South Africa - Campaign Overview

The history of South Africa from 1877 to 1881 is of a three-cornered struggle between Britain, the Boer Republics and the Zulus. With the exception of a couple of sorties over the frontier, the fighting took place entirely in the Transvaal and Zululand. Combined with the relatively small sizes of the forces involved, this would make a very manageable map campaign. Indeed, I even read once of someone playing the whole thing out on a single large wargame table.

However, my principle of changing as little as possible will be maintained instead. By making just four changes to what happened historically a series of battles can be generated that are both different and, at the same time, familiar enough to make them enjoyable to gamers who know the history of South Africa and those who don't.

Firstly, Chelmsford receives the two battalions that arrived in December 1878 - South Africa was an important strategic location for the British Empire, after all - but after that no more, except for HMS Shah, if she's still afloat.

Secondly, in responding to the British invasion, Cetswayo sends 6000 warriors to face Chelmsford, and the other 20,000 to take on Pearson's column. The battles of Isandhlwana and Nyezane take place as they did historically, but with the Zulu forces exchanged.

Thirdly, Prince Dabulamanzi kaMpande and his 4000 men of the Undi corps cross into Natal just as they did in real life, but their target is not Rorke's Drift. Instead they cross the Lower Drift and look for targets down there.

Fourthly, the Transvaal Boers don't revolt in 1880, but in February 1879, whilst Britain is doubly distracted. General Wood's northern column is diverted from Luneberg to deal with them.

These changes allow us to fight historical battles with slightly altered ORBATs, and fictitious battles with the forces from real battles. The result is still a three-cornered war, but one whose outcome is less certain than real life. The British are really up against it in this re-run of history, whilst the Zulus and the Boers both have a real chance of success.