The Zulus had the first turn and were going to swoop in for the attack but weren't entirely sure that is what they wanted to do. After commands were issued to charge the British they edged forward rather hesitantly.
The British, not sure if they were being attacked decided to mill about. The cavalry thought about moving from their exposed position but decided there was no hurry in the end.
(The British right)
Despite the example set by a unit of married Zulus who charged headlong into one of the Natal Native Contingent units the rest of the Zulu army was content to plod forward at a meandering pace.
The NNC met the charge with gusto and with the support of the British infantry to their right held their position.
(The NNC)
The British cavalry still didn't really think that the situation was that dire so decided to swim their horses across the river to their rear. About facing they moved into the water and slowly waded across the narrow river.
(The onrushing Zulus)
In the center the NNC managed to push the married unit of Zulus back.
Seeing one of their senior regiments falter seemed to have an inspirational effect on the Zulus and they surged forward. One group charged toward the cavalry, who deciding that this was finally a reason to hurry moved up over the bank and past the unit of infantry defending it.
The resulting confusion allowed the Zulus to cross the river and follow the cavalry up the bank and right into the men.
On the other flank another unmarried unit managed to cross the river and engage the British troops over there.
In the center the British unlashed some volleys that crashed among the Zulus creating disorder and confusion in the ranks while the artillery was being maneuvered into a position to fire at the approaching Africans.
It was not enough to stop a coordinated effort by the Zulus and the center was met by an onrushing thrust of men.
The already exhausted NNC in the center collapsed in the rush and the British held, but only for a short while.
It looked like the British were in trouble with their left and center in disorder.
On their left only the tiny unit of engineers was between the Zulus and the rear of the rest of the British army.
The reserve unit of infantry across the river started pouring in fire to the victorious Zulu units in the center and the Zulu attack on the British right collapsed allowing the NNC and the British over there to come around onto the flank of the force attacking the British center.
With one last desperate thrust the Zulu right horn charged the engineers. With incredible discipline and tenacity held on and disrupted the Zulu charge, the few that made it to the British line were dispatched with the bayonet.
And with that the Zulu army fell back with the remaining British happy to see them go.
Not exactly the Battle of Bushy Run by any stretch, but we will be doing a variety of things at our games day next Saturday.
is back from Council of Five Nations.
