'You should have seen us, with tremendous shouts of 'death, death!' We were on them, they tried lying down to escape, but it was not use, we had them anyhow, no mercy or quarter...we only stopped when we could go no further and the horses were completely done up....'
INTRODUCTION
On the 27th of June the 2nd Div and Woods flying columns arrived at the Mthonjaneny ridge, overlooking the White Mfolozi river and the Mahlabathini valley where lay Ulundi itself surrounded by its many military kraals. There, they established camp. On the 30th June the advance continued again with a new camp been established in a bend in river near the lower drift.
On the 3rd of July a force of colonial horse were sent across the river to choose a site for the following day's battle, this unit had a extremely lucky escape from a carefully laid ambush (see other Zulu tactics for details).
The Zulu warriors kept up a constant singing during the night of the 3rd, which caused the British troops to feel uneasy, especially the newly recruited soldiers.
At 6am on the 4th, mounted units crossed the river at the lower drift and formed up on nearby ridge, covering the crossing of remainder of the column. At 6.45am the infantry and the remainder of the column crossed the river and at around 7.30am it moved off in now familiar hollow square, having formed up on some clear grassy area near the river.
Mounted units rode off in an attempt to provoke the Zulus into attacking, as well as burning some nearby kraals. It must be noted that Chelmsford's decision to fight the Zulu in the open was to
- 1 - prove it could be done to Britain and the world
2 - help erase the stain of Isandlwana
3 - To ensure the Zulus would attack and inflict a major defeat on them.
FORCES ENGAGED
| British Lieutenant-Colonel Lord Chelmsford, K.C.B., Commanding | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Division Maj-Gen. Newdigate, Commanding | ||||
| CORPS OR DEPARTMENT | OFFICERS | NCOs and MEN | HORSES | OFFICER IN COMMAND |
| Staff: Capt. Lane, ADC Capt Sir W Gordon-Cumming Maj. Robinson, AAG Maj Gosset, 54th Regt., AQMG Lt Col. Montgomery DAQMG | 6 | 37 | 12 | - |
| 1st Dragoon Guards | 2 | 24 | 26 | Col. Drury-Lowe |
| 17th Lancers | 21 | 239 | 285 | - |
| Royal Altillery and Royal Engineers | 12 | 249 | 140 | (8 guns Lt Col. Hamess) |
| Infantry Brigade, Lt Col. Glyn, Commdg | ||||
| Staff: Maj. Dalrymple, 88th, Brigade Major Lt. Liebenrood, 58th Regt. Lt Phipps, 24th regt. | 3 | 11 | - | - |
| 2/21st Regt. | 11 | 205 | 6 | Maj. Hazlerigg |
| 58th Regt. | 19 | 407 | 8 | Lt-Col Whitehead |
| 94th Regt. | 21 | 616 | 10 | Lt-Col. Malthus |
| 2nd NNC | 19 | 385 | 25 | Major Bengough |
| Shepstone's Basutos | 10 | 108 | 124 | Capt. Shenstone |
| Bettington's Horse | 1 | 12 | 14 | - |
| Army Medical dept. | 8 | 18 | 9 | - |
| Natives attached | - | 47 | - | - |
| Total: 132 Officers, 1,752 NCOs and men, 540 natives, 659 horses, 39 camp followers, 8 guns. | ||||
| CORPS OR DEPARTMENT | OFFICERS | NCOs and MEN | HORSES | OFFICER IN COMMAND |
| Flying Column, Brigr Gen. Sir E. Wood, Commanding | ||||
| Staff: Orderly Officer, Lieut. Lysons, 9Oth Regt. Principal Staff Officer, Major Clery h.p. For General Staff duties: Capt. Woodgate, 4th Regt. | 5 | 10 | 21 | - |
| Royal Artillery | 7 | 89 | 79 | (4 guns/2 gattlings) Maj. Tremlett |
| Royal Engineers | 5 | 62 | 11 | Maj. J.G. Moysey |
| 1/13th Regt. | 24 | 587 | 9 | Maj. E.L. England |
| 80th Regt. | 11 | 357 | 3 | Maj. C. Tucker |
| 90th Regt. | 22 | 688 | 5 | Maj. R.M. Rogers, VC |
| Wood's Irregulars | 6 | 330 | 26 | Commdt. Loraine White |
| Natal Pioneers | 4 | 46 | 4 | Capt. J. Nolan |
| Mounted Infantry | 4 | 64 | 76 | Capt. Browne, 24th Regt. |
| Transvaal Rangers | 5 | 62 | 72 | Comdt. Raaf |
| Frontier Light Horse | 10 | 96 | 121 | Comdt. D'Arcy |
| Baker's Horse | 6 | 86 | 100 | Comdt. Baker |
| Natal Light Horse | 3 | 54 | 61 | Comdt. Whalley |
| Natal Native Horse | 3 | 89 | 92 | Capt. Cochrane, 32nd Regt. |
| Army Hospital Corps | 6 | 3 | 2 | - |
| Natives attached | - | 44 | - | - |
| Army Staff Corps | 1 | 1 | 3 | - |
| Total: 122 Officers, 2,159 NCOs and men, 465 natives, 685 horses, 108 camp followers, 4 guns and 2 Gattlings. | ||||
Zulu:
inDunas - Zindeu kaMpande - The King's brother acting on his behalf.
Elements of all amabutho were present, except for aged umLambongwenya and uDlambedhlu amabutho who acted as a bodyguard. Checthwayo who had left Ulundi on the 3rd July having planned the tactics to be adopted to attack the British.
Total: 15-20,000 warriors including a reserve force of 5,000.
EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS
We again have Lord Chelmsford's official report of the action and four other British letters written. There are four short Zulu accounts.
LORD CHELMSFORD S OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE OF ULUNDI
The General, writing from Head-quarters, Entonganeni, on the 6th of July, says:
'My last despatch, dated June 28, will have placed you in full possession of the situation on that date of that portion of Her Majesty's forces under my immediate and personal command, and of our relations with Cetywayo. These forces were about to leave this place for the Valley of Umvolosi, with ten days' provisions, and about two hundred waggons, the remainder of the stores, together with all the tents and waggons, &c., being left behind in an entrenched position here. I was at that time aware that a very considerable force was collected on the left bank of the river, and I reported that until I received from Cetywayo compliance with the demands I had already communicated to you, I should continue my advance to Ulundi.
The advance was commenced on the 30th of June, and the camps of the Flying Column and 2nd Division were formed that day at a distance of nine or ten miles from the Umvolosi River. Two messengers from Cetywayo were seen by me about mid-day. I have the honour of enclosing a copy of the message sent to him, which at their request was reduced to writing, likewise a copy of the written communication received by me through Mr. Vign, the white man with the Zulu chief.
The messengers brought with them the sword of the late Imperial Louis Napoleon, which, for safe custody, was sent back to the fort here The messengers were desired to take charge of the cattle which had been sent in to me at Entonganeni, as I wanted to return them now I was advancing; but they refused to take them on the plea of the delay it would cause in their return to the King.
On the following day (July 1) our advance was continued over a difficult country, where the waggon track passed through bush of cactus and mimosa trees. After considerable labour on the part of the troops in clearing the road and levelling the drifts, the Column reached the vicinity of the River Umvolosi at about one p.m. The enemy's pickets fell back on our approach, and no opposition occurred this day to our taking up our positions on the right bank of the river; at one time indeed, large bodies of Zulus were seen to move from Ulundi to certain positions in our front, which made me anxious to get our camps formed as speedily as possible. By dusk our position was perfectly defensible, and our cattle and horses had been watered at the river.
On the ensuing day (July 2) the camp of the 2nd Division closed up to that of the Column under Brigadier-General Wood, and our entrenched camp, with a small stone fort, was formed on a plan that would enable a small garrison to defend it, leaving the remainder of the force free to operate, unencumbered by any waggons, in such a manner as might be deemed desirable. The Zulu force did not show itself this day, no messengers arrived from the King. A large herd of white cattle was observed being driven from the King's kraal towards us, but was driven back shortly afterwards. As no message had been received from Cetywayo the following morning (July 3), and as considerable annoyance was offered to our watering parties by Zulus firing on them, I arranged for a reconnaissance to be made by Lieutenant-Colonel Buller C.B., with his mounted men, as soon as the time allowed for meeting my demands had expired. The cattle sent in by Cetywayo on June 29 were driven across the river to him during the morning. Lieutenant-Colonel Buller crossed the river by the lower drift to the right of our camp, and was soon in possession of the high ground on our front and the Undabakaombie kraal.
The object of Lieutenant-Colonel Buller's reconnaissance was to advance towards Ulundi, and report on the road, and whether there was a good position where our force could make its stand if attacked. I was also anxious, if possible, to cause the enemy to show its force, its points of gathering, and plan of attack. Lieutenant-Colonel Builer completely succeeded in the duty entrusted to him. Having collected his mounted men near Undabakaombie from the thorny country near the river, he advanced rapidly towards Ulundi, passing Unodwengo on his right. He had reached the vicinity of the stream Untukulwini about three-quarters of a mile from Ulundi, when he was met by a heavy fire from a considerable body of the enemy lying concealed in the long grass around the stream. Wheeling about, he retired to the high ground near Unodwengo, where he commenced to retire by altemate portions of his force in a deliberate manner.
The Zulus were checked; but in the meantime large bodies of the enemy were to be seen advancing from every direction; and I was enabled, with my own eyes, to gain the information I wished for, as to the manner of advance and points from which it would be made in the event of our forces advancing to Ulundi. Through the Zulus advanced rapidly, and endeavoured to get round his flank, Lieutenant-Colonel Buller was able to retire his force across the river with but a few casualties. He informed me of a position which, on the following day, my force occupied, and which subsequent events showed was admirably adapted for the purpose I had in view. I consider that this officer deserves very great credit for the manner in which he conducted this duty. That night the Zulus were moving about in large bodies, as testified by the sound of their war songs, but they in no manner interfered with us. At 4 a.m., the 4th of July, the troops were silently roused, the bugles, however, sounding the reveille at the usual hour -- 5.15 a.m. I left the camp, with all the waggons, oxen, &c., garrisoned by the 1st Battalion 24th Regiment and casualties. Colonel Bellairs, C.B., D.A.G., at my special request, remained in command of them.
At 6.45 a.m., the force, as per return enclosed, crossed the river. Lieutenant-Colonel Buller's mounted men, going by the lower ford, seized the high ground on our front without opposition. Passing over a mile of very bushy ground, the force marching in a hollow square, ammunition and entrenching tool carts, etc., in the centre, the guns moving also in the square in such positions as to enable them to come into action on each face without delay, we reached the high ground between the kraals Undabakaombie and Unodwengo at 7.30 a.m. The mounted men were now out, covering our front and flanks, while the 17th Lancers covered the rear. By this time our advance from camp was evidently observed, and dark clusters of men could be seen in the morning light on the hill tops on our left and left front.
To our right where the targets number of the enemy were believed to be, we could see but little, as the mist from the river and the smoke of their camp fires hung heavily over the bush below. Leaving Umbakaombie to our left (this kraal was burnt by our rear guard), I advanced to the position referred to by Lieutenant-Colonel Buller; this was about 700 yards beyond Unodwengo, and about the same distance from the stream that crossed the road halfway to Ulundi; this was high ground uncommanded from any point, and with but little cover beyond long grass near it.
At this point I wheeled the square half right, so as to occupy the most favourable part of the ground. The portions of the Zulu army on our left and left front were now formed in good order, and steadily advancing to the attack; masses also appeared from the thorn country on our right and passed round to Unodwengo and to our rear, thus completing the circle round us. The battle commenced at 8.45 a.m., by our mounted men on the right and left becoming engaged. Slowly retiring until the enemy came within our range, they passed into our square, which now opened with artillery and rifles. Shortly before 9 a.m. the Zulu army attacked us on every side. The Unodwengo kraal, a vast assemblage of huts, probably numbering 400 in number, afforded good cover for concealing the movements of a force, which appears to have been the Ulundi, Ugobamakosi, Uve, and Umbakauli regiments. No order was to be seen in their movements, which was caused (so state prisoners) by these regiments having been taken by surprise by our early and silent advance. Hurrying up from their bivouacs, they had no time to form up separately; but, in a cloud, advanced to the attack beyond the cover of the kraal.
The fire by which they were met, however, from our right face proved too heavy, and the bulk of these regiments failing to advance, rapidly passed to their left and joined the Umcityu Regiment, which was pressing up to the attack in a determined manner. As the ground here fell suddenly, and cover was afforded them in this advance, men were killed within thirty yards of the companies of the 21st Regiment, forming the rear face at this point. The fire of the enemy from a few minutes to 9 to 9.20 was very heavy, and many casualties, I regret to say, occurred; but when it is remembered that within our comparatively small square, all the cavalry, mounted men, natives, hospital attendants, &c., were packed, it is a matter of congratulation that they were not heavier.
The fire from the Artillery and Infantry was so effective that within half an hour signs of hesitation were perceivable in the movements of the enemy. I then directed Colonel Drury-Lowe to take out the 17th Lancers. Passing out by the rear face, he led his regiment towards the Unodwengo kraal, dispersing and killing those who had not time to reach the shelter of the kraal or the bush below, then wheeling to the right, charged through the Zulus, who, in full flight, were advancing to reach the lower slopes of the mountains beyond. Numbers of the enemy in this direction, who had not taken part in the actual attack, were now firing, and, momentarily strengthened by those flying, were enabled to pour in a considerable fire on the advancing Lancers below them. Our cavalry did not halt, however, until the whole of the lower ground was swept, and some 150 of the enemy killed. Many of those they had passed in their speed had collected in a ravine to their rear; these were attacked and destroyed by our mounted natives.
The flight of the Zulu army was now general, the slopes of the hills were however, beyond the reach of many of our already fatigued cavalry, and, having no fresh troops to support him, Colonel Drury-Lowe exercised a wise discretion in rallying his men. Lieutenarnt-Colonel Buller, meanwhile had posted the Mounted Infantry so as to fire into the flank of the retiring enemy, and the remainder of his mounted men, making for the country beyond, killed some 450 in the pursuit. Our 9-pounder guns were shortly afterwards moved from the rear and front faces of the square, and made excellent practice on the enemy retreating over the hills to the east on our left rear, and between Ulundi and the River Umvolosi.
As soon as our wounded had been attended to, and were fit to be moved, the force advanced to the banks of the stream near Ulundi, while the mounted men and cavalry swept the country beyond. Ulundi was fired at 11.40 a.m., and the kraals of Qikazi and Umpanbongwena shortly afterwards. At 2 p.m., the force commenced to return to its camp on the right bank of the Umvolosi, which it reached about 3.30 p.m. By sunset every military kraal undestroyed up to this time in the valley of the Umvolosi was in flames. Not a sign of the vast army that had attacked us in the morning was to be seen in any direction.
By the statements of the prisoners attached, it would appear that nearly the whole available Zulu army was under Cetywayo's command this day. By Mr. Vign's statement, it would appear he considered it to be 20,000; by others it is put down at 25,000, or even more, and was larger than that assembled at Kambula, it must have been formed on a circumference of some ten miles. It appears that Cetywayo himself arranged the disposition of the forces, and that they considered they would have no difficulty in defeating British troops if they advanced in the open, away from their waggons.
I feel I have a right to say that the results of the battle of Ulundi, gained by the steadiness of the infantry, the good practice of the artillery, and the dash of the cavalry and mounted troops will be sufficient to dispel this idea from the minds of the Zulu nation, and of every other tribe in South Africa for ever. It is difficult to compute accurately the loss of the Zulus on this occasion, as the extent of ground over which the attack was made, and the pursuit carried on, was so great; but judging by the reports of those engaged it cannot be placed at a less number than 1,500 killed. The loss of the Zulus killed in action since the commencement of hostilities in January, has been placed at not less than 10,000 men, and I am inclined to believe this estimate is not too great.
SGT. EDWARD JERVIS, 9Oth Light Infantry
How happy I am to be able to write you this letter I thank God, dear mother, that I am safe through my great danger in the attack on Ulundi, and that I can tell you that the British soldiers have been successful, and that the Zulu King's chief kraals and capital destroyed by us. I have received a letter from you, and one from dear Ted but I could not write to you before. I am well, and trust the day is not far distant when I shall see you all again.
We marched for the King's kraal on 30th June from our present camp, and, sleeping in the open, we reached the banks of the White Umfolozi river near the King's kraals on the 2nd July. There we threw up entrenchments, and halted for two days. The Zulus, who were in great force -- estimated at 30,000 men -- could be seen near the kraals with their camp fires, and in a good position to oppose our advance on the capital. Well, my dear mother. you will suppose that we should have hard work, as we did, and I will give you the description of the fight as near as possible.
On the 3rd July, the Zulus came on the opposite side of the river, and commenced firing from the bush into our camp, and as our arrangements were not made as yet for crossing the infantry and guns, the whole of the cavalry (regular and volunteer) were mustered, and advanced over the river in two parties, one taking the right and the other the left, and made a dash across the river. The Zulus were driven from the bank, and retired on the main body near the kraals, our mounted men killing a good many, but of course after driving them away the mounted men could not face the main body, so they retired across the river. In this fight two men were killed, and their bodies were left on the other side of the river to the tender mercy of the Zulus. This could not, however, be helped; we could only be sorry for the poor fellows. We found their bodies the next day, as we expected, horribly mutilated. About a dozen were wounded; some seriously.
That night was full moon, and as we were sleeping and the camp all still, the Zulus could be heard yelling like demons. They were preparing for the fight the next day, which, I suppose, they knew would take place. Well, mother, there seemed to be as if there were thousands of voices, and we could see their fires very plainly. I could not sleep, so I lay awake thinking of home, and you, old Ted, and Dick, wondering how you all were, and if I should be alive the next night.
The next morning saw us all up before daylight, and having had coffee and a bit of biscuit we fell in silently for the march. As daylight was breaking the Flying Column took the lead across the river, under General Wood, the Second Division bringing up the rear. IWood was promoted Brigadier-General after his success at Kambula on 29 March]. We advanced across the river and went through the water (which reached only to our knees), and gained the opposite bank without firing a shot. The Zulus were very still, and one would think that there was no enemy near us. We marched to the top of the hill overlooking the kraals, passing by the dead Zulus killed in the fight of the previous day. On getting to a good position our little army formed a square, the Flying Column facing the kraals to the front, big guns on each flank. We could then see the Zulu army creeping up from the bush near the main kraal.
Then came an army from the hills in the rear, and widened out in good order to surround us. They did, but every place they attacked they were faced by our square. On came the Zulus, and (two ranks kneeling) our men waited for the first shot.They soon came, and then the battle commenced on all sides. The bullets were flying pretty freely, and the battle kept up for about an hour, when the Zulus began to give way. Then we cheered, and the Zulus gave way and ran, the shells from the guns and the cavalry pursuing them.
The battle, for the infantry, was over. In half an hour nothing remained but dead and wounded lying in all directions, Zulus who had been struck by shell and bullet and who were sabred by the cavalry. Then the King's kraal was soon burning, and one by one the military kraals which were about two miles round, and huts fourteen and sixteen deep were set on fire, and the valley was soon enveloped in smoke ant flame. Our dead were buried where they fell, and what could be more mournful I could not imagine. A clergyman read the burial service, and they were lowered in their uniforms into their graves, while we stood with heads uncovered, then the mound was shovelled over them and they were left in their last resting-place. Such is a soldier's fate.
We had thirteen killed and sixty wounded, three officers among the killed.We marched back after a hit, and were soon in camp. The wounded were brought on stretchers; four have died since. The captain of the Lancers and a sergeant were buried last night by lantern. Two of the 13th Regiment died also, and were buried this morning. We hope this is over. Cetshwayo is not captured; he has fled for his life, I suppose. We burned about 20,000 huts, and the Zulus left 1,000 dead on the field. They carried a lot away in the early part of the fight. So, my dear mother, I have told you as much as I can about the fight, and you must show this to Ted; it is for both of you to read; and don't forget old Dick, as he will like to hear about it. I hope soon to be home again and lead a more comfortable life. Now that Ulundi has fallen, I hope there will soon be a peace with the Zulus. They have been licked again, and that should tell them they cannot cope with England. The battle of Kambula has been the hardest fight yet. I hope it is all over.
BANDSMAN JOSEPH BANKS, 9Oth Light Infantry
It is with the greatest of pleasure I take my pen in hand to write a few lines to you after undergoing another month's excitement and hardships and the risk of another battle -- in other words 'a battle fought and won'. On 28th June we marched from our encampment at Mtonjaneni, and reached the White Umfolozi River on 1st July We encamped this side of it and we marched from Mtonjaneni without tent, having to bivouac with two blankets to cover us.
The reason we could not take tents was the road is rather hilly, and in the greater part bushy . . . After we reached the river we pitched our laager and made a turf wall in front of the waggons, and rested ourselves. We could see the Zulus on the other side quite plain. Lord Chelmsford was waiting for the answer to his dispatch sent some time before in regard to the conditions laid down for Cetshwayo's submission. If the answer did not come by noon on the 3rd, Lord Chelmsford said he would invade Ulundi. At eleven forty five there was no sign of submission and exactly at noon Colonel Buller and all the mounted men crossed the river on to the forbidden soil.
Before this the enemy was on the hill close to the river in a bush, and kept firing on our men and the men of the Lancers who went to get water. The Light Horse galloped up to the face of the hill and dislodged the Zulus out of the bush, killing about a hundred, and gaining the hill for the loss of three. They followed the Zulus on the plain chasing them into their kraals. Colonel Buller went on to the principal military kraal, but the Kamts rose up there rather too numerous, and let the mounted men have a volley, being obliged to retire slowly, in the meantime returning volley for volley until they reached the river and crossed to our side. It was not an affair like the Hlobane; they were only sent out to clear the way for us, and they succeeded. After they returned to camp they were served out with a dram of rum a man; this ended the day's work for the 3rd of July.
In the evening our orders came out and in them it suited that every man who had arms and ammunition was to go with the column the next morning to fight the enemy on the open field; and I was one of the lucky ones and sent with the regiment, being a fighting soldier for a day and not a bandsman, and many more besides.The same night, before we knew we were to cross the Zulus treated us to a concert. We laid down on our blankets to sleep and most of us had dozed off when we were awakened by a loud noise like distant thunder, which gradually swelled into a hideous and unearthly yell. The night being calm and moonlight we could not help hearing them. The Zulus, it seems, were mourning for their comrades who fell that day. But I can assure you that yell made many a man's hair stand on end. I never heard the like before and never wish to hear it again.
We thought they were coming on the camp at first, but some men more experienced than us told us they will never attack at night. But for all that I did not sleep that night, but laid waiting for reveille to go, which did not go by the bugle sounding but the bugler went round to the companies and woke them up at four fifteen a.m. We had hot coffee and biscuit at five fifteen, and at five forty-five prepared to cross the river. We had to march through it boots, socks and all, the water being only twelve inches deep. After crossing all safe, we proceeded up the hill for about two miles, and then halted at the first lot of kraals on our left.
We only stayed long enough to form up in fighting order, namely, the whole of regiments comprising both columns formed a hollow square four deep, the mounted men, reserve companies, engineers, natives, guns and ammunition waggons in the centre.We advanced in this mode for a good distance and halted on a ridge which was selected by Colonel Buller the day before. From this place we had a splendid view of the whole country, the kraals being all in sight and within range of the big guns. At a quarter to nine the enemy began to come in sight from the hill on our left, the bush on our right to the rear of us, and the largest body coming from the King's kraal. When they saw us on the open, the King said, 'Now you have got them, go and eat them'; but, as you will see, they got a tougher morsel than they could digest. They steadily advanced in silence, for these savages do not make any noise going into battle. We were surrounded.
Twelve regiments of them numbering 20,000, and us 6,663. They say one of the spies, caught the day after, pitied us. As soon as they came in range of the big guns they were saluted with a couple of shells which made them scatter, but they still advanced in skirmishing order till they reached 400 yards from the living laager of red coats, as they called it. Then the whole four faces of the square let them have it. The Gatling guns and the Martini-Henry rifles did great mischief. They tried their utmost to get close enough to make a rush and get their assegais to work; but of no use, our aim and fire was too true and destructive. They wavered, and then they were lost, for we let them have volley after volley, the upshot of it being that after fighting for one hour and a quarter the day was our own. They retreated in much the same way as at Kambula, the mounted men following.
This was the time for the 17th Lancers, so at it they went, charging the Kaffirs and killing lots of them Our loss, including the two columns was eighty-five killed and wounded, only one of the goth being wounded that day -- Food, of B company, wounded in the head severely. He was just on the right of me, so that was close. But that was nothing, I could hear the bullets whisking over my head every second. After the enemy were out of range and sight the mounted men went up to all the military kraals and set fire to them. It was a grand sight at night I can assure you to see some thousands of kraals on fire. At two o'clock in the afternoon we returned to camp, and crossed the river again, getting wet feet once more, but that was nothing as we most of us had dry socks to put on. Next day after the fight we started down the country and reached here (St. Paul's Mission), and here we are likely to remain till all things are settled.
N.C.O., 17th Lancers
I have great pleasure in informing you I'm not amongst the pegged out, and however much you may be disappointed thereat, I can't help it. I suppose you will have heard the news some time before you get this, it is the first chance I've had of writing or getting a sheet of paper, since it's only a shilling for a sheet and envelope now. We had a glorious go in, old boy, pig-sticking was a fool to it. After all the humbugging, marching, reconnoitring, short grub, and very bad what there was, rain, frost, heat, and the thousand annoyances of a campaign, especially such a one as this, we had a day that made up for the lot.
We reached the White Umfolozi River on Tuesday, 1 July, and camped on its banks, some little way from it amongst the bush. Ulundi was plainly in sight and we saw Cetshwayo's impi on the same day, the other side of the river. Wednesday and Thursday were spent in making roads to cross the river, which was done under a strong fire from the Zulus. In fact we could not get any water unless accompanied to the river by infantry and guns, so we never had a wash for about a week, however, that was nothing new. Friday morning we started to fight at the first streak of day without any coffee or anything else.
There were five large military kraals just across the river, holding about 5,000 men, besides the King's which was some two miles further on. In the centre of these five kraals was the Zulu parade ground, about 800 acres of beautiful hard ground, with hills all around, this was the place where we gave them battle. The night before the battle we heard them singing their war-song, it sounded something awful in the middle of the night. We were outside the laager with nothing to cover us, sleeping in front of the horses. The fact is that if we had been attacked that night we should have lost all our horses and half or more of the men. About twelve however, we heard the Zulus being marched away, still singing, and then, thinking they were coming to attack us, we were ordered to saddle and go into the laager, where we went after a lot of delay and were crammed up with the bullocks for the rest of the night.
You may guess we did not sleep much after. It turned out they were only being marched to their positions, and (as we found out after) they meant to attack the camp the next day. We saved them the trouble, though, and started almost before it was light; we were across the river on their parade ground before they had time to oppose our passage. Our force was about 4,500 in all, the infantry advanced (after crossing the river) in open square formation of fours deep, and when the action commenced the two front ranks knelt, the others standing, artillery and Gatling guns at the comers.
The enemy were not long in showing, and we saw as had been anticipated that we were entirely surrounded. In the meantime we had set fire to their kraals. This seemed to get their 'dander riz', and we were sent to draw them on; they did not want much drawing on, you bet, We retired on to the square and went inside, not a moment too soon for the infantry to fire. The action now became general, except for us who had to stand still at our horses' heads
GEORGE MOSSOP, Officer, Colonial Horse, describing the 17th Lancers
'On their great imported horses they sat bolt upright, their long lances held perfectly erect, the lance heads glittering in the sunshine. They formed into line. In one movement the lances dropped to the right side of the horses' necks, a long level line of poles . . . the steel heads pointing straight at the mass of retreating Zulus. As the big horses bounded forward and thundered into them, each lance point pierced the Zulu in front of it; the man fell, and as the horse passed on beyond him the lance was withdrawn, lifted and thrust forward into another Zulu in front. The movement of withdrawing the lance and again getting it into position was very rapid.... It was a grand sight to see them at work, but they did not appear to me to be humans and horses -- just a huge machine. A handle was turned -- and it shot forward; a button was pressed -- up went the spears, and it reformed in line; another button was pressed -- down went those awful spears, and again it shot forward.'
ZULU ACCOUNTS
STATEMENT MADE BY PRISONER TAKEN AT THE BATTLE OF ULUNDI ON 4TH JULY 1879
To the left of Ulundi, coming past the old Mission Station, was the Umlambongwingi Regiment, now called the Impunza; to the right of them, and below Ulundi, was the Quikazi. Both these regiments attacked the front. On the right and rear face we attacked from behind Nedwengu, by the' Ulundi, Ngobamakosi, Uve, and Umbonambi. These were led on by Dabulamanzl, in person, mounted on a bay horse, and attacked without any sign of order, not having had time to collect in regiments, and on the left the Nokenki and Nodwengo Regiments attacked, coming from Umpnnda's grave. The Umcityu attacked the left rear of the square.
STATEMENT OF UMDUNGUNYANGA, SON OF UMGENANE, A PRISONER TAKEN AT THE BATTLE OF ULUNDI, 4TH JULY, 1879
The regiments engaged were Undi, Inhlonhlo (combined), Uhloko, Umxapu, Nodwengu, Umbone, Nokeake, Umcityu, Ngobamakosi, and Ingulube (one company Dakuzas); these formed the attacking force. The Undabakamina and the Uhlambohle Regiments were with the King at Umlambongwenga, they were his body guard. The King saw the battle from the kraal. The King said he wanted to make peace, and three days ago he sent 140 of his white cattle as a peace offering to the Great Chief handing the white army. These cattle were turned back at the White Umvolosi River at Nodwengu by the Inbanodunga Regiment. This regiment refused to let them pass, and said they would not have peace; they preferred to fight and turned the cattle back. The King was then at Ulundi. Some of these cattle were killed the day before yesterday by the King's orders for the army to eat.
The principal leaders of the army were Tyingwayo, Mnyamane, Dabulamanzi, and Mundula (headman of Nodwengu). Sirayo and his son Mehkiaka Zulu were also present. We had no idea that the white force was so strong in numbers till we saw it in the open. We were completely beaten off by the Artillery and bullets. The Zulu Army was larger today than it was at Kambnla, far larger. I was at the Kambula battle. All the army was present to-day. We had very sick hearts in the fight when we saw how strong the white army was, and we were startled by the number of horsemen. We were afraid to attack in the thorns, as we knew you would laager the waggons. We were afraid to cross the river yesterday after the mounted men because of the laager. We were all, by order, at the Umlambongwenya kraal the day before yesterday.
When the King addressed us, he said, 'As the Inkandampemyu Regiment would not let the cattle go in as a peace offering, and wished to fight, and as the white army was now at his home, we could fight. That we were to fight the army in the open; to attack it between Nodwengu and Ulundi kraals (where we did fight).' The King also told us, when we pursued you, not to cross the river, for fear of the guns that would be left in the laager. The King himself, personally, placed the different regiment, and gave us our orders. We were watching and expecting the army would leave the laager and march for the King's kraal. We saw the force when it started to cross the river, and surrounded it, as we had been ordered to do.
Yesterday we all thought we should have an easy victory if you came into the open. The two cannon taken at Isandhlwana were at Nodwengu, and are now at the King's other kraal in the thorns. No one knows how to use them. The white man who writes the King's letters is a trader. He came trading in the beginning of the year. The King has his movements always watched. His property is not touched; he is a lame man. A white man was taken at the Zlobane and taken to the King, who ordered him to be taken back, and said he was to be let go near Kambula.
The army is now thoroughly beaten, and as we were beaten in the open, it will not reassemble or fight again. No force is watching the lower column (Crealock's), and no force has been sent there. How could there be, when all the army was here to day. We mustered here by the King's orders at the beginning of this moon (about ten days ago). We had not been called out before. I have never heard that Dabulamanzi wanted peace, or wanted to go over to the white people.
This short statement provides us with what it was like for the brave but hopelessly defenceless Zulu warriors to face the massive fire power of the British:
- 'Myself and three friends determined to get nearer to your guns than any other Zulu, and we did' -- three or four men actually got within thirty yards of one face of the square. 'Then my three friends were killed, -- pouf -- pouf -- pouf' -- and he imitated the bullets whistling, and his head bobbing. -- 'so I ran away; but you had put iron palings in front of your men, and hung red coats on them, so that our guns could not kill them. I saw myself the bullets fall off them.' Everyone said this same thing; it was only that which beat them.
| CASUALTIES: British | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CORPS OR DPT | KILLED | WOUNDED | ||
| OFFICERS | NCO & MEN | OFFICERS | NCO & MEN | |
| Staff | Hon. W. Drummond | - | Lt. Milne, RN* | - |
| 2nd Division | ||||
| Staff | - | - | Lt. & Capt. Hon. S. Cotton Lt. A.B. Phipps Lt. Liebenrood | |
| 17th Lancers | Capt. Wyatt-Edgell | 1 | Col. Druty-Lowe Lt. James Lt. Jenkins | 4 |
| Royal Artillery | - | - | Lt. Davidson | 1 |
| 2/21st Regt. | - | - | Maj. Winsloe | 10 |
| 1/24th Regt. | - | - | - | 1 |
| 58th Regt. | 1 | Maj. Bond | 10 | |
| 94th Regt. | 2 | Lt. Brooke | 12 | |
| 2nd NNC | - | - | Lt. Lukin Lt. Moncrieff | 4 |
| Shepstone's Horse | 1 | - | 3 | - |
| Hospital Bearers | - | - | - | 1 |
| Total Staff and 2nd Division | 2 | 5 | 13 | 46 |
| Wood's Flying Column | ||||
| Royal Artillery, 10/7 | - | - | 2 | - |
| Royal Artillery, 11/7 | 1 | - | - | - |
| Royal Engineers | - | - | - | 1 |
| 1/13th Regt. | - | 2 | Lt. Pardoe** | 9 |
| 80th Regt. | - | 1 | - | 5 |
| 90th Regt. | - | - | - | 1 |
| Wood's Irregulars | - | - | Comdt. White Capt. S.S. Horber Lt. J. Cowdell | - |
| Natal N. Horse | - | 1 | - | 2 |
| Natal Pioneers | - | - | Lt. Hickley Lt Andrews | - |
| Baker's Horse | - | - | - | 1 |
| Mounted Basutos | - | - | - | 2 |
| Total -- Wood's Flying Column | - | 5 | 6 | 23 |
| Grand Total | 2 | 10 | 19 | 69 |
| * Missing; body found afterwards ** Lieut. Pardoe died of his wounds on 14th July Casualties in Minor Actions during the Campaign | ||||
| Zulu | ||||
| 1,000-1,500. At least half cut down during pursuit. | ||||
BATTLE PROFILE AND WARGAMING -- ULUNDI
The action was always only going to have one result, victory for the British. The Zulus added to certainty of the day by waiting for the British to advance into the open where they felt sure they would 'eat it up' (destroy it). Some warriors managed to carry their charge as close as to 20-30 yards. Unfortunately most of the regiments had already suffered the white man's bullets in previous battles and the charges by the warriors did not carry the same power as the glory days of Isandlwana.
To wargame Ulundi, one needs a serious amount of wargame figs. If anyone out there has the appropriate numbers please give me a ring, as I would very much like to play this one in 25mm. It is playable in 15mm easily replacing dead Zulu figs. The important thing to remember is that the Zulu regiments did not all attack at once, and that over control was lost to the senior inDuna. A poorer morale for each regt. should be used
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