Natal Contingent

 

In the Zulu War, some African leaders choose to fight on the side of the British.

                               These "Natal Contingents" varied in quality and loyalty.

While some were armed with old British firearms, most went into battle caring their traditional hand-to-hand weapons.

After some initial spectacular Zulu victories, in the end overwhelming British firepower won the war.

While on the winners' side, life was not much improved for the African men who fought on the British side.  They became just another cog in the military of the growing Victorian British Empire.

These are plastic pieces I put together and painted in March of 2017.