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Date	Original Topic
29th January 2002	Help !! By Derek Johns reading The Washing of Spears by Donald R. Morris on page 467 he talks about a Swazi named Mbilini who commanded a band of renegade Zulus. can someone tell me about how many were of them. I know this is not about Rorkes Drift but I would like to know!
Date	Replies
29th January 2002	Ian Woodason Derek, Ian Knight's book 'Great Zulu Commanders' contains a chapter on Mbilini - a fascinating character and skilful soldier. As regards the numbers in his force, in the attack on the British column at Ntombe the British had varying estimates at the time of up to 9000 but a figure of around 800 is now accepted. Ian Woodason Keynsham Light Horse - linked from this website Over 1000 memorials to those involved in the Anglo Zulu War of 1879 online.
3rd February 2002	Terry Critchley In Stephen Taylor's book 'Shaka's Children', ISBN 0 00 255144 6, he describes Mbilini ka Mswati as a 'renegade Swazi' who nevertheless provided resistance to the British advance on Zululand. On p.230, he describes the attack by Mbilini on a wagon convoy at Ntombe by about 1000 of Mbilini's 'marauders'. 61 British soldiers were killed along with 18 black and white transport staff. Only 31 Zulu bodies were found, making this the only engagement of the campaign where British casualties were grater than those of the Zulus. This book is very good. Dr. Terry Critchley
3rd February 2002	terry critchley Erratum: For 'grater' read 'greater' TC
4th February 2002	Terry Critchley Try a web search on 'Mbilini'. Lots of hits. Also see http://www.battlefields.co.za/history/anglo-zulu_war/fduke.htm Terry
4th February 2002	Derek Johns Thank You for the great information.I have order Ian Knight book Great Zulu Commanders and I will look for all the rest of the information you supplied. Again, Thank You for all the information, It was extremely helpful Derek Johns [email protected]