8237 Zulu War British Infantry

Dated: February 27, 2012, updated October 26, 2012.

In 1879 the British Army invaded the Zulu Kingdom expecting a relatively short colonial campaign. Instead, it suffered one of the most shocking defeats in its history at Isandlwana, where a large British force was overwhelmed and destroyed. The same campaign also produced the famous defence of Rorke's Drift, followed by a second, more cautious invasion that ended with the defeat of the Zulu army at Ulundi. These battles made the red-coated British infantryman one of the most recognizable figures of the Victorian colonial wars.

Box art.

This set contains 48 figures in 11 poses, representing British infantry on campaign in Zululand. Most wear the standard foreign-service helmet, scarlet tunic, trousers, boots and short leggings, together with the ammunition pouches, water bottle and haversack carried in the field. The figures include men advancing, firing, loading and defending, giving a useful mixture of poses for both open battle and defensive scenes.

One figure is deliberately different from the rest. Dressed in civilian-style clothing with a slouch hat, he can represent one of the irregulars or locally raised auxiliaries who accompanied British forces in South Africa. Such men often served as scouts, guides, mounted volunteers or auxiliaries and could appear very different from the regular infantry beside them.

Line drawings.

This set is designed to work especially well with Zulu War British Command set 8299, which adds officers, NCOs, musicians, a colour-bearer and mounted command figures. Together the two sets allow a much fuller British force to be assembled, from the ordinary firing line to the men responsible for directing and supporting it.

Test shots may go through substantial revisions prior to release.

The British infantry in Zululand
British battalions in 1879 still fought primarily with disciplined rifle fire delivered by organized companies. Against the Zulu army, success depended heavily on maintaining formation, ammunition supply and defensive positions. The contrast between Isandlwana, where the British line was eventually overwhelmed, and Rorke's Drift, where a small garrison held a prepared position, shows how important organization and defensive fire could be.

About the uniform
The British infantryman of 1879 still wore the famous scarlet tunic, but his campaign appearance was far more practical than that of earlier Victorian soldiers. The white foreign-service helmet protected against the South African sun, while haversacks, water bottles and ammunition pouches carried the essentials needed in the field. Full marching equipment was often left behind before combat, so the relatively stripped-down appearance of these figures is appropriate for troops in action. PSR judged the set historically sound overall and awarded it 10/10 for historical accuracy.

Open line vs defended position.