The Probert Encyclopaedia of Warfare

BATTLE OF ISANDHLWANA

The Battle of Isandhlwana was a major Zulu victory under King Cetshwayo over the British invaders that occurred on the 21st of January 1879. At the battle, the Zulu army assaulted an encampment of complacent British troops at Isandhlwana, killing almost all of them, with the remainder fleeing in a disorganised rout. After the battle, the Zulus, as was their custom, disembowelled the dead enemies so as to allow their spirits to travel to the after life. Back in England, the government under pressure from Queen Victoria sought to amend the realities of the battle and the foolhardy invasion by Lord Chelmsford by focusing attention on the battle later the same day at Rourke's Drift and by awarding Victoria Cross medals to undeserving but politically appropriate recipients.
Research Battle of Isandhlwana