Post by The Last Stand Soldier on Dec 4, 2015 15:15:47 GMT
Guys, end these wars! Now, we will talk about history, not politics.
Everyday I will create new thread about some battle.
Today - battle of Isandlwana. Why Zulu won? British had any chance to defeat the enemy?
I will describe battle:
In 1879 British Empire didn't have any potential enemy to conquer in South Africa except Zulu Kingdom. British provocated conflict and in January British soldiers marched straight ahead to Zulu capital, Ulundi. About 3000 soldiers commanded by Lord Chelmsford were very slow on unknown terrain. Chelmsford ordered to put on a camp on Isandlwana Hill. He didn't know army of about 25000 Zulu warriors is hiding in rock bends near camp. Next day, small group of Zulu army distracted Chelmsford and he brought with him big part of his small military power. Camp without any field fortifications was guarded by about 1300 soldiers in 6 companies, Natal Native Contignent. Support was two light field 7-pound guns and Hale's rockets battery. They were commanded by quartermaster without war experience. Battle started in 22nd January 1879. About 22000 Zulu warriors charged on camp. British soldiers held on some time, but they ran out of ammunition and Martini-Henry rifles overheated. Quartermasters didn't want to give ammunition for not his own troops (!). Zulu attacked camp and all British soldiers started escaping which caused total panic. The last fights were on Buffalo River. British lost about 1000 soldiers, Zulu also. Zulu captured 1000 modern rifles, 250000 pieces of ammunition, 2 field guns, 2 rocket launchers.
Everyday I will create new thread about some battle.
Today - battle of Isandlwana. Why Zulu won? British had any chance to defeat the enemy?
I will describe battle:
In 1879 British Empire didn't have any potential enemy to conquer in South Africa except Zulu Kingdom. British provocated conflict and in January British soldiers marched straight ahead to Zulu capital, Ulundi. About 3000 soldiers commanded by Lord Chelmsford were very slow on unknown terrain. Chelmsford ordered to put on a camp on Isandlwana Hill. He didn't know army of about 25000 Zulu warriors is hiding in rock bends near camp. Next day, small group of Zulu army distracted Chelmsford and he brought with him big part of his small military power. Camp without any field fortifications was guarded by about 1300 soldiers in 6 companies, Natal Native Contignent. Support was two light field 7-pound guns and Hale's rockets battery. They were commanded by quartermaster without war experience. Battle started in 22nd January 1879. About 22000 Zulu warriors charged on camp. British soldiers held on some time, but they ran out of ammunition and Martini-Henry rifles overheated. Quartermasters didn't want to give ammunition for not his own troops (!). Zulu attacked camp and all British soldiers started escaping which caused total panic. The last fights were on Buffalo River. British lost about 1000 soldiers, Zulu also. Zulu captured 1000 modern rifles, 250000 pieces of ammunition, 2 field guns, 2 rocket launchers.
