British Prisoners

Hi Guys
Thanks for letting me join the site, I have always been so intrigued by the Zulu war, more so since obviously watching the two films Zulu and Zulu dawn,
I was wondering did the zulus take any prisoners did they kill many civilians, women and children?.
I expect these questions have been asked before so please excuse me if they have.

Hi

As far as I know the Zulus only took one prisoner during the war - a colonial called Ernest Grandier - he claims he escaped but the Zulus seem to indicate they let him go but someone will tell you the exact story, no doubt. I believe he was captured at Hlobane.

As far as 'civvies' went I am not aware of Zulus killing any Europeans women during the war (mainly because they did not get their hands on any) but they had no compunction about killing civilian conductors or wagon drivers even if only boys - a number of 'boys' were killed at Isandlwnana - assistants to the drovers etc.

In Zulu history (during the civil wars etc, the conflict between the Zulu and the Boers) they did not distinguish between fighting men or women and children etc - if the caught you, you were in trouble and they had a policy of total war.


I believe that Cetshwayo ordered that some British officers were caught at Isandlwana and he was disappointed when his army failed him.

Ta

Sime