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In January 1879 Britain invaded Zululand in South Africa. The British invading army was equipped with new rifles and artillery and confident of defeating the ill-equipped Zulu army. On the 23rd January both armies met beneath Isandlwana hill and less than an hour later, the British were defeated by 30,000 Zulus armed with spears, and left 1,400 men dead on the battlefield. The few survivors fled back to British Natal to raise the alarm.
The Zulus then moved on to attack the unsuspecting British hospital at Rorke’s Drift, just 10 miles from Isandlwana. The hospital was defended by 140 soldiers, many were sick or wounded, and the Zulus numbered 4,500. The battle raged for 12 hours before the Zulus were forced to retreat leaving behind 600 dead Zulus. For their bravery, the survivors were awarded 11 Victoria Crosses. The battle of Isandlwana was an inglorious defeat; the battle of Rorke’s Drift became a famous victory. |
