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GGMI-10 - Mounted Infantry and Zulu Warrior
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The Zulu impi was composed of 12,000 warriors, some of whom were Isandlwana veterans drawn from regiments in the main Zulu army, while the remainder were warriors who lived in the vicinity of Eshowe.
Many of the Zulu commanders wanted to attack the relief column that night, but Prince Dabulamanzi KaMpande, who was half brother to king Cetshwayo and commander of the impi’s right wing, convinced them to wait until morning.
At dawn on 2 April 1879, the morning sun revealed muddy ground and a heavy mist. Chelmsford had decided after hearing Dunn's report to not continue on toward Eshowe early the next morning. Instead, he would deploy units of the Natal Native Contingent to feel for the Zulus. As the NNC were preparing to advance shots were heard from the night pickets still on duty. The impi was advancing; the main force split into two columns before crossing the Ineyzane and assuming the "chest and horns" formation. The left horn sharply curved to the right to assault the laager's north-east corner, while the "chest" gently curved toward the north face of the laager.
The robust and vigorous Zulu clansman was the result of his upbringing, his entire boyhood being spent on the veldt tending cattle. This outdoor existence not only toughened his body and gave him great endurance but also gave him extensive knowledge of the terrain of his homeland.
By 1879 the Zulu army consisted of 33 regiments.
These regiments were more than just military units, they were an integral part of the Zulu social system and once formed could only be broken by death, for there was no retirement or buying out in the Zulu army and men in their 60’s and 70’s as long as they were physically able to take the field, answered the King’s call to arms.
Brand: John Jenkins
