Today is the 145th anniversary of this famous battle,involving over 20,000 Zulus against an entrenched British force consisting of the 90th and 13th regiments,plus auxiliaries and RHA,it was the battle which broke the spirit of the Zulu nation,and I decided to re-fight it using my 15mm figures this morning.
Accepted terrain map,and my interpretation.The right horn was "goaded" into attacking before the chest and left horn were in position.................The Zulus rushed forward onto my infantry in the main laager and redoubt,the RHA inflicting as many casualties as the Martini-Henrie rifles-would raw courage see them get to grips??You bet they did!!-despite horrendous casualties,hand to hand fighting took place,the British getting the better of the Zulus,who had to retire(it's good being retired!)The right horn falls back to the protection of a rocky ledge-but what of the chest and left horn??Here they come!-the approach they had to make was rocky and boggy,which slowed them down,allowing the defenders time to turn a gun around and allow the infantry time to face this new threat.The left horn attack develops,even the cattle kraal is being attacked-this looks serious-serious enough to launch a bayonet charge against the leading Zulus(yes it really happened!)A quick volley and then "CHARGE"-the Zulus fought back and it looked a though the Bayonet charge was a big mistake-time will tell!-to add insult to injury the Zulu chest is making its way around the camp aiming at the central gap and cattle kraal!-this is going to be "nip and tuck".The chest is moving, forcing the British to move their own troops from their initial dispositions to face the new threat.A general view of the table,although the Zulus are taking really heavy casualties,they look as though they are about to "swamp" the camp-but never say never-come on boys!!!!With typical British "pluck" the infantry have reversed their fortune and the left horn is beaten,and sent packing-hurrah!! however the chest is doing well against the cattle kraal and the redoubt-a shift of troops is required again!The centre realised that they could not win,and retired,leaving the British bashed and bruised,but victorious-the figures on the edge of the table are Zulu casualties from the left and centre.Once again this was a great game and proved to me that my solo rules give a balanced and historical result.
Great stuff mate. I hope that I can get the right feel with my 6mm Zulu and British. I will finish painting the colonial troops soon! Then as the forces are built around the orbats for Isandlwana, that will be their first outing. Interesting that you chose Kambula. Say no more, say no more! Cheers, Chris
ReplyDeleteHi Chris,I'd thought about 6mm for my colonial stuff,but my poor old eyes couldn't take the strain I think-see you soon!
Deletejohnc
Excellent stuff John! I am furiously painting wagons at the moment! Lets hope the 'big' game is as exciting...
ReplyDeleteDave H
I enjoyed seeing this battle (and chatting) at the Carronade wargame show.
ReplyDeleteThe opportunity to experience a Martini Henry and an Iklwa (hands on) will be an enduring highlight of the day.
A short cartridge Boxer Henry forty five calibre miracle!!
Hi Steve,It was good meeting you and the many interested gamers who came along and looked at our game-once in a lifetime experience to handle historical weapons too,see you next year?
Deletejohnc