Anglo-Zulu War of 1879

Background. Sir Bartle Frere, High Commissioner for Southern Africa, sought to create a Confederation of South Africa. Despite Prime Minister Disraeli's reluctance to engage in another colonial war, Frere presented an ultimatum to the Zulu King Cetshwayo in December 1878, demanding the disbandment of the Zulu army. When Cetshwayo failed to respond, Frere deemed a state of war to exist after a concession period ending on 11 January 1879.

Invasion and Early Battles. Lieutenant General Lord Chelmsford invaded Zululand on 11 January 1879, crossing the Buffalo River. The British No. 3 Column encamped at Rorke's Drift. On 22 January, the Battle of Isandlwana resulted in a major British defeat. A contingent of Zulu warriors subsequently attacked Rorke's Drift, where a smaller British force successfully repelled the assault, with fighting continuing into the next day.

Later Campaign and Conclusion. In March 1879, British forces suffered a defeat at the Battle of Hlobane but achieved a victory at Kambula the following day. The Prince Imperial of France, attached to the British Army, was killed in a skirmish on 1 June 1879. The war ended with the Battle of Ulundi on 4 July 1879, the last major engagement of the conflict.