British Fortifications in Zululand 1879

by KNIGHT, IANHOOK, ADAM

• ISBN13: 9781841768298
• ISBN10: 1841768294
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 2005-09-10
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing

Summary

On 11 January 1879 the British Empire went to war with the independent kingdom of Zululand. The British anticipated a swift and decisive victory, placing great faith in modern firepower; no plans were made for suppressing the Zulu over a protracted period, or for providing defensive positions from which to occupy Zulu territory. However, the losses suffered at Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift quickly altered the British approach; throughout the rest of the war, the British fortified almost every position they occupied in Zululand, from permanent column depots to temporary halts. This title explores British defensive techniques employed during the war, and how these related to contemporary engineering theory. Among the sites covered are Eshowe Mission Station, forts Pearson and Tenedos, and Rorke's Drift.

Author Biography

Ian Knight is widely regarded as a leading international expert on the Anglo-Zulu War. He has written, co-written or edited over 30 books. He studied Afro-Caribbean Studies at Kent University, and is an Honorary Research Associate of the Natal Museum and Vice President of the Anglo Zulu War Historical Society. In 2000, he was the Historian advising the Glasgow University team who made the first archaeological survey of the Isandlwana battlefield. He lives in Sussex, UK.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Anglo-Zulu War	p. 4
Chronology	p. 7
The role of fortifications during the Anglo-Zulu war	p. 8
The British Army and military fortification in the 1870s
Pre-war fortifications and civilian defences
Military fortifications in Zululand
The first invasion: the Coastal Column	p. 16
Fort Pearson
Fort Tenedos
Eshowe mission station
The first invasion: the Centre Column	p. 34
The defence of Rorke's Drift
The first invasion: the Northern Column	p. 47
Camp Khambula
The battle of Khambula
The second invasion; the war of fortification	p. 52
The 1st Division; forts Crealock, Chelmsford, Napoleon, Richards and Argyll
The 2nd Division and Flying Column; forts Whitehead, Newdigate, Marshall, Evelyn and Nolela
The final battle	p. 59
Pacification
Visiting the forts today	p. 60
Select bibliography	p. 63
Glossary	p. 63
Index	p. 64
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