BEERS - Zulu Blonde Beer

Chelmsford Porter
Born in 1827, Frederic Augustus Thesinger embarked on a military career at 17 and, steadily rising up the ranks, was raised to the peerage as the first Baron Chelmsford, and reached major general in 1877. He was a man known for his reliability; a capable officer with respect for his men. However, his ability to exercise diplomacy and tact was the only area in which he was regarded as above average.

When called upon to quell an annoying native war on a remote African frontier, General Chelmsford undertook the enviable task in his usual unquestioning manner. Heading an army 18 000 strong, he marched into Zululand – where he promptly lost the battle of Isandhlawana. However, his army took heart from the successful defence of Rork's Drift and recovered to storm the royal kraal at Ulundi and crush the Zulu Empire.

Bull Horn Bitter
Shaka was a tactical genius and his Bullhorn “Pondo” Formation is a perfect example of his military prowess.
Facing the enemy he would order his troops to stand close together with their shields at their sides. Front and centre would be the best soldiers, with the older, experienced fighters at the back and the younger ones on either side. At his command they would spread out slightly and show their shields, giving the impression that the army had doubled in size. He then deployed his young soldiers, who would take a wide berth around the enemy, and the rest would charge before the foe could release their throwing spears. This spread confusion and terror and, when the enemy tried to flee, they would find themselves surrounded by the youths that had outflanked them.

Jantoni Pale Ale
Jantoni was the name given by the Zulus to the legendary John Dunn.

Born to successful Scottish immigrants, he grew up in comfort until his father was killed by an elephant. The family was forced to sell their holdings and John started making a living as a hunter, quickly earning a reputation as an expert marksman.
His flawless command of the Zulu language and appreciation of the culture won him favour with Prince Cetshwayo, who gave him land, cattle and wives when he eventually became king.. The British also recognised his talents, making a border official between Zululand and the colony. Dunn was there when the colony declared war and, after the invasion, he received a large piece of the spoils of war, becoming known as the Great White Chief of Zululand.

A hunter, trader, explorer, soldier, statesman and father of over 150 children, this was truly a busy man.

Ultimatum Pilsner
On the 11th December 1878, under the shade of the Ultimatum Tree, Sir Bartle Frere delivered an insult the Zulu nation could not ignore. Within 30 days the Zulu king was to comply with excessive demands. Failure to do so would be met with invasion. The king probably heard little more than a garbled version of the events from his messengers. Not that it mattered, Frere knew that his demands were unacceptable. His war mongering was about to bear fruit.
On the 6th January 1879, British forces moved into Zululand – four days before the stipulated period of grace expired! Armed with breech-loading rifles, cannons and even a Gatling gun, 18 000 soldiers marched on Ulundi. They were cornering a lion in it's own den and this, on 22nd January at Isandhlawana, proved a mistake.