Incoming! Anglo-Zulu War Starter Armies

Carving new and convenient entry routes into the exploration of the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 on the tabletop using the Black Powder rules system, these new starter sets will set you well on your way to replicating the silver screen feats seen in Zulu and Zulu Dawn in miniature form!

Anglo-Zulu War – British Starter Army

A casual look at Tommy Atkins of the Victorian period gave little away about his fighting abilities. Standing 5´5″ on average, and often shorter, he may or may not be able to read or write. This appearance was deceptive, however. The average British redcoat was the most dangerous animal in Africa, equipped as he was with the Martini-Henry breech-loading rifle which he was capable of firing 15 times a minute out to 1200 yards range in volley fire if needs be.

His legendary discipline, his marching ability ´enough to traverse all manner of terrain´ and his determination to fight his enemies, which were legion, all made the British redcoat an implacable foe.

Well led, well-equipped and thoroughly trained in his abilities, he blazed a trail for Empire all over the world. Cheerful and confident the redcoats of the County Regiments served their sovereign well, smashing their enemy with concentrated rifle fire and, if necessary, selling their lives dearly behind the thrust of their wicked long bayonets.

Providing support for the British army were Natal Native Contingents. Largely being used as support for the Main British forces in South Africa they became the main defense force against the Zulu forces. Recruited from the local populace, mainly from the Basuto and Mponso tribes, this force excelled in dealing with Zulu due to an extensive history of fighting them.

Box Contains:

• 60 plastic British Infantry
• 20 plastic Natal Native Contingent

Pre-orders of this starter army box will also come with a limited-edition figure, Brevet Major Henry Spalding of the 104th Regiment of Foot (Bengal Fusiliers) was the officer commanding and Quarter Master General of the mission station at Rorke’s Drift. He left on the fateful day of the Zulu attack to track down troops at Helpmekaar due to be protecting the pontoons Lt Chard was in charge of. Before he left he told Chard he was the senior to Lt Bromhead and “don’t worry – nothing will happen, and I shall be back this evening later”.  A disastrous prediction as history tells us…

Major Spalding didn’t reach Helpmekaar since he found, two companies of the 1st/24th heading towards him. One was to protect Chard’s pontoons and the other was to support B Company 2nd/24th at the Mission Station. They came within sight of the hospital and stores, just some 3 miles away and the attack by massed of Zulus with the Hospital is on fire.  They chose discretion over valour and returned to Helpmekaar rather than affect a Rescue at Rorke’s Drift…

Anglo-Zulu War – Zulu Starter Army

The Zulu army was a formidable foe. Well-trained, well-led, and well-equipped for campaigns, the Zulu regiments were the terror of Africa. Created by the great Shaka, founder of the nation, each regiment was composed of small companies who trained together, and a regiment could be 1,000 men strong. They were then brigaded together to form divisions that could move at great speed and with drilled precision, forming the classic Zulu attack formation of the Horns of the Buffalo.

The military system formed units into married and unmarried units, so a cadre of young men would be forced to remain unmarried on the King’s orders until they had ‘washed their spears’ in the blood of their enemies. They are armed with throwing spears, smoothbore muskets and the deadly stabbing short spear whilst their patterned ox-hide shields help identify their parent regiment.

Once they were blooded, and only then, would they sew in the characteristic head ring which is the symbol of a mature and married warrior, showing his much-enhanced status in society.

These then are the finest warriors of a fierce and proud army of 40,000 men, eager to preserve Zululand from all invaders, Swazi, Boer or British!

Box Contains:

• 40 plastic Married Zulus
• 40 plastic Unmarried Zulus

Pre-orders of this starter army box will also come with a limited-edition figure, Dabulamanzi KaMpande was the commander of the Zulu forces at Rorke’s Drift. He also led forces at the siege of Eshowe and the battles of Isandlwana and Gingindlovu. He was half-brother to Zulu King Cetshwayo kaMpande and son of the previous Zulu King (Mpande kaSenzangakhona).

Both box sets will be available to pre-order Saturday 18 December 2021. The special edition miniatures detailed above will only be alongside pre-orders of either box or get both miniatures alongside orders of the Rorke’s Drift battle set when you order between Saturday 18 December 2021 & Saturday 15 January 2022.