Historical
Artist: Mark Churms
Offered for sale for the first time,
Zulu war oil paintings and oil studies by Zulu War artist Mark Churms.
Depicting the Victoria Cross winner during the defence of Rorke's Drift.
Available direct from the military art company.
Battle of Isandhlwana
Zulu victory over the British forces on 22nd January 1879 about
100km north of Durban. Lord Chelmsford led a column of forces to seek out the
Zulu army camped at Isandhlwana, while patrols searched the district. After
receiving a report, Chelmsford set forth at half strength, leaving six companies
of the 24th Regiment, two guns, some Colonial Volunteers and a native contingent
(in all about 1,800 troops) at the camp. Later that morning an advanced post
warned of an approaching Zulu army. Shortly after this, thousands of Zulus were
found hidden in a ravine by a mounted patrol but as the patrol set off to warn
the camp, the Zulus followed. At the orders of the Camp Commander, troops spread
out around the perimeter of the camp, but the Zulu army broke through their
defences. The native contingent who fled during the attack were hunted down and
killed. The remaining troops of the 24th Regiment, 534 soldiers and 21 officers,
were killed where they fought. The Zulus left no one alive, taking no prisoners
and leaving no wounded or missing. About 300 Africans and 50 Europeans escaped
the attack. Consequently, the invasion of Zulu country was delayed while reinforcements
arrived from Britain.
