Anglo-Zulu War (1879) Background: Britain adopts a policy of Confederation in South Africa, bringing all disparate groups-- Europeans, Boer and Africans-- under British rule. South African colony British leaders feel policy of Confederation could not be accomplished with a large, independant Zulu nation, and force the Zulu into a war, against British home government orders, that would ultimately curtail Zulu independance. Timeline of major events: January 11, 1879: Lord Chelmsford, British Commander in South Africa, enters Zululand with three invading columns and two reserve columns of British troops. January 22, 1879: Majority of Chelmsford's main column, over 1,200 soldiers, destroyed by main Zulu impi at the Battle of Isandlwana. One of the worst British defeats of the era. January 22-23, 1879: Zulu reserves from Isandlwana, unable to participate in that fight, disobey orders and proceed to attack Rorke's Drift. Approximately 130 British soldiers, many already in hospital, successfully defend Rorke's Drift against 3-4,000 Zulu. Second most Victoria Crosses (11) awarded in a single day's conflict. February 11-April 3, 1879: Communications with invading column at Eshowe cut as Zulus besiege British fortifications in hope to force the British into the open. Relieved April 3 by Lord Chelmsford. March 29, 1879: Main Zulu impi defeated after attacking British soldiers at Khambula. Similar odds as Isandlwana, but British better prepared. June 1, 1879: Prince Imperial of France killed while on patrol by Zulu ambush. July 4, 1879: Zulu nation defeated at the Battle of Ulundi, location of the Zulu royal kraal. Links: History of the Anglo-Zulu war Victoria Crosses earned during the Anglo-Zulu war. Regiments.org: Zulu War Zulu izaga (proverbs) Rorke's Drift Wargames: By Jingo!: Isandlwana By Jingo!: Rorke's Drift The Colonial Angle: Myer's Drift The Colonial Angle: Rorke's Drift, includes map of Rorke's Drift Ed's Hobby Hovel: Rencounter, includes scenario of the Prince Imperial's ambush. The Sword and the Flame (see the Rules page) Miniatures British: The British still wore traditional red uniforms, although in the Zulu campaign, veterans learned to dye their white helmets and accessories darker, and to not wear their metallic helmet plates. They wore gaiters, not puttees, and did not carry their valises. Take a look at some of my Essex 15mm Zulu War British. The 24th Battalion of foot participated at Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift, and had green facings (on sleeves and collars). You can see a replica uniform at Thin Red Line. Zulu did not wear their extravagant ceremonial garb to battle, typically they only wore a loin cloth and a few items identifying their ibutho, or unit. Zulu shields had a specific pattern per ibutho, with the amount of white indicating the seniority of the ibutho. All Zulu boys of a particular age joined a new ibutho, and would all be given permission to marry at once, later in life. Married Zulu wore an isiCoco, a thin, round headring. Take a look at some of my Old Glory 15mm unmarried Zulu, painted with shields of the iNdluyengwe ibutho, an unmarried ibutho that attacked Rorke's Drift. Personalize your Zulu! Barring any better resource available, I made a little web program that will generate 100 random Zulu-sounding names from portions of real Zulu ones. The resulting names are nonsensical, but many sound good to those of us who don't know any better (although I did see it generate Thelma!) Icon Miniatures, makers of a great 28mm Zulu Wars line, have a nice article on Zulu Shield Colours in 1879, by noted author Ian Knight.