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Zulu War March 1879
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Zulu War March 1879
The Relief of Ekowe Lord Chelmsfords Column crossing the Amantikulu River Date: 31 March 1879
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Media ID 14275670
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1879 Chelmsford Crossing Zulu Ekowe
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a pivotal moment in the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, as Lord Chelmsford's Column crosses the Amantikulu River on March 31, during the Relief of Ekowe. The Zulu War, which lasted from January to September 1879, was a significant conflict between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom, with the former seeking to expand its territorial holdings in South Africa. In this image, we see Lord Chelmsford, the British commander, leading his troops through the river, which was likely swollen and treacherous due to the rains. The soldiers, many of them wearing bright red uniforms, wade through the water, some carrying their rifles and others helping their comrades across. In the background, we can see the dense vegetation of the African landscape, with tall trees and thick foliage providing little respite from the heat and humidity. The Relief of Ekowe was a crucial operation in the war, as it involved the rescue of a British force that had been besieged by the Zulu army at the mission station of Ekowe. Lord Chelmsford's Column, which included around 2,000 soldiers, set out to relieve the besieged force, and this photograph captures them in the midst of their journey. The successful relief operation marked a turning point in the war, which eventually ended with the defeat of the Zulu Kingdom and the signing of the Treaty of Durban in September 1879. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the bravery and determination of the soldiers who fought in the Anglo-Zulu War, as well as the complex and often violent history of European expansion in Africa. It also underscores the importance of military strategy and logistics in shaping the outcome of conflicts, as Lord Chelmsford's successful relief operation played a key role in the ultimate victory of the British forces.
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