Wars of the RegionEarly African BattlesEarly 19th Century King Shaka united feuding farmers and quarrelling cattle herders into a proud and powerful force. This nation building involved a continuing series of skirmishes and battles, but by mid 1820s the Zulu nation had emerged as the most powerful in Southern Africa.
Voortrekker-Zulu WarDissatisfaction with British rule in the Cape led to an exodus of Voortrekkers intent on establishing independent republics in the hinterland, where they could maintain their cultural identity and language. After crossing the Drakensburg mountains, the trekking groups came into contact with the Zulus, leading to disputes over land and other issues. The killing of trekker leader Piet Retief and 101 followers by King Dingane sparked a series of clashes, culminating in the battle of Blood River in December 1838.
Anglo-Zulu War 1879The Colonists in Natal perceived the growing strength of the Zulu Nation as a threat and issued an ultimatum. When the demands were not met, British troops invaded Zululand at the battle of Isandlwana & Station at Rorke's Drift.
ISANDLWANA BATTLE 22 JANUARY 1879 On the 22nd January 1879, Lt. Colonel Pulleine was in command of 1774 British troops encamped on the eastern slope of Isandlwana. By 10am Pulleine had received a dispatch from Lt. Gen. Lord Chelmsford to break camp and move the entire contingent to Chelmsford's location 13 miles southeast of Isandlwana.
At 12 noon the camp was attacked by 25 000 Zulu warriors, using the tactics of the horns of the buffalo. The Zulus totally surrounded the camp annihilating 1329 British soldiers.
Lt. Melvill gallantly attempted to save the Queen's colour and was helped by Lt. Coghill whilst trying to cross the Buffalo river. Lts. Melvill and Coghill died in their attempt to save the colour and the honour of the regiment.
RORKE'S DRIFT 22-23 JANUARY 1879 The camp at Rorke's Drift was a re-supply depot and included a hospital and store. Prior to the battle both hospital and store had been fortified as well as the rectangular area adjoining the two buildings. At about 4.30pm on 22 January 1879 this camp garrisoned by 139 British soldiers, of whom 36 were sick or wounded, was attacked by 4500 Zulu warriors. The battle that took place lasted eleven and a half hours before the Zulus were repulsed.
Eleven Victoria Crosses and five distinguished conduct Medals were awarded for valour.
;){kind=link}