About the second invasion

Posts : 22 Join date : 2024-01-28 Location : Baja, Hungary

How exactly should i imagine the transition period between the first and the second invasion? Did the British completely withdraw from Zulu territory, or did they leave behind troops/garrisons? I know for sure that after the relief of Eshowe, both Chelmsford and Pearson's column went to the border (also building a fort on their way), but i could not find much on the matter other than that. I would appreciate if someone could tell me the units that might have remained in Zululand, or just paint a general image of the situation. Thanks in advance.

Subject: About the 2nd Invasion Sun Feb 18, 2024 11:56 am

Hi Hobbes
Wood's number 4 column stayed in Zululand .
90th

Posts : 355 Join date : 2017-02-05 Location : Texas, U.S.A.

Hobbes,

Here is a brief answer to your question.

After the defeat at Isandlwana, Chelmsford’s 2nd and 3rd columns retreated back into Natal. Colonel Pearson’s 1st column, consisting of the 2/3rd, Colonial forces, and the Naval Brigade, remained at Eshowe after sending a portion, including the 99th, back down to the Lower Tugela where forces manned Forts Pearson on the Natal side of the river, and Fort Tenedos on the Zulu side.

After the battle of Gingindlovo, and the relief of Eshowe, Colonel Pearson’s 1st Column returned to the Lower Tugela. Lord Chelmsford’s relief column returned to the Gingindlovo laager for a short time and then moved to a new laager about 2 miles away, and about two weeks later they moved further towards the sea and erected Fort Chelmsford. This force consisted of the 2/3rd, 57th, 60th, 91st, 99th, and the Naval Brigade, minus a portion that were sent to the Lower Tugela, many of which were destined for the hospitals.

On 17th June Major-General H. H. Crealock’s force began the First Division’s start of the second invasion of Zululand.

Tom

Posts : 22 Join date : 2024-01-28 Location : Baja, Hungary

Thank you both! I've also read that Cetshwayo, still wanting peace, forbade his warriors from attacking the british columns, however, there were several skirmishes between the two parties during the advance. Some of these happened at the same time as the king sent his envoys to ask for terms of peace, and surely before their return to his kraal. Is it possible that these zulu troops acted without his permission, or is my information just false?

Posts : 355 Join date : 2017-02-05 Location : Texas, U.S.A.

Hobbes,

Acting without the King's permission would not be a smart move and could have dire consequences.

A historian, or biographer, who has studied Cetshwayo would be a better person to answer your question.

Tom

Subject: About the 2nd Invasion Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:14 pm

Hi Hobbes
I'm not sure the King forbade his men from attacking Columns , I know he said they were not to attack the British in entrenched positions ! , but they still did so in several instances , I doubt the skirmishes that took place were going against the King's wishes , Zululand is a large area and with no instant communications those away from Ondini / Ulundi would be unaware of the King's later Peace overtures , the King certainly had nothing against the British , he wanted to be seen as being the Victim which was why he forbade his forces to cross the Border , obviously Dabulamanzi thought different when he attacked Rorke's Drift .
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