At dawn on 4 July 1879 a column consisting of about 3 000 infantry and 300 cavalry left the camp at the White Umfolozi and advanced rapidly on Ulundi. The troops were formed up on the grassy plain and the Zulu soon advanced in their usual formation and disregard for danger. A deadly rain of gunfire and shell was poured into their ranks. They bore the brunt of the terrific fire for twenty minutes and then all at once turned and fled. This conventional battle took place regardless of King Cetshwayo’s urge to wage irregular warfare.
The battle of Ulundi gave Britain command over Zululand and destroyed the military might of the Zulu. It ended the Anglo-Zulu war and saw the crumbling of the support of King Cetshwayo, who was captured on 28 August and exiled to Cape Town.
