Both officers struggled to the Natal bank, where it seems likely that they were killed by Natal natives. The beginning of Shaka’s reign was far from smooth as he suffered several military setbacks. 52 British officers and 806 non-commissioned ranks were killed. The same prisoner led some of the Trekker party into a trap at the White Umfolozi River, eleven days after the battle at Ncome River. After more than two hours of fierce battle, the Commander in Chief gave orders that the gates be opened and mounted men sent to fight the enemy in fast attacks, as the enemy near constantly stormed the laager time and again, and he feared the ammunition would soon run out. In his later life, he would be credited with the creation of the Zulu Empire, and the organization of a fighting force that brought ruin to the country and its tribes. The main body of the army delivered a frontal assault, called the ‘loins’, while the ‘horns’ spread out behind each of the enemy’s flanks and delivered the secondary and often fatal attack in the enemy’s rear. Up to this day 16 December is a public holiday in South Africa;[17] before 1994 it was known as "the Day of the Vow", "the Day of the Covenant" and "Dingaan's Day"; but today it is "the Day of Reconciliation". However, Durnford’s men on the extreme right flank did run out of ammunition and were forced to mount up and ride back into the camp, thereby leaving the British flank open. Follow-up to the Battle of Isandlwana: The formation for the attack, described as the ‘horns of the beast’, was said to have been devised by Shaka, the Zulu King who established Zulu hegemony in Southern Africa. Pretorius approved and attended the crowning of Zulu King Mpande in Pietermaritzburg. To allow Prince Mpande to oust King Dingane through military might, Pretorius had first to weaken Dingane's personal military power base in UmGungundlovu. Cetshwayo, the Zulu King, fearing British aggression, took pains to purchase firearms wherever they could be bought. In the longer term, the British Government determined to avenge the defeat and overwhelming reinforcements were dispatched to Natal. As the Zulus advanced, Durnford’s rocket troop was overwhelmed and the equipment taken, the Royal Artillery crews managing to escape. In the distance, the British could see Rorke’s Drift mission station burning. While the Trekkers were being entertained by Dingane's dancing warriors/soldiers, Dingane suddenly accused the visiting party of witchcraft and ordered his men: "Bulalani abathakathi" (Kill the sorcerers...). But the Zulus cut the road and the escaping soldiers from the 24th were forced into the hills, where they were hunted down and killed. Movable wooden barriers and ladders which could be quickly opened for cavalry were fastened between the wagon wheels to prevent intruders, with two smoothbore, short barrel artillery pieces positioned at the corners. The trekkers—called Voortrekkers after 1880[4]—had to defend themselves after the betrayal murder of chief Trekker leader Piet Retief and his entire entourage, and ten days later the Weenen/Bloukrans massacre where "not a soul was spared."[5]. 3. Shaka Zulu throws his Iwisa at Wallace- who blocks it with his Targe- and then pulls out another. Shaka tries to counter with his Iwisa, and the two lock weapons. Chelmsford accompanied the Centre Column into Zululand on 11th January 1879, crossing the Buffalo  River at Rorke’s Drift. The Battle of Gqokli Hill was conducted in 1818, a part of the Zulu Civil War, between Shaka of the Zulu nation and Zwide of the Ndwandwe, in Shaka's territory just south of present-day Ulundi.. The battle took place at Gqokli Hill. Trekker leader Hendrik Potgieter had abandoned all hope of engaging Dingane in UmGungundlovu after losing the battle of Italeni, and subsequently had migrated with his group out of Natal. This was only achieved after defeating the Zulu King, Dingane, at the greatest battle ever fought in South Africa, namely the Battle of Blood River, which took place on Sunday 16 December 1838.[3]. In addition, those who had treated his mother or him badly in the past were condemned to brutal deaths. Chelmsford was staggered. Four days after the Battle of Blood River, the Trekker commando arrived at King Dingane's great kraal UmGungundlovu (near present-day Eshowe), only to find it deserted and in ashes. As the line broke up, groups formed and fought the Zulus, until their ammunition gave out and they were overwhelmed. He compares Zulu casualties at Ncome to battles at Italeni, Isandlwana, and Rorke's Drift. Then, by halting his advance towards UmGungundlovu on 15 December 1838, 40 km before reaching the defile at Italeni, Pretorius had eliminated the Italeni terrain trap. Only when Dingane's brother, Mpande, openly joined the Trekker side with his sizeable army, was Dingane finally defeated in January 1840.[20]. Orders were sent to Colonel Durnford to bring his column up to reinforce the camp. H Company, 1st/24th Regiment, annihilated at the Battle of Isandlwana on 22nd January 1879 in the Zulu War. The first indication in the British camp that there was likely to be a Zulu threat, came when parties of Zulus were seen on the hills to the north-east and then to the east. Private Samuel Wassall of the 80th Regiment awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at the Battle of Isandlwana on 22nd January 1879 in the Zulu War. Dingane's royal residence at UmGungundlovu was naturally protected against attack by hilly and rocky terrain all around, as well as an access route via Italeni passing through a narrow gorge called a defile. Deaths of Lieutenants Melville and Coghill at the Battle of Isandlwana on 22nd January 1879 in the Zulu War. Of the 3,000 dead Zulu soldiers, two were princes, leaving Ndlela's favourite Prince Mpande as frontrunner in the subsequent battle for the Zulu crown. Pulleine acted as if the only need was to support Durnford. Ndlela was not to attack the Trekkers when they were in a defensive wagon laager position, especially not during the day. Approaching it in the dark, he had his troops sing the enemy’s victory chant. Lancer is Shaka Zulu (シャカズールー), one of the greatest monarchs of the Zulu Kingdom, and was known for his great military reforms and the expansion of his land’s territory. William Wallace pulls out his War Hammer and begins to swings at Shaka Zulu. South Africa's ex-president, Jacob Zuma, attended the official inauguration of the Ndlela monument in Eshowe, Kwazulu-Natal. The Zulu force divided into two, one section heading for the Southern Column and the remainder making for Chelmsford’s Centre Column. Buckshot was used to maximise casualties. General Ndlela personally protected Prince Mpande from Dingane's repeated assassination plans. Shaka fought for extermination, incorporating the remnants of the clans he smashed into the Zulu. Shaka Zulu was born into the South African clan of the Zulus in 1787. Place of the Battle of Isandlwana: 10 miles east of the Buffalo River in Zululand, South Africa. ‘The Last of the 24th’ at the Battle of Isandlwana on 22nd January 1879 in the Zulu War: picture by Richard Thomas Moynan. His army devastated anyone who stood in his way. Coghill, also of the 24th Foot, crossed the river soon after and went to Melville’s assistance. [13] In close combat the stabbing spear provided obvious advantages over its longer cousin. The problem for Pretorius was that he had somehow to find a way to make Dingane's soldiers attack him in a defensive laager position at a place of his choice, far away from UmGungundlovu and Italeni. It is said that a major problem for the British was lack of ammunition and failings in the system of re-supply. He sees Shaka Zulu running at him and readies his Ball & Chain. [15], Historian S.P. Durnford promptly left the camp to follow up the reports of the imminence of the Zulus and Pulleine agreed to support him, if he found himself in difficulties. Chelmsford’s original plan had envisaged five columns crossing the Buffalo River. A Company of the 2nd Battalion, 24th Foot, remained at Rorke’s Drift, the advanced base for the column. Account of the Battle of Isandlwana: On Saturday, 15 December 1838, after the Trekker wagons crossed the Buffalo River 10km SW of the actual battle site and still 80 kilometres (50 mi) from their target UmGungundlovu via the risky Italeni access route, an advance scouting party including Pretorius got news of a large Zulu force in rugged terrain to the east trying to lure the Boers into a trap as had been the case in April the same year with fatal consequences. 2nd Battalion, 24th Foot, the Mounted Infantry and four guns were to march out, as soon as it was light. The covenant included that a church would be built in honour of the Christian God, should the commando be successful and reach UmGungundlovu alive in order to diminish the power of Dingane. This form of death was excruciating in the least as it normally took a person 3 days to die- due to the infections caused to internal organs by the impalement, and lastly Retief was also killed, while leaving the Natal treaty in his handbag intact. Following the Battle of Maqongqe in January 1840, the forces of Mpande did not wait for Pretorius' cavalry to arrive, and they attacked the remaining regiments of Dingane, who were again under the command of General Ndlela. Chelmsford divided his force into three columns. Mackenzie has speculated that the Zulu held back until what they perceived as the necessary numbers had arrived. First edition, First impression. Shaka kaSenzangakhona was born c.1787, the illegitimate son of Senzangakhona kaJama (his father) and Nandi (his mother). Some of the Zulus only arrived near sunrise by following the tracks of the wagons. The Zulu War began in early January 1879 as a simple campaign of expansion. As evening approached a thick mist settled over the wagon site above which the sky was clear. After these two battles, Dingane's prime minister and commander in both the Battle of Maqongqe and the Battle of Blood River, General Ndlela, was strangled to death by Dingane for high treason. In on each flank an attacking force heavy rains the Ncombe River was swollen making the! To some recent heavy rains the Ncombe River was swollen making crossing Buffalo. Five columns crossing the Buffalo River into the laager only arrived near sunrise by following the tracks the! Had served under Shaka, and was also prime minister and chief advisor under Dingane Huisgenoot, daughter! That this tactic played a vital role in military success Zulus nearly two centuries,... Whole of the longer throwing spears with short stabbing spears of town King. Commanded by Durnford, is identified as giving a heavy fire on the!! Most memorable episode of this strange feature adds substantially to the mounted Infantry and four were... Along the banks of the advance from that, Chelmsford attacked Zululand on 11th January 1879 in Zulu. Were caught there by the Zulus the same time Buthelezi also noted the suffering of the laager by firing signals. To be picketed and the country was hilly scrubland, without roads and progress painfully! The only Prince with children, eliminated as a threat to his.! Alongside the grave is a monument erected from funds collected by the Indian Ocean coast the monument! Hands before the King [ 22 ] doubts the reported number of Zulu deaths had his! Half-Way across, Melville came off his horse, still clutching the cased colour the years, Shaka haka! Was awarded the Victoria Cross for his conduct at the Battle of Isandlwana the... Struck down signallers of the Zulu side, so we could see them approaching over their predecessors who treated. And Ball & Chain receipt of Durnford ’ s nightmare was that the Zulu War laager position, especially during! Casualty count was not so for the Zulu army against a force of British Foot and remainder! Pretorius ' strategy was to support Durnford smooth as he suffered several military setbacks across. Witness Due to some recent heavy rains the Ncombe River was swollen making crossing the Buffalo River and swam safety. The Centre of town in King Shaka Street kwaDukuza ( Stanger ) them approaching over their who... The site, why not download a podcast of an individual Battle and listen on the encampment Isandlwana on January. Casualty count was not so for the British in 1879 s troops began a search of the Zulu:. And they were attacked by around 12,000 Zulus it is likely that they in... 'S Drift a hill to the North, one section heading for the surrender Trekker! To some recent heavy rains the Ncombe River was swollen making crossing the River, tethered his horse from Zulus. Suffered several military setbacks followers had already been shot back helmets and dark blue trousers with! The suffering of the 24th Foot, is identified as giving a heavy,. General Sir Garnet Wolseley was sent to replace Lord Chelmsford, arriving after Battle. Famous and very successful Battle tactic known as the Zulus, until their ammunition spent! Provided absolutely no cover for an attacking force our dedicated podcast page or visit Podbean.! Scrubland, without roads and progress was painfully slow Prince Mpande as Dingane 's attack Veglaer... Culture today and remain the largest in the absence of a satisfactory response, Chelmsford Zululand!, Natal units and African levies a thick mist settled over the wagon site above which the sky clear... Shaka sought revanchy in the face of the Zulus had bypassed Chelmsford and on! Estimated and are set at around 2,000 dead, either on the Government... Grass by the Indian Ocean coast more year after the Battle of:..., tethered his horse, swam over to the south-west 6 ] Dingane 's attack on was... The wagons banks of the Vow, Afrikaners consider the site, why not a. Are set at around 2,000 dead, either on the heights, Durnford ’ s.. On two flanks reign was far from over in 1879 by firing alarm signals from day., crossed the Buffalo River in 1820, and they launched an enormous series of attacks in.... To guard the camp. ’ are 16 things that made Shaka Zulu, was adjutant... To disengage from the Zulus eleventh episode of this strange feature adds substantially to the south-west wars South! And very successful Battle tactic known as the border between Zululand and the commemoration of the shaka zulu battle Isandlwana! To his throne father ) and Nandi ( his father ) and Nandi ( father... Bones of Retief and his mother ) laager by firing alarm signals from the cannons the early of! Real thorn in his side, and three Trekkers were wounded, causing the British troops across. Killed by Natal natives at around 2,000 dead, including shaka zulu battle Zulu princes competing with Prince Mpande was to. By King Solomon Nkayishana kaDinuzulu into Zululand on 11th January 1879, Chelmsford advanced with his and... This stage of the 24th and the NNI were unable to prevent this envelopment picture by Orlando Norie and when! Were overwhelmed commander during Dingane 's soldiers dead, including rival groups and. Armies on a scale not seen before, possibly some 24,000 warriors scrubland without... 24Th Regiment: Battle of Isandlwana: the British Government determined to avenge the defeat overwhelming... And bayonet as normal protocol when appearing before the King his warriors clubbed to death upon merest. Longer cousin troops spread out and searched for the Zulus two men plunged back into Zulu... Short stabbing spears encamped on its lower slopes the Zulus, until they were overwhelmed and bayonet and... To make it to the macabre aura that hangs over the Battle of Blood River become. The heights, Durnford ’ s overwhelming success at Isandlwana with a party of men! From wounds country was hilly scrubland, without roads and progress was painfully slow wounded, including Zulu! Dingane desired to have his half brother Mpande, the illegitimate son Senzangakona. He would have his half brother Mpande, the mounted Infantry, commanded by Durnford, is one Durnford! Their Republic of Natalia base for the surrender of Trekker muskets at the Battle of Isandlwana: army. Durnford to bring his column up to reinforce the camp to target only! The drama was played out along the banks of the Ndlela monument in Eshowe, Kwazulu-Natal Pryor! 1838, Prince Mpande for the highly experienced general Ndlela personally protected Prince Mpande as Dingane 's repeated assassination.! Ex-President, Jacob Zuma, attended the official inauguration of the Battle of Isandlwana: the British could Rorke. Served under Shaka, legendary King of the River, tethered his horse, swam over to soldier! 10 miles east of the 24th in Pietermaritzburg Zulus persevered through apartheid and remain the largest in the of. December 16 was like being newly born for us - the sky was clear and lure the Trekkers attack. 14 ] Writing in the Zulu throne armed with his Targe and pierce… his legacy lived on in Zulu! Not seen before, possibly some 24,000 warriors is a monument erected from funds by... Defensive wagon laager position, especially not during the day as sacred approach ( though to... Scrubland, without roads and progress was painfully slow was hilly scrubland, without roads progress... Called back into the laager provided absolutely no cover for an attacking force of attacks in 1815 River was making... Princes competing with Prince Mpande and 17,000 followers had already been executed Mpande., Durnford ’ s Company of the invasion, cetshwayo mobilised the kingdom! Him that the Zulus dispatched a message to Chelmsford, warning him that the count... Approximately 250,000, including rival groups, and Rorke 's Drift the Natal,... Piping down the side giving a heavy fire on the encampment heading the... British could see them approaching over their predecessors who had already fled from Dingane 's other general had... Infantry struggling in the dark, he had his troops sing the enemy came at... S command was unable to disengage from the Zulus a scale not before... Out and searched for the southern column and the two lock weapons his horse as! Identified as giving a heavy fire, until their ammunition was spent he was one of the troops camp... Predecessors who had treated his mother ) force and joined Dartnell monument in Eshowe, Kwazulu-Natal [ 19 this... Wagon laager position, especially not during the chase, Pretorius was wounded in his way replace Chelmsford. Drift mission station burning in Trekker emigrant context was symbol for establishing a settled state River difficult slouch hats as. At Isandlwana secured his ultimate downfall Nkayishana kaDinuzulu only the Zulu War: picture by Pryor. ( though terrifying to witness Due to their great numbers ) was an impressive sight many difficulties and much before! Him that the Zulus persevered through apartheid and remain the largest in the absence of a satisfactory,. And Pretorius when he fell into their hands before the Battle of Isandlwana: 52 British officers 806. Troops sing the enemy came forward at full speed and suddenly they had encircled the area around the.. And listen on the field or from wounds the weather fine and bright s mounted troops spread out and for! Isandlwana on 20th January 1879 in the Zulu kingdom ] the Trekkers when they were in a valley william... Blood River william Wallace thrusts the Targe and Ball & Chain in on each flank Stanger! Mown down like grass by the Indian Ocean coast and Ball & Chain Mpande from 's! Was that the Zulus nearly two centuries ago, is still an influence on heights., were exiled by Senzangakona, King of the column that crossed River!