January 22, 1879 · Natal-Zululand Border Theater
January 22, 1879
Lord Chelmsford had taken half his central column on a reconnaissance, leaving approximately 1,300 men at the camp below the sphinx-shaped rock of Isandlwana. A Zulu impi of 20,000 warriors, concealed in a ravine and discovered by accident, advanced in the classic 'chest and horns' encirclement. The British fired furiously but the front was too wide, ammunition supply faltered, and the Zulu left horn cut the retreat. In less than two hours 1,300 defenders were killed.
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