THE REBELLION IN NATAL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8104, 8 May 1906, Page 2

THE REBELLION IN NATAL

AN ENGAGEMENT WITH THE ZULUS. A DEBPERATE PREMATURE CHARGE. NATIVES REPULSED WITH heavy loss. COURAGEOUS CONDUCT OF COLONIAL TROOPS. Reoeived 7, 9.88 p.m, PIMMIUSIHmo, May 7, Colonel Maniell hu retched Fort Yolland, eighteen miles wait of Ethowe, and reconnoitres towards Cetmjo'i grave. Whilst the force was travelling through a foreßt, several shod wen nred, wouading one trooper. As a troop was descending a hill in single file, entering more open eoTmhy, two hundred Zulus desperately charged the vanguard, the Natal Mounted Rifles, and almost got in amongst the troopers. Natal supports rushed up and the attack was repelled, sixty Zulus being killed and many wounded. Three Natalians were wounded. A thousand rebels were seen. There are indications that while & portion made a first onslaught, the rest wore engaged it an encircling moveinent which proved premature. Col. Mansell reports that the Native Police were attackod.

The Natal Mounteds behaved oour> ageously, and did good work during the engagement.

FAMOUS ZULU CRESCENT FORMATION, PEEVENTED BY PROMPT ACTION. PRAISE FOE NATAL INFANTRY. STEADINESS PEEVENTED SERIOUS CASUALTIES. Received 8, 18.10 a.m. PIBTEBMABITCBBM, May 7. Col. Mansell captured two hundred cattle and burnt many kraals. On emerging from the forest and returning to the fort, imall bodies of the enemy followed. A sniping fire was returned, the Zulas losing several. Col. Manael commends the Durban Light Infantry, whose steadiness at a critical stage prevented serious casualties. i

Only Col. llanaoll's prompt di». 'position of his forces prevented their assailants from completing the identical crescent formation which they em> ployed at Isandhlwana. Colonels Mackenzie and Mansell are trying to keep the rebels together, and crush them.