The history of colonial expansion is generally that of violence and aggression. In most cases the superior weaponry and organization of the invaders created a massive advantage over their enemies who had little chance to defend their lands. Occasionally, however, the colonized people came out victorious, as it was the case with the Zulu King Cetewayo who in February 1879 annihilated the British troops under the command of Lord Chelmsford. Below is a contemporary news report from The Graphic (Feb 5, 1879).
"The most terrible reverse which British arms have experienced for many years past has befallen a portion of Colonel Glyn's column near Rorke's Drift in Zululand. It may be remembered that Lord Chelmsford, the British Commander-in-Chief, crossed the Tugela River on the 11th ult., with a force of some 13,000 men, of whom about half were native levies.
"The actual strength and position of the native King Cetewayo were unknown, but it was believed that he would make very little stand against our forces. These were divided into four columns respectively commanded by Colonel C. K. Pearson, whose column was concentrated at Fort Williamson at the mouth of the Tugela River, by Colonel A. W. Durnford, R. E., by Colonel Evelyin Wood, V.C., C.B., and by Colonel Glyn, under whose command was the ill-fated 24th Regiment. Lord Chelmsford had intended marching upon Undini, Cetewayo's head kraal or capital, the columns to advance in three different directions.
"The two columns under Colonels Durnford and Glyn appear to have joined forces on the Zulu bank of the Tugela River without opposition, but on the 22nd ult., Lord Chelmsford and the main body being away on a reconnoitering expedition, the Zulus are thought to have enticed a detachment of 600 of our troops, under the command of Colonel Durnford, who had been left to guard the camp, about ten miles in front of Rorke's Drift, into a thick forest, in all probability by a feigned retreat, and as the enemy numbered 20,000, the little band, which was composed of five companies of the 1st Battalion of the 24th Regiment, and one company of the 2nd Battalion, together with 800 natives, was utterly annihilated, not however, without selling their lives dearly, as the Zulus are said to have lost 3,000 men.
"The colours of the 24th were captured, together with a battery of two guns and a valuable convoy of supplies consisting of 102 wagons, 1,000 oxen, 1,000 rifles, 250,000 rounds of ammunition, and 60,000 lbs. of commissariat stores. The post of Rorke's Drift had also been attacked by 3,000 to 4,000 Zulus, but Lieut. Chard, R. E., with eighty men valiantly defended his position, and repulsed the enemy with loss. Lord Chelmsford was unaware of the disaster until his return, and, finding that the complete force of the Zulus numbered 40,000, at once fell back with his forces to Rorke's Drift, and thence behind the Tugela River.
"Our loss is officially set down at 30 officers and about 500 non-commissioned officers, rank and file, of Imperial troops, and 70 non-commissioned officers, rank and file, of Colonial troops. The actual loss incurred by the 800 natives above mentioned does not appear to have been ascertained.
"The utmost consternation is felt in Natal not only at the disaster, but on the effect it may have upon the great mass of natives, and Lord Chelmsford has sent to the Mauritius and to the Home Government for immediate reinforcements. Although it is impossible to judge the cause of the disaster at present, one thing is manifest, namely, that the strength and generalship of the enemy were greatly undervalued, and that the Zulus knew a great deal more about us than we did about them."
North polar exploration
Louis Lucien Bonaparte learning Gaelic
Irish efforts at learning Gaelic
Introduction of the potato into New England
End of a Century
Filipino Atrocities
The Expulsion of Count Tolstoi
World Disasters: Air, Sea and Space
Tragedy in Klondyke
Churchill in the Anglo-Boer War
General Sir Archibald Hunter
