UNITS OF THE ZULU WAR 1879
uDhloko
The uDhloko regiment was a married unit of men around 41 years if age. They carried what were called red shields which were a brownish shade. 5000 joined the main army waiting near isandlwana to attack the British. They were part of the reserve force sitting in a valley further back so when the fighting started remained in the rear. Most if them circled around the British camp to cut off any retreat. Feeling they had missed out on the battle 2000 of them headed towards Rorkes Drift making up half of the attacking force. They spent most of the battle assaulting the barricades from the gardens they used as cover and broke into the hospital. The regiment got it’s title from the name of a snake.
Most married units left their ceremonial plumes at home. This warrior has the more unusual axe
Leave a Reply