Zulu Dawn

In January 1879, Lord Chelmsford and Sir Henry Bartle Frere plot to annex the Zulu Empire, viewing it as a threat to the Cape Colony's economy. Frere issues an ultimatum to Zulu king Cetshwayo, demanding the dissolution of the Zulu military. Cetshwayo's rejection provides the casus belli for invasion.

Despite objections, Sir Henry Bartle Frere authorizes Lord Chelmsford to lead a British expedition to invade the Zulu Empire. The decision marks the start of the British military campaign against the Zulu.

Lord Chelmsford's expeditionary force advances towards the Zulu capital, Ulundi. The British aim for a swift victory, but the Zulu military adopts a defensive strategy, refusing to engage in major battles initially.

During the campaign, a few skirmishes occur between British and Zulu scouts, with no clear results. British scouts interrogate captured Zulu warriors who refuse to reveal strategic information before escaping and informing their commander.

Lord Chelmsford orders his forces to camp at Mount Isandlwana, ignoring recommendations to fortify the camp and secure supplies, leaving the British vulnerable to attack.

Chelmsford receives false reports from scouts about Zulu positions, leading him to pursue a phantom Zulu force far from the camp. This distraction weakens the British position and leaves the camp exposed.

The Zulu force, having gathered at the valley, launches a surprise attack on the British camp. The Zulus initially repel the British, then encircle and push them back as they run out of ammunition.

Overwhelmed by the Zulu warriors' large-scale attack, the British forces break and retreat in chaos. Many soldiers are killed during the retreat, and the British camp is effectively destroyed.

British survivors attempting a last stand attempt to protect their regimental colour, passing through the battlefield. The colour is captured by the Zulu but is ultimately lost in the Buffalo River, where it floats away during a shootout.

Lord Chelmsford arrives back at the battlefield site and learns that a Zulu force has attacked Rorke's Drift, indicating the escalation of Zulu resistance following the defeat at Isandlwana.

Following their victory, the Zulu warriors capture British artillery and begin advancing back towards Ulundi, consolidating their military gains after the battle.