WWW.1879ZULUWAR.COM

Film Zulu: Private Henry Hook: Rourke's Drift... It'd take an Irishman to give his name to a rotten stinking middle o' nowhere hole like this.
 
HomeHome  GalleryGallery  Latest imagesLatest images  SearchSearch  RegisterRegister  Log inLog in  
Latest topics
» Segeant A Ware 17th Lancers Sergeant Charlie Law 90th Regiment Prince Imperial
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyToday at 11:23 am by rai

» Lance Corporal 2200 Penton / Pentin 1st Dragoon Guards
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyToday at 10:38 am by rai

» Bogus claims to having taken part in the defence of the mission station Rorkes Drift.
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyToday at 9:06 am by Julian Whybra

» John Fielding Day
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyThu Jun 01, 2023 2:11 pm by Julian Whybra

» John Warman AHC 2336
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyThu Jun 01, 2023 11:30 am by rai

» Rare books to sell/swap
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyWed May 31, 2023 7:26 am by peter@zuluwars

» Zulu Dawn - my part in making a great movie
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyTue May 30, 2023 10:57 am by Julian Whybra

» Pope-Degacher personailty clash
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyMon May 29, 2023 6:51 pm by Julian Whybra

» Smith, John. Private. 25B/1005, B Company RD Defender.
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptySun May 28, 2023 10:48 pm by Tim Needham

» Rorke's Drift VC's
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyFri May 26, 2023 5:39 pm by Frank Allewell

» Clash of Empires Exhibition - Registration
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyFri May 26, 2023 5:14 pm by Bill8183

» A Corporal, 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers, circa 1882
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyWed May 24, 2023 9:40 pm by Mr M. Cooper

» Zulu campfires
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyMon May 22, 2023 10:48 pm by Eddie

» Zulu Muskets
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyMon May 22, 2023 10:22 pm by Eddie

» Burst pipes cause damage to the Royal Welsh Museum, Brecon.
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptySun May 21, 2023 7:42 pm by John Young

» Hired Transports of The Anglo - Zulu War 1879
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptySun May 21, 2023 3:22 pm by Mr M. Cooper

» VC's Rorkes Drift 1879
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptySun May 21, 2023 3:21 pm by jgregory

»  Was it a dog at Rordke's Drift?
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptySun May 21, 2023 3:16 pm by jgregory

» Rorkes Drift VC sold
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptySat May 20, 2023 10:33 am by jgregory

» Not lost all ...!!!
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptySat May 20, 2023 2:00 am by Eddie

» Brevet Major. Henry Spalding of Rorke's Drift and Information for Columns
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyThu May 18, 2023 10:58 am by Richard Spalding

» Grahamstown Cdv ebay soldier cape corps
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyThu May 18, 2023 10:57 am by ciroferrara

» Colonel Frederick Cardew
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyThu May 18, 2023 9:58 am by John Young

» Surruier Captain RE?
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyMon May 15, 2023 12:25 pm by John Young

» A Major, 2nd Battalion, Connaught Rangers circa 1890.
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptySun May 14, 2023 4:30 pm by John Young

» Why no Zulu Ambush/Attack on moving Columns?
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptySun May 14, 2023 9:28 am by Julian Whybra

» Drum-Major A.T. Rixon, 58th
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyFri May 12, 2023 9:43 am by Catiline63

» 1309 PTE H. HERBERT, 2-24TH FOOT
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyFri May 12, 2023 8:48 am by rai

» Captain Arthur Harrington Kyle
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyFri May 12, 2023 8:31 am by rai

» 324 Pte O Hughes 1/24th, killed at Isandlwana
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyThu May 11, 2023 8:28 am by ADMIN

» Trooper Borain Natal Carbineers - Isandlwana Casualty
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyWed May 10, 2023 5:29 pm by Julian Whybra

» Zulu Victory or British Defeat?: Analysing the Battle of Isandlwana, 1879
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyMon May 08, 2023 8:47 am by Julian Whybra

» New Shaka Series
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptySun May 07, 2023 12:25 pm by Jon84

» Morosi's Mountain
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptySun May 07, 2023 4:04 am by aussie inkosi

» Mr Alfred Dobson (Frontier Light Horse)
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptySun May 07, 2023 3:53 am by aussie inkosi

Search
 
 

Display results as :
 
Rechercher Advanced Search
181x240
Top posters
90th
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_leftiSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory BariSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_right 
Frank Allewell
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_leftiSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory BariSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_right 
littlehand
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_leftiSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory BariSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_right 
ADMIN
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_leftiSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory BariSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_right 
Julian Whybra
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_leftiSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory BariSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_right 
1879graves
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_leftiSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory BariSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_right 
gardner1879
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_leftiSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory BariSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_right 
John Young
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_leftiSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory BariSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_right 
rusteze
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_leftiSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory BariSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_right 
Chelmsfordthescapegoat
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_leftiSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory BariSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_right 
Top posting users this month
Eddie
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_leftiSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory BariSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_right 
rai
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_leftiSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory BariSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_right 
Julian Whybra
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_leftiSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory BariSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_right 
John Young
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_leftiSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory BariSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Bar_right 
Most active topics
Durnford was he capable.1
Durnford was he capable. 4
Durnford was he capable.5
Pte David Jenkins. 'Forgotten' Survivor of Rorke's Drift Returned to Official Records
Isandlwana, Last Stands
The ammunition question
Durnford was he capable. 3
Durnford was he capable.2
Pte David Jenkins. 'Forgotten' Survivor of Rorke's Drift Returned to Official Records
The missing five hours.
Most Viewed Topics
Please Do Not Post Ads on Our Forum
Google Chrome new standards imposed
Recent Members To The ZULU WAR 1879 Discussion & Reference Forum ( A Small Victorian War in 1879)
Pte David Jenkins. 'Forgotten' Survivor of Rorke's Drift Returned to Official Records
Isandlwana, Last Stands
The missing five hours.
ISANDLWANA SURVIVIORS
The ammunition question
Lieutenant Adendorff 1-3 N.N.C.
Adding to the Library
Fair Use Notice
Fair use notice. This website may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorised by the copyright owner. We are making such material and images are available in our efforts to advance the understanding of the “Anglo Zulu War of 1879. For educational & recreational purposes. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material, as provided for in UK copyright law. The information is purely for educational and research purposes only. No profit is made from any part of this website. If you hold the copyright on any material on the site, or material refers to you, and you would like it to be removed, please let us know and we will work with you to reach a resolution.
Keywords
Harry Franklin Police martini Mounted drift horse 24th taylor carbineers harford George Roll brown Prince john Isandlwana Jones Natal Russell smith james anstey 2022 Durnford henry
 

 iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory

Go down 
+4
Drummer Boy 14
impi
60thRifleman
tasker224
8 posters
AuthorMessage
tasker224

tasker224


Posts : 2101
Join date : 2010-07-30
Age : 56
Location : North London

iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Empty
PostSubject: iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory   iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyMon Mar 05, 2012 5:50 pm

Hi All,
iSandlwana is constantly referred to as a "disaster!"
It is blamed on incompetence, scapegoats, complacency, ad infinitum, we have all read about it.

Now I can understand that the idea of a black, native army defeating a sophisticated, superior British lead force may have been unpalatable to the Victorian public, particularly the ruling classes. And they may have found the idea of scapegoats and a set of jolly bad pieces of luck more to their taste.

But isn't it time now, that we took it on the chin? The Zulu victory at iSandlwana was recognised as exactly that? That the Zulu leaders totally and completely outsmarted and outmanouevered Lord Chelmsford and his officers of the 3rd column?
Back to top Go down
60thRifleman




Posts : 22
Join date : 2012-03-05
Location : Kent

iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Empty
PostSubject: Re: iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory   iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyMon Mar 05, 2012 6:20 pm

tasker I think that is almost taken as read. Even in contemporary reports, the Zulus are given a healthy respect and held in a degree of admiration.

The only thing I would add though, is that the Zulus had really only one tactic - encirclement. Therefore, you could argue that defeat at Isandhlwana is about the failure of the British to deal with that tactic. That is not to detract from the Zulu achievement in any way, but I feel that if they had constantly hit the ponderous lines of communication, it would have taken a mammoth effort to overcome them.
Back to top Go down
tasker224

tasker224


Posts : 2101
Join date : 2010-07-30
Age : 56
Location : North London

iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Empty
PostSubject: Re: iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory   iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyMon Mar 05, 2012 6:58 pm

60thRifleman wrote:
tasker I think that is almost taken as read. Even in contemporary reports, the Zulus are given a healthy respect and held in a degree of admiration.

The only thing I would add though, is that the Zulus had really only one tactic - encirclement. Therefore, you could argue that defeat at Isandhlwana is about the failure of the British to deal with that tactic. That is not to detract from the Zulu achievement in any way, but I feel that if they had constantly hit the ponderous lines of communication, it would have taken a mammoth effort to overcome them.

"Taken as read"? I do hope so.
"One tactic"? I think there was a lot more to it than that! (Planning, deception, decoys, stealth, mobility, manouevre, speed, aggression, surprise, adaptability...)
To understand the AZW, one also needs to understand the history of the Zulu nation from their humble and peaceful origins, to Shaka, his ambition and onwards.
I would love to recommend a good book on the topic. I at least am somewhat rusty in that area - I will leave that to 90th - as he is the man who knows what are the best books to read on what. I am sure he will chip in later.
Back to top Go down
impi

impi


Posts : 2308
Join date : 2010-07-02
Age : 43

iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Empty
PostSubject: Re: iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory   iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyMon Mar 05, 2012 7:11 pm

Now that makes sense.

Quote :
"The only thing I would add though, is that the Zulus had really only one tactic - encirclement. Therefore, you could argue that defeat at Isandhlwana is about the failure of the British to deal with that tactic"

It might pay to look at the Zulu Tatics used during the various battles, I think it was Kambula where they didn't quite get in right.
Back to top Go down
tasker224

tasker224


Posts : 2101
Join date : 2010-07-30
Age : 56
Location : North London

iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Empty
PostSubject: Re: iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory   iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyMon Mar 05, 2012 7:23 pm

"Failure of the British to deal with encirlement" is yet another excuse, which does not credit the Zulus. This is exactly the point I am making in this thread.

But yes, that is a fair point nevertheless and a question that should be asked. (In much the same way that commentators asked the questions last week, did the English defence fail to deal with the aerial threat of Klaas van Huntelaar, did the English defence fail to deal with the pace and fleet footed Dirk Kuyt? (It discredits the Dutch victory doesn't it?)
Well yes; but they were better than us.

Back to the AZW then, LC had been warned about encirclement and weight of numbers by the Boers.
Chelmsford did not act on this advice at iSandlwana.
However, did not the British adapt, strategise and subsequently cope with encirclement in the later battles?

impi - at Khambula, the tactics of Cetshwayo were sound, it was the execution of those tactics that didn't come off.
Back to top Go down
Drummer Boy 14

Drummer Boy 14


Posts : 2008
Join date : 2011-08-01
Age : 26

iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Empty
PostSubject: Re: iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory   iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyMon Mar 05, 2012 7:45 pm

Have to agree with Tasker, getting 20,000 men within 7 miles of the enamy,
charging the gus, out smarting the british,




Cheers
Back to top Go down
impi

impi


Posts : 2308
Join date : 2010-07-02
Age : 43

iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Empty
PostSubject: Re: iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory   iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyMon Mar 05, 2012 8:04 pm

Was there enough British, Coloinals & civilians ect to deal with the 20,000 Zulus encirling those at Isandlwana To my thinking they were a bit thin on the ground.
Back to top Go down
60thRifleman




Posts : 22
Join date : 2012-03-05
Location : Kent

iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Empty
PostSubject: Re: iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory   iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyMon Mar 05, 2012 8:46 pm

At Khambula they were provoked into attacking too early - you could say that the British stifled the Zulus tactically. At Gingin and Ulundi they tried the same thing - encirclement. I don't see any tactical variation, just a variation in how well that tactic was employed.

To be fair, without cavalry, artillery or trained riflemen there was a limit to what tactics the Zulus could use.

The British too showed tactical rigidity to be fair, but had the combined arms to vary it.

But to be clear, to criticize the Zulus tactically is not in any way a criticism of their fighting ability or bravery. Revisionism is all the rage but not always appropriate.

But above tactics, did the Zulus have any real strategy? I don't think so.
Back to top Go down
90th

90th


Posts : 10752
Join date : 2009-04-07
Age : 67
Location : Melbourne, Australia

iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Empty
PostSubject: Isandlwana- An outstanding zulu victory    iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyMon Mar 05, 2012 11:23 pm

Hi All .
I agree with 60thRifles to a degree as the zulu's only tactic seemed to be one of encirclement , they didnt adapt in any other way .
Why didnt they attack the slow moving columns when on the move or harass the lines of communication etc etc . If the zulu had been able to '' change '' their tactics somewhat , the war would have been far more costly to the British & Colonial forces .
In the cases of Gingindlovu , Khambula & Ulundi the British KNEW they were coming , Isandlwana they didnt know they were coming , but merely hoping . It's was the old story there , be careful what you wish for !. Suspect
cheers 90th. Salute
Back to top Go down
RobOats




Posts : 61
Join date : 2010-02-01
Age : 72
Location : Devon, UK

iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Empty
PostSubject: Re: iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory   iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyTue Mar 06, 2012 11:44 am

impi wrote:
Was there enough British, Coloinals & civilians ect to deal with the 20,000 Zulus encirling those at Isandlwana To my thinking they were a bit thin on the ground.

If you look at the Battle of Blood River the number of actual riflemen was about 400 against 15 000 Zulu. They defeated the Zulu with no deaths and 3 minor injuries in follow-ups. The ratio of enemy:force = 38:1

Isandlwana; approximately 800 European riflemen and 500 natives against 25 000 Zulu. British losses 95+%. Ratio = 19:1

Rorke's Drift 130/5 000 and won. Ratio = 38:1 Comparable with Blood River

In its context Blood River was an impressive victory given that the Boers were just farmers and had muzzle loading rifles. Probably says a great deal about their tactics and the superb marksmanship. Later experienced by the British during the Anglo/Boer War.

So numbers in the context of the Battle is not the key element because the Boers were armed with muzzle loaders and the Imperial forces had cartridges enabling much greater rates of fire. The key is the tactics and position.
Back to top Go down
http://www.oats.org.uk/gen
90th

90th


Posts : 10752
Join date : 2009-04-07
Age : 67
Location : Melbourne, Australia

iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Empty
PostSubject: Isandlwana- An outstanding zulu victory    iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyTue Mar 06, 2012 12:14 pm

Hi Rob.
Agreed !. Very Happy
cheers 90th.
Back to top Go down
Frank Allewell

Frank Allewell


Posts : 8435
Join date : 2009-09-21
Age : 76
Location : Cape Town South Africa

iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Empty
PostSubject: Re: iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory   iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyTue Mar 06, 2012 1:15 pm

Rob
One tiny little issue that could have assisted the Boer.
Wives daughters and sons.
Ive seen a muzzle loader fired and reloaded so fast you wouldnt believe it. if pushed id probably take an even bet putting a farmer, his wife and two children loading the two spare guns, equaling the rate of fire of a MH.
And I would give very generous odds on the farmer for accuracy. Notorious penny pinchers as they were, they paid for there own ammunition.
I cannot remember seeing where the quote came from but Im sure it was Oom Paul that said when asked how the Boer were so deadly replied: "the trick was to wait til two rooinek ( Englishmen )were in line then kill them both with one shot."
:lol:
Salute Regards
Back to top Go down
Mr M. Cooper

Mr M. Cooper


Posts : 2574
Join date : 2011-09-29
Location : Lancashire, England.

iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Empty
PostSubject: Isandlwana-an outstanding Zulu Victory   iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyTue Mar 06, 2012 1:24 pm

Hi all

And also at Blood River and RD, the defenders set up barricades, ie,wagons, biscuit boxes, mealie bags, etc, but at Isandlwana the inept Pulleine didn't bother doing anything like that, he just stuck to Chelmsfords defence plans, and paid the price for not using his common sense.

In the film 'zulu dawn' it does show some boers trying to advise about defences, I wonder if this sort of thing actually did happen, or was it just put into the film as a piece of 'licence'? as we all know, you can't trust film makers to give you the truth or the actual facts of what happened, so this may just have been some 'artistic licence' added for effect.

Martin. Salute
Back to top Go down
90th

90th


Posts : 10752
Join date : 2009-04-07
Age : 67
Location : Melbourne, Australia

iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Empty
PostSubject: Isandlwana- An outstanding zulu victory    iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyTue Mar 06, 2012 1:33 pm

Hi Martin .
I've certainly read that the Good Lord Chelmesford was advised several times by some Boers in prominent positions to indeed Lagaar at every opportunity , this was told to him before the invasion took place . As in his booklet he released in Dec 78 it states
that camps are to be Lagaared or at least some sort of defensive earthwork or similar is to be done when camped overnight .
cheers 90th. Salute
Back to top Go down
Mr M. Cooper

Mr M. Cooper


Posts : 2574
Join date : 2011-09-29
Location : Lancashire, England.

iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Empty
PostSubject: Isandlwana-an outstanding Zulu Victory   iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyTue Mar 06, 2012 1:48 pm

Hi 90th

So, in other words, Chelmsford disobeyed or ignored his own orders, then when it all goes wrong, blames someone else for his own mistakes.

Salute
Back to top Go down
Frank Allewell

Frank Allewell


Posts : 8435
Join date : 2009-09-21
Age : 76
Location : Cape Town South Africa

iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Empty
PostSubject: Re: iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory   iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyTue Mar 06, 2012 2:36 pm

Ah ha, Martin sees the light.

By Jove hes got it, ( With abject apologies to Rex Harrison ) Very Happy

Salute
Back to top Go down
Mr M. Cooper

Mr M. Cooper


Posts : 2574
Join date : 2011-09-29
Location : Lancashire, England.

iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Empty
PostSubject: Isandlwana-an outstanding Zulu Victory   iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyTue Mar 06, 2012 3:37 pm

springers :lol: :lol: :lol:

Read my other posts, I have always said this. Shocked

(but you knew that didn't you?) Suspect

Hope your keeping well mate.

Martin. Salute

Back to top Go down
tasker224

tasker224


Posts : 2101
Join date : 2010-07-30
Age : 56
Location : North London

iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory Empty
PostSubject: Re: iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory   iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory EmptyTue Mar 06, 2012 7:09 pm

60thRifleman wrote:
At Khambula they were provoked into attacking too early - you could say that the British stifled the Zulus tactically. At Gingin and Ulundi they tried the same thing - encirclement. I don't see any tactical variation, just a variation in how well that tactic was employed.

To be fair, without cavalry, artillery or trained riflemen there was a limit to what tactics the Zulus could use.

The British too showed tactical rigidity to be fair, but had the combined arms to vary it.

But to be clear, to criticize the Zulus tactically is not in any way a criticism of their fighting ability or bravery. Revisionism is all the rage but not always appropriate.

But above tactics, did the Zulus have any real strategy? I don't think so.

Some good points 60th RFMN
Was Durnford provoked into attacking too early at iSandlwana? Possibly.
You are right. How does one fight artillery and Martini Henry with spear and shield? The only other feasible tactic the Zulu could have used which the Boer successfully evolved later, was guerilla warfare as 90th alludes to.
You are also correct that British tactical rigidity is also in evidence right through the campaign, so they don't win any prizes either. Even during the Great War, infantry tactics were to walk slowly and steadfastly towards the machine guns right up to 1917.
As for Zulu strategy, this was a foe like the Zulu had never seen before. They would never have needed to think so long term before. The strategy of the Zulu was limited, sadly to Cetshwayo's masterful political tactical handling of the build up to the war. He certainly would be viewed sympathetically today and the British invaders and colonials would have been seen to be shown up for the bullying, greedy, asset grabbers that they were.
Cetshwayo forced the British to do the wrong thing, he gave them no excuse to invade his homeland. In the end, it was done anyway on the flimsiest of excuses, and at that point, the outcome was only going to go one way eventually, with guns v spears.
Back to top Go down
 
iSandlwana - An Outstanding Zulu Victory
Back to top 
Page 1 of 1
 Similar topics
-
» Zulu Victory Question
» Pat Dally- Zulu Victory
» The Ammuntion Box Question.
» A Stunning Zulu Victory
» Zulu Victory - Views?

Permissions in this forum:You cannot reply to topics in this forum
WWW.1879ZULUWAR.COM  :: GENERAL DISCUSSION AREA-
Jump to: