Black Heart And White Heart: A Zulu Idyll

Although not a trained soldier at the time of Rorkes Drift, the Zulu warrior was nonetheless a dangerous adversary. All Zulu men were obligated to serve in the military from the age of 19 until they were 40, however the Zulus were a citizen army that was called up during times of war. Each regiment had unique distinguishing characteristics, like as jewelry or a distinctive headgear. Zulus carried two spears: a throwing spear with a 7-inch blade on a 3-foot shaft and a hefty broad-bladed stabbing spear with an 18-inch blade that was nearly 2-inches wide (in some ways comparable to the Roman Gladius). They used enormous, color-coded cowhide shields, with younger regiments having predominantly black shields and senior regiments having mostly white shields. This made it simple for a Zulu commander to recognize the various forces on the battlefield. Contrary to common belief, the Zulus also employed firearms, including Martini Henry rifles taken from British forces as well as Napoleonic weaponry purchased from dealers. With each regiment having companies, its own Izinduna or commanders, and a clear chain of command, the warriors were well organized and disciplined. Unlike a European Army of the period, they did not have a baggage train, therefore they could move quickly and were quite mobile.