It would be fair to say that the Zulu war has a special place in Britain's military past, the Zulu warrior still maintains a certain mystique. Thanks to Hollywood giving us films like
Zulu and Zulu Dawn, the former coming out every Christmas (can't wait!), even Joe Public has a basic understanding of the war, or at least where it took place.
At right, Zulu chief Chetshwayo
As to why it took place, this is not so widely known. It was one of the few colonial wars where the British Government genuinely wanted to avoid such a costly war which it knew was all too inevitable, but would much rather it happened after 1879 and not before. Alas, personalities acting on behalf of Her Majesty's Government in South Africa forced its hand, and Britain found itself at war with the Zulus.
Due to space limitations on the mag, only 2 pages are available to the lead-up to the war, but an effort has been made to give you the main series of events that led up to it.
The use of eyewitness accounts and official reports from both sides is substantial as they give an authenticity to actions that you can never require from the writer's pen, so
except for Isandlwana, the use of the senior officers' report is given as the main text with added detail as required.
Pics and text of the large scale skirmish game have had to be left out due to space, apologies for that, a game that gave new meaning to the phrase 'lightning never strikes twice', at least for the British player, me, who saw all 5 companies of his N.N.C. rout upon the first advance of the 60-strong Zulu Impi. Need I say more!
Zulu spelling: The more modern style spelling is generally used, although different styles can be found herein.
Lastly, this first issue may seem a little heavy going, feedback would be appreciated. I promise that other issues will be less so if so desired. The inclusion of actual wargames is to be a feature.
Eyewitness Accounts:
Public Record Office, London; The Red Soldier - The Zulu War 1879, Frank Emery; In Zululand with the British Throughout the War of 1879, Charles L. Norris Newman, The Silver Wreath, Nomman Holme; Like Lions They Fought: The Last Zulu War, Robert B. Edgerton; The Zulu War - Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift, Rupert Furneaux, Through the Zulu Country, Bertam Mitford Marching Over Africa, Frank Emery;
Zulu Regiment Details: Osprey - The Zulu War, Angus McBride The Zulu War - Pictorial History, Michael Barthorp
Maps:
Ntombe River, Nyezane: The Zulu War, David Clammer Isandlwana: The Red Soldier, Frank
Emery (all with added detail).
Further Reference:
The Washing of the Spears, Donald R. Morris; Narrative of the Field Operators Connected with the Zulu War 1879 - Intelligence Branch of the War Office, Braue Men's Blood, Ian Knight, Field Guide to the War in Zululand and the Defence of Natal, 1879, J.P.C. Laband & P.S. Thompson The
Zulu War 1879 Rorke's Drift, James W. Bancroft
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