Overview
Two Zulu warriors
Five thousand British troops invaded Zululand, South Africa, in 1879 to settle a territorial dispute, but within days they were routed by Zulu warriors at Isandlwana.
Did you know?
Military blunders by Lord Chelmsford, a senior army officer, led to the massacre by Zulu warriors of 1,350 British troops at their camp at Isandlwana, in Zululand.
The same night saw the defence of Rorke's Drift by a British garrison of 140 against some 3,000 Zulus, an action celebrated in the 1964 film Zulu.
The eventual capture of the Zulu leader Chetshwayo in August 1879 effectively ended the war in favour of the British.
The Victoria Cross was awarded to the defenders of Rorke's Drift.