Organised regimental system. We didn't know that.

Posts : 2558 Join date : 2009-04-06 Age : 58 Location : UK

When the British took up arms against the Zulu nation, were they aware that the Zulu’s had an organised regimental system, made up of regiments, and commanders that could out think and manoeuvre the European commanders. I’m guessing the British still thought the Zulu’s lived in trees. (So to say) I’m starting to think Chelmsford had an agenda to prove that he couldn’t be beaten by a nation of people that carried spears and shields. Considering the Firepower available how would he have felt? Returning to Britain defeated.

Subject: organised regt system Fri Feb 05, 2010 11:42 pm

hi john.
I am fairly certain C"ford knew they had a regt system , the good lord did produce a booklet
which was given to all Column Commanders outlining what intelligence they had been able to
gather on the zulu nation , As for the troops thinking the zulus werent long out of the trees , possibly.
C"ford didnt think so , he knew they were a proud and well drilled military nation. His only error
was he did underestimate them and paid the price. His only fear was he thought he may not induce
them to fight in a pitched battle , where he was hoping the M.H would do the talking !.
I posted this in the ebay section while the auction was open.

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cheers 90th.

Posts : 629 Join date : 2009-01-20 Age : 43

Hi John. I think the Boers would have made sure the British knew. They had history with the Zulu. (Blood River) Just a pity Chelmsford didn’t listen to the other advice he was given regarding the Zulu.

Posts : 1858 Join date : 2009-03-25

Quote :: Just a pity Chelmsford didn’t listen to the other advice he was given regarding the Zulu.

“Lieutenant Colonel Edward Durnford, brother of Colonel Anthony Durnford, a the highest-ranking officer present during the main battle. Edward Durnford claimed in 1882, three years after the battle took place, that a veteran of fighting Zulu’s said “Be on your guard and careful. Place your spies far out, and form your wagons into a circle for defence. The Zulu’s are more dangerous than you think.” Apparently Chelmsford ignored this advice, believing that the Zulu’s were inferior.”

Without the benefit of hindsight i think it would have been natural to assume that British firepower and discipline would pervail ( as it did in the end ).