The Battle of Ulundi

The Battle of Ulundi, fought on 4th July 1879, was the final and decisive battle of the Anglo-Zulu War. It took place at the Zulu capital of Ulundi (oNdini), where Lord Chelmsford led the British forces against the Zulu army commanded by King Cetshwayo.

The British force, consisting of 4,200 British troops and 1,000 African auxiliaries, was well-equipped with two Gatling guns and ten cannons. In contrast, the Zulu army, numbering between 12,000 and 15,000 warriors, relied on traditional weapons like shields and stabbing spears, along with some muskets captured from the British at earlier battles.

The battle began with a British artillery bombardment, followed by a massive infantry and cavalry assault. The British troops advanced in a square formation, a tactic designed to repel Zulu attacks from all sides. Despite the Zulu warriors’ fierce resistance and their use of the “horns of the beast” formation, the British forces managed to break through the Zulu lines.

The Zulu army suffered heavy casualties, with 473 killed and over 1,000 wounded. In contrast, the British forces incurred 13-18 killed and 69-89 wounded. The battle resulted in the destruction of the Zulu capital and the capture of King Cetshwayo, effectively ending the Zulu resistance and securing British control over Zululand.

The Battle of Ulundi marked the end of the Anglo-Zulu War and the subjugation of the Zulu Kingdom, leading to its eventual incorporation into the British Empire.

Orders of Battle

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Sources

• My AZW Book Library