On 29 March 1879, the Anglo-Zulu War Battle of Kambula took place. The battle involved the British Number 4 Column, led by Colonel Evelyn Wood VC and the Zulu Army, led by Ntshingwayo kaMahole. The Zulu's had a large numerical advantage over the British, with 2,000 British troops and native levies fighting againist some 20,000 Zulus. In the event, the British were successful in defeating the Zulus, with Wood’s force suffering 83 casualties and the Zulus losing approximately 3,000 men.
29 March 1879
The Battle of Kambula takes place
- Updated
- 19 Mar 2020

How we know this
- 01Mitchell, JCD. Troop sergeant Major Simeon Kambula, DCM Natal Native Horse. The South African Military History Journal. Vol 7
Last updated · 19 Mar 2020
South African History Online. (2011, March 16). The Battle of Kambula takes place. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011069
South African History Online (2011) 'The Battle of Kambula takes place', South African History Online, 16 March. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011069 (Accessed: 10 November 2026).
South African History Online, The Battle of Kambula takes place [website], https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011069, (accessed 10 November 2026).
"The Battle of Kambula takes place." South African History Online, 16 Mar. 2011, https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011069. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.
South African History Online. "The Battle of Kambula takes place." South African History Online. March 16, 2011. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011069.
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