Chapter 329: Clash of Forces
The battle between the East African Army and the Matabele Kingdom Army took place in the east of Bulawayo. The East African side consisted of the South Salzburg Provincial Border Force and part of the Second Brigade of the South Route Army, totaling over 6,000 troops. On the Matabele Kingdom's side, there were more than 16,000 troops, including over 10,000 Shona servants.
Stewart, holding a telescope, observed the Matabele Kingdom's army across from them and commented on their choice to engage in a head-on battle instead of guerrilla warfare. He mentioned that the East African Army had experience in anti-guerrilla warfare but preferred facing enemies who fought with dignity.
The Ndebele people chose this head-on battle tactic because they lacked experience in using muskets effectively, relying heavily on Boer instructors for their command structure. The Boers had adapted British line tactics for the Ndebele forces.
Stewart noted that the East African officers, including the South Salzburg Provincial Border Force, were graduates of the Hechingen Military Academy with experience from the Franco-Prussian War. They were well-versed in more advanced skirmish line tactics, making them formidable opponents.
Lobengula, the Ndebele leader, expressed concern about the Shona servant army being used as cannon fodder, but Wiggins assured him that they aimed to deplete the East Africans' ammunition before engaging in the battle.
As the battle unfolded, Lobengula realized the devastating power of East African artillery, which demoralized the Shona servants and caused panic among them. The East African artillery proved effective in disintegrating the will of the indigenous fighters.
The Shona servants, faced with both Ndebele and East African forces, were left with no choice but to flee or seek divine intervention through prayer. Lobengula expressed his disappointment in their performance.
As the Shona servants retreated, the Ndebele forces pushed forward, planning to engage the East African Army head-on using line tactics. However, the East African artillery disrupted their plans.
Wiggins suggested that they wait until the East Africans came within two hundred meters before opening fire. However, Wiggins underestimated the range and accuracy of the Dreiser rifles used by the South Salzburg Provincial Border Force, which were superior to the Ndebele rifles.
The East African Army continued to advance as a cohesive force, armed with superior weapons and equipment. Wiggins, based in South Africa, had not kept up with the latest European military developments and did not realize the advanced capabilities of the South Salzburg Provincial Border Force.
The stage was set for a clash between the Ndebele Kingdom and the East African Army, and the outcome remained uncertain.
(end of this chapter)