The following Instructions are forwarded for the Consideration of Officers Comdg Columns when entering Zululand.
(1) March as early as possible, so that all the animals may have plenty of time to feed during the day.
(2) Take short marches at first, a slow, steady, advance, will be far better than a quick rush forward.
(3) The first consideration must be how to keep man, & beast, healthy & strong.
(4) The Time is sure to arrive, when it will be necessary, to make a forced march, either to seize a position or to pass over an unhealthy district.
(5) Attention to Rule 3 will enable it to be done in the quickest time possible, and with the least distress.
(6) Clear and precise orders will be issued regarding the order of march. British Troops must be prepared to form up for attack, or for defence, in any direction at the shortest possible warning.
(7) The leading Troops must not be allowed to outmarch the Baggage wagons. The latter must be kept together as much as possible, and should one break down, or stick fast, those in front must not be allowed to leave it behind.
(8) British Infantry, should form the advanced, and Rear guards, Mounted men being well to the front, and flanks.
(9) The duty of protecting the flanks, and of helping the wagons, when in difficulties, should as a rule be performed by the Native Contingent.
(10) The ground for encampment (while recognising the necessity of having Wood, & water, at hand) should always be selected, with due regard to the defensive requirements of the situation.
(11) It will be well to establish one Uniform System of camping, so that every man always knows his place.
(12) The camp should be formed, so that in case of a night attack – every man may fall into his place with the least possible delay, and without confusion.
(13) Every night before the men turn in the Whole Force should be made to assemble quickly, in the position told off to it, in case of attack just as is done in practice when the Fire bell is rung.
(14) Outposts, should be posted far in advance of the Camp, and as a rule they should be placed on the ground, best suited for defence. At least one sixth of the Total Force should be employed on this duty. When thought desirable, a group of six, instead of four, may be placed on the line of sentries. In this case a double, instead of a single sentry – will be required equally in both cases.
(15) In order to obtain the earliest information of a night attack, being intended, a group of British Infantry (six men), and a section of Natives (10 men), under an Officer should be pushed well forward to the Front, and to the rear, and to, each flank of the outposts just before dark. These groups of (16) men, should be at least 500 yards in front of the Line of outposts, and should be instructed to fire volleys in case the enemy is discovered to be advancing. Each of the 4 parties should be provided with a Lantern, and Flags, so that when having to fall back to their post they may not be fired on by their own side. They must also have the countersign given to them.
(16) The possible tactics of the Zulus are as follows –
a. Avoid the Troops and attack our line of communications.
b. Attack the Column when on the line of march.
c. Attack the camp at night & charge into it with all their numbers.
d. Await attack in position between White, & Black Umvelosi Rivers.
(17) Whatever tactics are adopted, it may be looked upon as a certainty – that when Zulus attack, they will threaten one or both flanks, as well as the front.
(18) The Formation which seems best adapted to meet such an attack is as follows – British Infantry in Front Line, deployed, or extended, with one or both flank companies thrown back.
Both flank companies thrown back - Native Contingent inline, in echelon [sic] well clear of each flank of British Infantry and well to the rear of each flank. The guns in the forefront of British Infantry.
Mounted Infantry in rear of each flank, ready to move round the flanks, and rear, of the enemy.
(19) In an attack by daylight, neither guns nor rockets, - should be allowed to open Fire, until the enemy is within good infantry range, say 600 yards when every available fire arm should be opened upon him.
(20) The British Troops must be told to expect an attack upon them by numbers very far in excess of their own and they must be cautioned not to fire until ordered. A charge, should it clearly become necessary, should be carried out as far as possible without breaking the ranks. This charge might be practised with advantage in presence of the Native Contingent, so that the latter may understand our Tactics, and gain confidence thereby.
(21) In case of attack by day, clear instructions should be given, as to how the wagons & then other transport are to be placed.
(22) When Halted, Troops should be on the alert at least an hour, before day light.
(23) The more stormy, and wild, the night may be, the more chance there will be of a night attack, if Chaka, and Dingaan's Tactics still hold good.
(signed) Chelmsford
Lt. Colonel Durnford
Pietermaritzburg
Monday
23.12.78. Please acknowledge receipt.
[These instructions were addressed and dated as indicated on an envelope]