Anniversary of two battles today

April the Second is the anniversary of at least two battles in which the British were successful.
The Battle of Copenhagen, 1801, where Admiral Nelson defeated the Danes. That was the battle where Nelson placed a telescope against his blind eye and claimed not to see his superior officer's signal.
The Battle of Gingindlovu, 1879, where the British Army defeated the Zulus. It's not one of the famous battles, probably because nobody made a film about it and Michael Caine didn't look all heroic. It was important at the time, though.

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Allelse · 36-40, M

Those Zulus, always up to no good.

MandyMitchell · 80-89, F

@Allelse Another imperial power- the zulu war was a clash of two empires and the most technologically advanced won. Bravery on both sides.

Allelse · 36-40, M

@MandyMitchell Yep they were both pretty expansionist, but the side with the better toys won. Zulus gave them a good run for their money though at ah, I forget the place, little hand, or little rock, called one or the other.

MandyMitchell · 80-89, F

@Allelse Isandhlwana was one of the Zulu victories. They also won at Hlobane and a third place whose name escapes me. Add to that they killed the Prince Imperial of France, a descendant of Bonaparte and all in all the Zulus proved a tough opponent.

wonkywinky · 51-55, M

@MandyMitchell 1876,the Indians wipe out a white army force,Custers 7th cavalry at Little big Horn.1879,Zulu force wipes out white force,a few battalions of the 24th at Isandlwana.Both nations then suffer defeat but they make their enemy know they fought a worthy enemy.

MandyMitchell · 80-89, F

@wonkywinky Indeed; the Zulus gained a high reputation for their bravery - and I think the Sioux crossed to Canada in peace - not sure if that part is correct.

wonkywinky · 51-55, M

@MandyMitchell Not sure about the Sioux,but the army then led a campaign to crush all indian resistance.Like the Zulu they were crushed but they did earn respect.Parallel incidents of hubris.

MandyMitchell · 80-89, F

@wonkywinky Like the Sikhs in the 1840s. They were and are some of the best soldiers in the world - as we found out the hard way.