Battle of Ulundi
Ulundi (oNdini), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
What happened
A British army under Lord Chelmsford fought the Zulu army of King Cetshwayo, commanded in the field by umNtwana Ziwedu kaMpande. After an early Zulu victory at Isandlwana, the British marched on oNdini, the Zulu royal capital. The British formed a hollow square of soldiers, protected on all sides and supported by Gatling guns and artillery. The Zulu charges could not reach the square, and the Zulu army was broken.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the last battle of the Anglo-Zulu War and ended the military power of the Zulu kingdom. The British then divided Zululand into 13 districts under chiefs who supported Britain.
What came next
Cetshwayo was captured in August 1879 and sent into exile, later travelling to London. He returned to part of Zululand in 1883 and died in 1884.
Did you know?
The British burned the royal homestead at oNdini after the battle.
Timeline
- January 1879The Anglo-Zulu War begins; the Zulu win at Isandlwana.
- 4 July 1879The British win at Ulundi.
- 28 August 1879Cetshwayo is captured.
- 1883Cetshwayo returns to part of Zululand.
- 8 February 1884Cetshwayo dies at Eshowe.