In a single instant, the Zulus charged towards the small outpost from their concealed positions. A single iviyo of umCijo charged from the Oskarberg straight towards the most heavily defended portion of the British position.

umCijo form the charge from the South

The umCijo would have to cover a huge amount of clear ground as quickly as possible, and their charge suffered a shaky start. To their right, twenty uNokhenke charged towards the building, an angle to which the British could not bring much firepower to bear.

The Zulus must cover much open ground from the South

"TAKE AIM!" Came the order from Sgt. Maxfield. "WAIT FOR IT!..." he added sharply - the British rifles were held steadily, and the men waited for the order to be given...

The Southern redoubt as the men take aim

Having circled around under cover of scrub and vegetation, three other iviyo charged towards the North-Eastern end of the outpost.

Three iviyo attack from the North-East

The 10 men in the small redoubt watched in horror as the three iviyo charged towards their position, but more alarmingly, sweeping around to the Northern, and less well defended side of the outpost.

"Right then chaps, better take aim, hadn't you?", said Lt. Bromhead, and the men in the small redoubt prepared to fire.

The view east as the Zulus approach

Colour-Sgt. Bourne noticed that Bromhead and his men in the small redoubt could not see the uNokhenke approaching from the other side of the building.

"Lieutenant Bromhead, sah! More of the blighters comin' from your right, sah!" called Bourne,

"Very good Colour Sergeant Bourne, carry on!" replied Lt. Bromhead, wondering how long the doors would hold.

Colour-Sgt. Bourne raises the colours

For a few moments all that could be heard was the chanting of the charging Zulus, and the drumming of thier feet on the hard ground. The dust was being kicked up as the Zulus darted like Zebras towards the outpost...

Overview from the North-East

"First rank, FIRE!" came the order, and a crash of rifles echoed off the Oskarberg.

"Second rank, FIRE!" and another, slightly smaller volley was fired. Zulus began to fall...