Myths of the battle of Isandhlwana in 1879.

[stef001]

what myths have been founded about how the British soldiers and Zulu warriors conducted themselves in the battle of Isandhlwana in 1879?

[Philtaz]

Not sure exactly what you're driving at, but here goes:

It is known that Zulu warriors disemboweled many of the dead British soldiers. It was seen as barbarism by many but is the Zulu way of releasing the body's spirit after death. Also, prior to battle, the Zulus were given an intoxicating concoction which gave them feelings of euphoria, similar to an opiate.

The Martini-Henry rifle used by the British produced a lot of smoke resulting in a build up of carbon deposits. This was thought to be a major factor as the troops were having difficulty reloading, allowing the Zulus to advance on their position at a much greater pace.

Other than that I can't really tell you much more. Hope that helps.

[mike b]

Spike Milligan used to say that his grandfather was the soldier who'd been sent to fetch the extra screwdrivers to open the ammo boxes... Apparently the story about the difficulty in opening the boxes is a bit suspect - they could be smashed open in an emergency - although there do appear to problems with distribution - amongst other things, regular ncos refusing to supply ammo to the native troops...

[Trojanfarce]

If you're really interested in this stef, then the link below may help. It's to the Military Museum site in Brecon where they have a large exhibit dedicated to the Zulu battles that the Welsh Regiment fought in. If you e-mail them your questions, they may be able to provide you with a more comprehensive answer.

Museum's worth a visit too.

[Trojanfarce]

Oops, forgot the link!!

http://www.rrw.org.uk/museums/brecon/about.htm

[Johnmof]

The conventional wisdom for over a hundred years was that the British were in control of the battle and had the Zulus pinned down with volleys from the Martini Henrys. The ammunition ran out because they couldn't get the boxes open quickly enough, possibly because the heat had caused the screws to oxidise. Once the volleys had reduced the Zulus took their chance and broke the line.

Recent research, mainly by the Zulu historian Ian Knight, have suggested, as mentioned above, that the boxes could be opened with a forceful dunt from a rifle butt, putting the lack of ammunition theory in some doubt. Despite other factors, such as the Zulus being on performance-enhancing drugs, the reason for the massacre is probably very simple. For the British Army to beat off an attack by a much larger force, it was necessary to maintain a steady rate of volley fire, either from a square or in two unbroken lines firing alternately. The officer in charge, Pulleine, underestimated the force and resolve of the Zulus, and spread his men too thinly. Some of the companies were a mile out from the camp base, which may well have caused some of the ammunition problems. The Zulus were able to overwhelm each pocket of soldiers before moving on, and once they got in amongst the British it was all over.

[Cetti]

It was believed that Lord Chelmsford's faulty reconnaisance allowed the 20,000 strong Zulu army to remain undetected until it burst upon an unprepared camp in a pincer movement and took them by surprise.

The British started the battle with only 40 - 50 cartridges each but when the battle became intense they needed more ammunition... regulations would not allow them to open more than one box at a time, as every cartridge had to be accounted for. As the screws were rusted they hacked at them with axes and bayonets, till Lt Smith-Dorrien forced one open and began shovelling cartidges into the men's helmets only for one of the regimental quarter-masters to tell hin to stop - as he didn't have the correct requisition papers......

Another interesting fact is that because of the appalling atrocities by the Zulus this was the last battle that Bugle Boys were ever used.

[Tatty Rollox]

...... and here is a Zulu warrior. Zulu is spoken in South Africa, Malawi, Swaziland and Lesotho and here is the Lord's Prayer in Zulu ................

[stef001]

Hiya,i just wanted to say thanx to everyone who replied with help to the zulu battle in 1879. I had a discussion on it and wasn't sure of the topic so you're answers were a good help. Thanx again.

[Cetti]

Thank you stef001, it's such an interesting subject - and Tatty, you never fail us with your well timed pics.

[Cetti]

As a PS. stef, in todays Mail On Sunday there's a two page spread on this very battle written by a historian. Thought you might be interested.

[stef001]

Thanx for that, i didn't even see it!