March 29, 1879 · Northern Zululand Theater
March 29, 1879
The day after Hlobane, the main Zulu army of approximately 20,000 attacked Evelyn Wood's fortified camp at Kambula. This time the British were ready — the camp was laagered and entrenched, ammunition was accessible, and the men were not surprised. The Zulus attacked in their traditional 'chest and horns' formation but could not break through the disciplined fire. When the Zulus began to waver, the British cavalry launched a pursuit that extended the victory into a rout, killing thousands in retreat.
Commanders