Anglo - Zulu War

Chronology 1879

 

11th December, 1878.  Ultimatum sent to Zulu King Cetshwayo.

6th January, 1879.  No 4 column crosses river Ncome into Zululand.

11th January. Ultimatum expires.

11th January. No 3 column crosses river at Rorke's Drift into Zululand.

12th January. No 1 column crosses Lower Thukela into Zululand.

12th January. No 3 column attacks Sihayo's stronghold.

17th January. main Zulu army leaves Ulundi to attack No 3 column.

18th January. No 1 column advances on Eshowe.

20th January. No 4 column makes a base at Fort Thinta.

20th January. No 3 column makes camp at Isandlwana.

22nd January. No 1 column is attacked at Nyezane by 6000 Zulus and fights them off.

22nd January. Battle of Isandlwana. 25000 Zulus attack the camp and destroy it.

22nd / 23rd January. Defense of Rork's Drift.

24th January. 4th Column hears of Isandlwana defeat.

27th January. 1st Column hears of Isandlwana defeat.

28th January. 1st Column decides to hold its position at the Eshowe mission station.

31st January. 4th Column moves its camp to Khambula Hill.    

11th February. Lord Chelmsford's despatch detailing the Isandlwana defeat reaches London.  

11th February. Eshowe besieged and all communication ceased.

3rd March. Heliograph communication made with Eshowe.

11th March. First of the reinforcements arrive from England.

12th March. A wagon train, escorted by members of the 80th, attacked and nearly wiped out by members of the abaQulusi at Ntombe Drift.

28th March. Mounted troops of No 4 column attacked and defeated at Hlobane.

29th March. Relief column sets out for Eshowe.

29th March. Elements of the main Zulu army attack No. 4 column camp at Khambula Hill and are severely beaten. This battle is generally considered the turning point of the war.

1st April.  Prince Imperial arrives from England to join Lord Chelmsford's staff.

2nd April. Eshowe relief column defeats a large Zulu army at Gingindlovu.

3rd April. Eshowe relieved.

11th April. Lord Chelmsford's reinforcements arrive.

13th April. Lord Chelmsford reorganizes his army into 1st Division. 2nd Division and Flying Column.

21st May. A large force goes to Isandlwana to check the camp and bury the bodies, apart from those of the 24th which are left for members of the 24th to deal with at a later date. All wagons found are recovered.

31st May. 2nd Division crosses into Zululand.

1st June. Prince Imperial killed whilst on patrol.

16th June. Lord Chelmsford receives news that he is to be replaced by Sir Garnet Wolseley.

17th June. 2nd Division and Flying column link to advance on Ulundi.

20th June. 1st Division advances from depots in the South.

20th June. Bodies of members of the 24th buried at Isandlwana.

27th June. 2nd Division and Flying column arrive at Mthonjaneni Heights for final move on Ulundi.

28th June. Sir Garnet Wolseley arrives in Durban.

1st July. 2nd Division and Flying column camp on White Mfolozi river.

4th July. Main Zulu army attacks British at Ulundi and is destroyed.

8th July. Lord Chelmsford resigns.

15th July. Lord Chelmsford hands over command to Sir Garnet Wolesley.

28th August. King Cetshwayo captured.