The Siege of Eshowe

Oct 20, 2013

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in 10mm AZW Project, Battle Reports & Scenarios

The Siege of Eshowe occurred during the Anglo-Zulu War from 22nd January to 3rd April 1879. It was part of a three-pronged British invasion of Zululand, aimed at defeating the Zulu Kingdom under King Cetshwayo.

Colonel Charles Pearson led the No. 1 Column of the British invasion force, tasked with establishing an advanced base at Eshowe (also known as Fort Ekowe or kwaMondi). The British crossed the Tugela River into Zululand on 12th January, 1879, and reached Eshowe without opposition until 22nd January, when they encountered a Zulu force attempting to block their path.

The British troops entrenched themselves at Eshowe and prepared for a siege. Over the next two months, the Zulu forces, led by Dabulamanzi kaMpande, besieged the British position. The British defenders, numbering around 1,700 men, faced constant harassment and skirmishes from the Zulu warriors.

Despite the challenging conditions and limited supplies, the British managed to hold out until 28th March 1879, when a relief column under General Garnet Wolseley arrived to break the siege. The relief force, consisting of 5,670 men, fought its way through Zulu territory to reach Eshowe. The combined British forces then launched a successful counter-attack, driving the Zulu forces away and securing the fort.

The Siege of Eshowe was a significant event in the Anglo-Zulu War, demonstrating the resilience and determination of the British forces. It also highlighted the challenges faced by both sides in the conflict and the brutal nature of the war.

Orders of Battle

British Orders of Battle

British Commander-in-chief
Lieutenant General Lord Chelmsford Relief Column for Eshowe
1st Brigade, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel F.T.A. Law
Naval Brigade Artillery from HMS Shah and HMS Tenedos
2 x 9 pounder guns and limbers
2 x 24 pounder rocket tubes
1 x Gatling gun and limber
Naval Brigade’s contingents from HMS Shah and HMS Tenedos
91st (Princess Louise’s Argyllshire Highlanders) Regiment of Foot
2 x Companies 2nd/3rd East Kent (The Buffs) Regiment of Foot
5 x Companies 99th (Duke of Edinburgh’s Lanarkshire) Regiment of Foot
4th Battalion, Natal Native Contingent
2nd Brigade, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel W.L. Pemberton
Naval Brigade Artillery from HMS Boadicea
2 x 24 pounder rocket tubes
2 x Gatling gun and limber
Naval Brigade Contingent from HMS Boadicea, detachments of Royal Marines from HMS Boadicea and HMS Shah
57th (West Middlesex) Regiment of Foot
6 x Companies 3rd/60th (The King’s Royal Rifle Corps) Regiment of Foot
5th Battalion, Natal Native Contingent
Divisional Troops, under the command of Major P.H.S. Barrow
Jantzi Native Horse
Mafunzi’s Mounted Natives
No. 1 Troop Natal horse
Natal Volunteer Guides
Native Foot Scouts