Isandlwana 22nd Jan 1879, Game at NBHW

On Saturday the 22nd of January, on the 143 anniversary of the battle, we gathered at New Buckenham for our first weekend game of the year, The Battle of Isandlwana 1879. The rules were to be Black Powder and 28mm figures were used.

I was given overall command of the Zulu forces as Ntshingwayo Khoza as well as direct control of the central head or chest of these forces. I think given my run of losses last year it was seen as the best chance for a British win 😆

Initial deployments from Isandlwana hill end.

View from the Zulu right Horn

View down the table towards Isandlwana hill.

We got off to a good start, winning the initiative, and my centre impi charged across the veld towards the redcoats and their blue coated artillery. Unfortunately mine was the only Zulu command that made any significant advance. The right flank refused to move at all and only parts of the left flank moved a measly one move.

The brave centre impi charge in.

The guns are taken!

At a heavy cost.

This left my braves isolated and taking the full force of the British rifle fire. Still they charged in and despite heavy loses overran the artillery before being forced back to recoup. With the right horn still not moving after a few turns Ntshingwayo Khoza himself rode over to "encourage" their commander to show a little more Zulu spirit. This seemed to have the desired effect and the impi, finally, moved off towards the British encampment.

The right horn finally advance.

The left horn engage Durnford.

Durnford's men defend the donga.

The left horn soon came into contact with the advance units of Durnford's command which used their small rocket detachment to cover a withdrawal back to the Nyogane donga where they dismounted and took up defensive positions. The rocket troop were overwhelmed by the advancing Zulus but they had achieved their goal and it would take several turns for the left horn to overcome the effectively dug in troopers of Durnford.

This stubborn resistance was finally broken with Durnford's remaining men streaming back to the main encampment, just as the right horn finally fell upon the British lines. With both flanks of the British now heavily engaged the remains of the central impi renewed their attack, tying up British units from reinforcing the flanks. It was only a matter of time now thought before the impi broke through into the camp itself, suffering heavy losses as they did so.

The right horn closes in.

Fierce hand to hand combat ensued.

The centre survivors join in pressing the British perimeter.

The right horn enters the encampment, Victory!

With the camp defence breached the game was called as a Zulu victory, abet one with heavy loses amongst their ranks.

Another great game, which I managed not to lose for the Zulus 😆

For more pictures see the club's Facebook Album

Thanks.

Tony.