Deaths on January 22

Henry Pulleine, English colonel (b. 1838)

Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Burmester Pulleine, born on 12 December 1838, was a distinguished officer and military administrator in the British Army whose career was significantly shaped by the imperial conflicts in Southern Africa. Tragically, he met his end on 22 January 1879, during one of the most infamous military disasters in British history: the Battle of Isandlwana.

Pulleine’s service primarily involved the challenges of expanding British influence and maintaining order in the volatile regions of the Cape Colony. He participated in the demanding Cape Frontier Wars, a series of protracted conflicts between European settlers and the indigenous Xhosa people spanning nearly a century. These campaigns honed his skills not only as a commander in the field but also as an administrator responsible for logistics and military organization within a complex colonial environment. His substantive rank was that of a major, but he held the brevet rank of lieutenant-colonel, a promotion granted for distinguished service that allowed him to exercise the authority of the higher rank without the corresponding pay or full seniority.

His military destiny became irrevocably linked with the Anglo-Zulu War, a major conflict instigated by the British in 1879 to assert control over the independent Zulu Kingdom. The war, often seen as a pivotal moment in British imperial expansion in Southern Africa, began with an invasion of Zululand by British forces under the command of Lieutenant-General Lord Chelmsford.

The Disastrous Battle of Isandlwana

Lieutenant-Colonel Pulleine’s most significant, and ultimately final, command occurred on 22 January 1879, at the Battle of Isandlwana. As part of the invading British column, Pulleine, serving with the 2nd Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot (later known as the South Wales Borderers), was entrusted with a critical responsibility. While Lord Chelmsford led a significant portion of the forces on a reconnaissance mission away from the main camp, Pulleine was left in command of the approximately 1,300 British and colonial troops defending the camp at the foot of the Isandlwana mountain.

Despite intelligence suggesting a large Zulu presence, the British command severely underestimated the strength and tactical prowess of the Zulu Impi. The British camp, sprawling and unprotected by a defensive laager of wagons—a common and crucial defensive practice—was suddenly overwhelmed by an estimated 20,000 Zulu warriors. The Zulu attack was swift and devastating, showcasing their disciplined formations and fierce courage. Pulleine, along with Colonel Anthony Durnford who arrived with reinforcements during the battle, attempted to establish a defensive line and rally the beleaguered troops. However, the sheer numerical superiority of the Zulu, combined with tactical errors such as dispersed firing lines and eventual ammunition shortages, led to a complete rout.

The Battle of Isandlwana stands as one of the most shocking defeats in British military history, where a technologically advanced European army was decisively defeated by an indigenous force armed primarily with traditional weapons. Lieutenant-Colonel Pulleine fought valiantly until the end, dying on the battlefield alongside the vast majority of his men, embodying the tragic sacrifice of that day. His death, like that of many others, underscored the brutal realities of colonial warfare and the profound misjudgments that led to such a catastrophic loss.

Understanding Brevet Rank

Pulleine’s rank, "substantively a major" with a "brevet lieutenant-colonel" promotion, highlights a historical military practice. A brevet rank was an honorary promotion awarded for distinguished service, granting an officer the temporary rank and associated privileges without the corresponding increase in pay or permanent establishment within the higher rank's structure. This allowed experienced officers like Pulleine to exercise greater command authority in specific operational contexts, such as leading a battalion or detached column, even if their permanent rank was lower.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Pulleine and Isandlwana

Who was Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Burmester Pulleine?

He was a British Army officer and administrator who served in the Cape Frontier and Anglo-Zulu Wars. He is most remembered for being a key commander during the disastrous Battle of Isandlwana in January 1879, where he was killed in action.

What was Pulleine's role at the Battle of Isandlwana?

Lieutenant-Colonel Pulleine was left in command of the main British camp at Isandlwana on January 22, 1879, with approximately 1,300 troops. He faced the full force of the unexpected Zulu attack and, despite efforts to organize a defense, his forces were overwhelmed, leading to a devastating British defeat.

What does "brevet lieutenant-colonel" mean?

A brevet rank was an honorary, temporary promotion awarded for distinguished service, allowing an officer to hold a higher rank and associated command authority in certain situations, without receiving the corresponding increase in pay or a permanent promotion in the regimental seniority list. Pulleine was substantively a major but held the brevet rank of lieutenant-colonel.

When did the Battle of Isandlwana occur, and why was it significant?

The Battle of Isandlwana occurred on January 22, 1879, during the Anglo-Zulu War. It was profoundly significant as it represented a catastrophic defeat for the technologically superior British Army at the hands of the indigenous Zulu forces, leading to a major re-evaluation of British military strategy in colonial warfare.