THE ZULU DISASTER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 53, 28 February 1879, Page 2

THE ZULU DISASTER.

FULL PARTIOULARS.

(PEtt PJRESS AGE-TOY.)

Hokitika, Wednesday.

The following fuller account of tbe Zulu disaster is to hand per Claud Hamilton ; — It appears that Ixwd Chelmsford desired to advance into Zululand, seemingly wi.h the intention of pushing on to attack Cetawayo's new karaal, but fearing to leave his line of connection with Natal unprotected, he ordered several companies of the 24th Regiment, under Colonel Pallature, to remain a few miles on tho Zulu side of Rorke'e Drift. To strengthen this force Colonel Dunsford was directed to join Colonel Pallature, who was senior officer, and whose force now numbered about 4000 men. On Wednesday morning they were attacked by 15,000 Zulus. The assanlt proved successful. Thoueh beaten > off several times, their numbers and discipline carried the day, and the Natal Native Contingent, bravely organised and officered, as we have described, had to submit to defeat at the hands of tho well-disciplined forces ofthe Zulu King. Our native troops are roported to have fought with a bravery that called forth tha praise of Europeans, but were crushed by the massive columns o the __ulu regiments, and broke into disorder. The men of the 24ih upheld the honor of the English name, and were true to the traditions of a corps whose colours bear many of the names of the most famous battles in modern British history. ?fe^^ gallant 24th had to choose hetwe3_T

death and dishonour, and as tbe story reaches us, almost to a man they gave their lives rather than turn a back on the enemy. On Wednesday last some hundreds of British soldier- were shot down in the conflict with as many as 20 times their numbers. While we deplore the loss of these gallant men we feel proud of them and their native comrades. Colonel Punsford's column was utterly destroyed, b'ome of its members fell into Natal; others ♦ried to cut their waythrou^h the Zulus to join Colonel Gwynne, and all fits stores and arms were taken by the enemy, who pursued the fugitives to Buffalo Rivor. . Tlia attack made on Colonel Gwynne's column #id not end so well Ibr the Zulus. This Column consisted of 1800 Europeans and 2,000 natives. Against it re*, peafced assaults were made by the bravest warriors in Zululand, regi* meats whose titles have been the dread of their native neighbours.. Lord Chelmsford at this point is said to have been eminently successful but the particulars were not to hand. It is certain the General had to re* treat to Rooke's Drift, leaving the country ou tbe Znlu aide in possession of the enemy. Prom Colonel Wood we have heard nothing. The Zulus appear not to have placed their principal forces near the boundaries . of Natal. -