February 9, 2006

Isandlwana


Isandhlwana is a mountain in Zululand, Natal, South Africa. It is also the site of one of the worst defeats in British history. An estimated 20,000 Zulu warrriors attacked the 1st Battalion of the 24th foot killing an estimated 1,300 to 1,500 of the 17,000 British and Native soldiers present. The movie Zulu Dawn depicts this battle.

By all accounts the British regulars put up a tremendous battle until they were overwhelm by raw numbers and a lack of amunition.

Ltaer that day, a group of about 4,000 Zulus attacked the British supply depot and hospital located about 8 miles away at Rorke's Drift. The 130 soldiers of the garrison held off the attackers for over 12 hours. 11 soldiers were awarded the Victoria Cross after that battle

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