Battle of Intombe
Intombe River, near Luneburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
What happened
Zulu forces led by the Swazi prince Mbilini waMswati and Manyonyoba attacked a British supply convoy guarded by Captain David Moriarty. Flooded rivers held up a British wagon convoy beside the Intombe River. The wagons were drawn up in a loose 'V' with gaps, and as the river dropped the ends were left open. Mbilini's men came out of the morning mist and overran the camp; Sergeant Anthony Booth led survivors to safety at a nearby farm.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The battle showed how exposed Britain's slow supply lines were during the Anglo-Zulu War. Booth later received the Victoria Cross.
What came next
An officer, Lieutenant Harward, was court-martialled and acquitted but later resigned. Mbilini died in a skirmish with British troops in April 1879.
Did you know?
Mbilini was a son of King Mswati II of Swaziland who had settled in Zululand under King Cetshwayo.
Timeline
- 1877Mbilini sets up his base on Hlobane mountain.
- 12 March 1879Battle of Intombe.
- 5 April 1879Mbilini dies in a skirmish with British troops.