King Cetshwayo's wives, c1879 This wristlet was the property of one of King Cetshwayo's wives and was taken from the royal kraal at Ulundi by Major Richard Marter of the 1st (King's) Dragoon Guards. Marter captured the king in August 1879. Originally it was one of a pair, the other being presented by the grandfather of the donor to Queen Victoria and incorporated into the Royal Collection. NAM. 1965-06-45 19. 'One of Shepstone's Native Horse returning from a foraging expedition', 1879 Shepstone's Native Horse originally formed part of the Natal Native Horse. Mounted on their own ponies, they served mainly as scouts.

The unit was led by Captain Theophilus Shepstone (1843-1907), a son of Sir Theophilus Shepstone, administrator of the Transvaal (1877-79). After the Battle of Isandlwana (1879) Captain Shepstone was sent to the Orange Free State to recruit more men, his command reaching a strength of 186. Shepstone's Native Horse was among the irregular cavalry at the Battle of Ulundi (1879) sent out to lure the Zulus on to the British square. Watercolour by Lieutenant William Frederic Fairlie (1847-1923), Natal Mounted Police, 1879 NAM. 1963-02-48-3 20. Members of the Natal Native Contingent armed with assegais and shields, c1879 The Natal Native Contingent (NNC) was formed in 1878 to bolster the defences of the British colony of Natal. Most recruits came from the Basuto and Mponso tribes.

NNC troops wore their traditional tribal apparel with a red cloth bandanna around their foreheads, the only item to distinguish them from Zulu warriors who were traditional enemies of the Basuto and Mponso. Natal's white population had long feared that arming the black population would constitute a security risk, and as a result only a small percentage of NNC soldiers were issued with guns. These were obsolete muzzle-loading muskets rather than modern rifles. Soldiers issued with firearms were only given four rounds of ammunition at any one time. Most NNC soldiers fought with traditional African weapons during the Zulu War (1879).

Zulu weapons used in the slaughter of British troops at the infamous Battle of Isandlwana set to fetch £100,000 at auction | Daily Mail Online Zulu weapons used in the slaughter of British troops at the infamous Battle of Isandlwana set to fetch £100,000 at auction Battle of Isandlwana took place in 1879 and killed over 1,000 soldiers It was likely used by a young warrior and taken as a souvenir by a soldier Over 150 items are for sale including a Zulu club and a necklace of teeth The war began with a British invasion of Zululand, and ended with almost 8,000 dead, a British victory and Zulu independence. Now, a Zulu shield from the 1879 war is being put up for auction. The rare tribal shield which belonged to a young Zulu warrior is believed to have been used in the infamous battle of Isandlwana, a massacre that claimed the lives of over 1,300 British soldiers.

Scroll down for video The Zulu war shield, or 'isihlangu' for sale: expected to sell for £800 at an auction which is thought to have been used in the battle of Isanlwana Used as a weapon and armour in the 19th century the 4ft tall cover was wielded by a Zulu warrior in the massacre that took place immediately before the Battle of Rorke's Drift. RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share The Zulus charged at the British troops holding shields in front of them and hit their target with it before stabbing them with a long spear. The primitive shield was made out of dried cow skin and the black colour and dark pattern of the leather suggest it was held by a young warrior and not an experienced fighter, who has lighter coloured shields. Collection: Zulu stabbing spears (left) and staffs, collected as part of the set of artefacts up for auction Marking: Inscription on a spear that is valued at £900, and was taken from the battle of Isandlwana Deadly: An executioner's weapon, a stabbing spear, two status sticks, a shield.

A collection of weapons used to slaughter British troops at the famous battle of Isandlwana Despite the Zulus' victory, experts think the shield was taken as a souvenir by a British soldier after the decisive Battle of Ulundi six months later. The shield is part of a £100,000 collection of Zulu weapons and artefacts that are being auctioned at Wallis and Wallis auctions in Lewes, East Sussex. A 4ft long spear with a lethal 9 inch blade is also for auction, and is expected to sell for £900. It has 'Ulundi 1879' carved into the handle and would have been brought home by a British soldier as a memento of conquering the Zulu kingdom to show to family and friends. Hardwood 'knobkerries' or executioners' weapons. The club on the left is valued at £300 19th century Zulu necklaces made from jackal's teeth (left) and a similar necklace made from lion's teeth (right) priced at £2,000 David Smith, a former Royal Marine Commando from Beckenham, Kent amassed the collection.

There are over 150 items for sale including a wooden club that was used by an executioner, worth £300, and a necklace made from lion's teeth worth £2,000. Mr Smith died aged 65 in 2009 and the items are being sold by his partner, Roberta Welham. Ian Knight, a historian for Wallis and Wallis, said: 'In the 19th century every Zulu man had a shield. 'Smaller examples of the shields were kept for personal use whereas the larger ones would have been used in battle. Fight scene: Michael Caine (left) played Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead in the 1964 film, Zulu Comparison: The film showed how the British soldiers were equipped with guns while the tribesmen only had spears and shields As the warriors who fought at Isandlwana on January 22, 1879 were mostly young men, it is highly likely to have been used there. 'The King placed men in regiments when they turned 18, similar to doing national service, and he would give them a herd of cattle with similar colourings and markings.

'The men would then kill the cows and use the hide to make shields with the fur still attached, which became a uniform due to the patterns. 'Darker coloured cows were given to less experienced warriors and lighter colours cows were used for the older and more experienced men. An illustration of the battle of Isandlwana, a massacre which claimed the lives of over 1,000 British redcoats (Left) a black-and-white illutstration of a fray in the battle of Isandlwana, and (right) an illustration of Zulu warrior preparing to throw a spear during the battle Illustration of the cavalry during the decisive battle of Isandlwana in 1879 'I believe that the large, dark, shield in this collection could have been used in the Battle of Isandlwana in 1879 because in that particular war, the warriors were quite young. 'Once the British had conquered the Zulu kingdom six months later it is likely that they gathered up items like these to take back home as a souvenir of the war. 'They normally have a shelf life of around five years but it was probably well looked after and this would explain why it has remained in such good condition.

'One of the spears in the sale was taken from the battlefield after the Ulundi war, we know that because a British troop appears to have carved 'Ulundi' and the year on it. 'Other weapons in the sale are a spear called an Iklwa, because of the noise it apparently made when someone was stabbed with it, and an executioners club. 'It is rare to see a collection of this size and I haven't seen anything like it come up for sale during my whole time of collecting Zulu artefacts.' The auction takes place on January 22. BATTLES IN ZULULAND ENDED WITH ALMOST 8,000 DEAD Conflict: Rorke's Drift was part of the wider Anglo - Zulu war in 1879, starting with an invasion by the British in January and ending with a British victory and Zulu independence five months later The British invasion of Zululand began on the 11th of January 1879, with the British objective being an eventual federation in Africa. The battle of Isandlwana erupted on the 22nd of January 1879, 11 days after the British started their invasion.

20,000 Zulu warriors attacked 1,800 British, colonial and native troops and 400 civilians. The Zulus, who had more numbers, overwhelmed the British, killing over 1,300 troops, while around 1,000 Zulu soldiers were killed. The battle of Rorke's drift started almost immediately after, ending on the 23rd, after 150 British and colonial troops were set upon, and ended up successfully defending themselves against an assault by almost 4,000 Zulu warriors. The Battle of Ulundi on the 4th of July 1879 effectively ended the Zulu-Anglo war, with the defeat of the Zulu forces by the British when over 5,200 British and African soldiers razed the capital of Zululand after defeating the main Zulu army. The war ultimately ended with a British victory, and Zulu independence.

Zulu Wars 1879 - Battle of Rorke's Drift and Battle of Isandlwana Zulu - Final Attack - Rorkes Drift (Movie) General BBC - History - British History in depth: Zulu: The True Story Print this page Introduction On 22 January 1879, at Rorke's Drift on the Natal border with Zululand, in South Africa, a tiny British garrison of 140 men - many of them sick and wounded - fought for 12 hours to repel repeated attacks by up to 3,000 Zulu warriors. This heroic defence was rewarded by Queen Victoria's government with no fewer than 11 Victoria Crosses, and was later immortalised by the film Zulu (1964), directed by Cy Endfield. Few ... remember that it was fought on the same day that the British Army suffered its most humiliating defeat ... Few, however, remember that it was fought on the same day that the British Army suffered its most humiliating defeat at nearby Isandlwana. Why?

Because it suited those responsible for the disaster to exaggerate the importance of Rorke's Drift in the hope of reducing the impact of Isandlwana. The true story of 22 January 1879 - the Empire's longest day - is one of unprovoked slaughter, of heroes being ignored and of the guilty being protected. And the responsibility for this lay with Queen Victoria herself. Top An unnecessary war Benjamin Disraeli © Like so many imperial conflicts of the period, the Zulu War was not initiated from London. Instead, Benjamin Disraeli's government - preoccupied with the Russian threat to Constantinople and Afghanistan - made every effort to avoid a fight. 'We cannot now have a Zulu war, in addition to other greater and too possible troubles', wrote Sir Michael Hicks Beach, the colonial secretary, in November 1878. The man to whom this letter was addressed - Sir Bartle Frere - had others ideas, however. Frere had been sent out to to Cape Town with the specific task of grouping South Africa's hotch-potch of British colonies, Boer republics and independent black states into a Confederation of South Africa.

But he quickly realised that the region could not be unified under British rule until the powerful Zulu kingdom - with its standing army of 40,000 disciplined warriors - had been suppressed. So he exaggerated the threat posed by the Zulus to the British, and, when the home government refused to sanction war, took matters into his own hands in December 1878 by presenting the Zulu king, Cetshwayo, with an unacceptable ultimatum. This required, among other things, the disbandment of the Zulu Army, and war was the inevitable result. Such unilateral action by an imperial pro-consul was not unusual during the Victorian period. Such unilateral action by an imperial pro-consul was not unusual during the Victorian period. So great were the distances involved, and so slow the methods of communication, that British governors often took it upon themselves to start wars and annex provinces. Lord Lytton, the Viceroy of India, was about to invade Afghanistan without reference to London. But the Zulu conflict was unique in that it was to be the last pre-emptive war launched by the British, prior to the recent campaign in Iraq.

Top Isandlwana Lord Chelmsford, c.1870 © The war began on 11 January 1879, when the 5,000-strong main British column invaded Zululand at Rorke's Drift. It was commanded by the ambitious Lord Chelmsford, a favourite of the Queen, who had little respect for the fighting qualities of the Zulu. 'If I am called upon to conduct operations against them,' he wrote in July 1878, 'I shall strive to be in a position to show them how hopelessly inferior they are to us in fighting power, altho' numerically stronger.' This dangerous mixture of self-confidence and contempt for their foes infected the whole British force. But their misjudgement came to rebound on them badly. By 20 January - hampered by minor skirmishes and poor tracks - Chelmsford's column had only advanced 11 miles to the rocky lower slopes of a distinctive, sphinx-like hill called Isandlwana. There it set up camp.

But at 4am on 22 January, Chelmsford made the first of a series of blunders by taking two-thirds of his force off to pursue what he believed was the main Zulu army. He was convinced that the Zulus were gathering to the south-east, and so failed to reconnoitre adequately the broken ground to the north-east. There, lying in wait just five miles from the exposed camp at Isandlwana, were 20,000 Zulu warriors. At around 8am, mounted vedettes reported large numbers of Zulus on the high ground to the left of the camp. Colonel Pulleine, in command at Isandlwana, dashed off a quick note to Chelmsford, reading: 'Report just come in that the Zulus are advancing in force from Left front of Camp.' Chelmsford read it shortly after 9.30am, and he returned it to his staff officer, Major Clery, without a word, and would not be deflected from his original plan. This dangerous mixture of self-confidence and contempt for their foes infected the whole British force.

At 11am, by which time the 1,300 men remaining in the camp had been swelled by 450 reinforcements, mounted scouts stumbled upon the concealed Zulu impi. Realising they had been spotted, the Zulus rose as one and began their attack, using their traditional tactic of encirclement known as the izimpondo zankomo ('horns of the buffalo'). An hour later, as the hard-pressed British defenders fought for their lives, a portion of Chelmsford's force at Mangeni Falls received word that the camp was in danger of being overrun. On his own initiative a Colonel Harness gave orders for his small force of artillery and infantry to return to camp. But it had only progressed half a mile when a staff officer rode up with express orders from Chelmsford to resume its original march because the message was a false alarm. The last chance to save the camp had been thrown away. By 3pm, despite severe losses, the Zulus had captured the camp. The culmination of Chelmsford's incompetence was a blood-soaked field littered with thousands of corpses.

Of the original 1,750 defenders - 1,000 British and 750 black auxiliaries - 1,350 had been killed. Top The cover-up Queen Victoria © Word of the disaster reached Britain on 11 February 1879. The Victorian public was dumbstruck by the news that 'spear-wielding savages' had defeated the well equipped British Army. The hunt was on for a scapegoat, and Chelmsford was the obvious candidate. But he had powerful supporters. On 12 March 1879 Disraeli told Queen Victoria that his 'whole Cabinet had wanted to yield to the clamours of the Press, & Clubs, for the recall of Ld. Chelmsford'. He had, however, 'after great difficulty carried the day'. Disraeli was protecting Chelmsford not because he believed him to be blameless for Isandlwana, but because he was under intense pressure to do so from the Queen. Meanwhile Lord Chelmsford was urgently burying all the evidence that could be used against him. He propagated the myth that a shortage of ammunition led to defeat at Isandlwana.

He ensured that potential witnesses to his errors were unable to speak out. Even more significantly, he tried to push blame for the defeat onto Colonel Durnford, now dead, claiming that Durnford had disobeyed orders to defend the camp. Many generals blunder in war, but few go to such lengths to avoid responsibility. The truth is that no orders were ever given to Durnford to take command. Chelmsford's behaviour, in retrospect, is unforgivable. Many generals blunder in war, but few go to such lengths to avoid responsibility. Top Rorke's Drift An 1882 'Illustrated London News' drawing of the aftermath of the battle for Rorke's Drift © Chelmsford had, in any event, another weapon to use against his critics - that of Rorke's Drift. Though undeniably heroic, the importance of the defence of Rorke's Drift was grossly exaggerated by both the generals and politicians of the period, to diminish the impact of Isandlwana.

'We must not forget,' Disraeli told the House of Lords on 13 February, 'the exhibition of heroic valour by those who have been spared.' In truth, the real hero of Rorke's Drift was Commissary Dalton. Within days of Rorke's Drift, Chelmsford was urging the speedy completion of the official report because he was 'anxious to send that gleam of sunshine home as soon as possible'. When it finally arrived, he added two names to the six recommended VCs - the names of lieutenants Chard and Bromhead. Many of their fellow officers were amazed by these two additions. One senior officer wrote: 'Bromhead is a great favourite in his regiment and a capital fellow at everything except soldiering ... He had to be reported confidentially as hopeless.' Another described Chard as 'a most useless officer, fit for nothing'. In truth, the real hero of Rorke's Drift was Commissary Dalton. It was Dalton who persuaded Chard and Bromhead to remain at Rorke's Drift when their first instinct was to abandon the post, and it was Dalton who organised and inspired the defence.

But Dalton, an ex-NCO, came from what was considered the wrong background, and was ignored for almost a year. He was eventually awarded a VC after intensive lobbying by the press - but not until January 1880, by which time the celebrations had died down. Top Chelmsford's recall Back in England meanwhile - with the Zulu War no nearer to being won - the cries for Chelmsford's recall intensifying. On 23 May, realising that his political future was on the line, Disraeli told the queen that his government was replacing Chelmsford with Wolseley. She replied frostily: 'I will not withhold my sanction though I cannot approve it.' It was one of the few serious breeches she and Disraeli had during their political relationship. Most of what Chelmsford told the Queen was a pack of lies. In early September, shortly after his return from South Africa, Lord Chelmsford was given an audience with the Queen. She recorded the conversation in her journal: 'Ld. Chelmsford said no doubt poor Col. Durnford had disobeyed orders, in leaving the camp as he did... Ld.

Chelmsford knew nothing, Col. Durnford never having sent any message to say he was in danger... This much is clear to me: viz. that it was not his fault, but that of others, that this surprise at Sandlwana took place... I told Ld. Chelmsford he had been blamed by many, and even by the Government, for commencing the war without sufficient cause. He replied that he believed it to have been quite inevitable; that if we had not made war when we did, we should have been attacked and possibly overpowered.' Most of what Chelmsford told the Queen was a pack of lies. Durnford, as we have seen, did not disobey orders. And Chelmsford ignored at least two warnings to the effect the camp 'was in danger'. In addition, the war was not one of self-defence but of conquest. Queen Victoria, however, would not see the truth. Top Only one winner The British captured King Cetshwayo in August 1879, and the war, to all intents and purposes, was over. But few emerged on the British side with any credit, nor did ordinary Zulus benefit.

Cetshwayo was exiled, Zululand was broken up and eventually annexed. Frere never achieved his ambition to confederate South Africa. That would have to wait until the aftermath of an even bloodier conflict, that of the Boer War. James Dalton died in 1887, a broken man. Disraeli lost the 1880 election and died the following year. James Dalton died in 1887, a broken man. Many of the lower-rank VC winners from Rorke's Drift were also forgotten when the media circus moved on. But one man prospered - Lord Chelmsford. The Queen showered honours on him, promoting him to full general, awarding him the Gold Stick at Court and appointing him Lieutenant of the Tower of London. He died in 1905, at the age of 78, playing billiards at his club.

Books Rorke's Drift by Adrian Greaves (Cassell, 2002) The National Army Musuem Book of the Zulu War by Ian Knight (Sidgwick and Jackson, 2003) Military Blunders by Saul David (Robinson, 1997) Zulu Victory: The Epic of Isandlwana and the Cover-Up by Ron Lock and Peter Quantrill (Greenhill, 2002) The Rise and Fall of the Zulu Nation by John Laband (Arms and Armour, 1995) Top About the author Dr Saul David is the author of several critically-acclaimed history books, including The Indian Mutiny: 1857 (shortlisted for the Westminster Medal for Military Literature), Zulu: the Heroism and Tragedy of the Zulu War of 1879 (a Waterstone's Military History Book of the Year) and, most recently, Victoria's Wars: The Rise of Empire. He was recently appointed Visiting Professor of History at the University of Hull.

Question: In 1879, the Zulu War ended after which battle?
Answer: The Battle of Rorke’s Drift