British Uniforms Zulu War 1879

For more years than I care to recall, my sources of information regarding the AZW 1879 were the movies Zulu and Zulu Dawn. The Internet has made available many sources that have resulted in an increased knowledge of the events particularly those which explain why the incursion into Zululand took place. Many aspects of the military operations remain shrouded to my vision. Two related issues which have always escaped me are the actual uniforms and the unit compositions of the English/British forces. Please excuse my use of English/British here as I am not certain which is appropriate. Perhaps someone might educate me.

Not Zulu so much but in Zulu Dawn we see officers and enlisted ranks wearing uniforms of differing types and colors. I suppose my first question should be does the movie accurately depict uniforms?

About 10 minutes into the film Chelmsford is wearing a blue jacket with white trousers. Others(Pulliene and Durnford) wear a similar tunic but blue trousers with red stripes. Sikhali Horse wear brown clothing. At the Officer's Mess we see dark blue, red(Melville) and light blue(Harford).

When Durnford leaves Isandlwhana on his reconnoiter he commands a mixed mounted force clad some in blue. The others are of African descent and in brown.

Then come the unit types. Regular Infantry is simple enough in red tunics. But, for instance, what of the NNC or NMP? I know or think I know this means Natal Native Contigent and Natal Mounted Police. Exactly who are they? Are they black or white? How are they attired?

Forum members from the UK or SA may come by these details inherently but for an odd Yank like me very confusing.
Any and all info will be greatly appreciated. If the task is cumbersome a link online would do nicely.
Thanks to all.

Hi Britelite .
All will be revealed if you search through this thread and look for previous postings , its been well
and truly covered on here before . Welcome aboard the fast growing forum .
cheers 90th.

ps . Check out the Colonial Units section , it will be in there also .

BL, best not going by the films. I'm having the same trouble with uniforms, but in connection with the American Civil War, as there are so many different units. The uniforms in Zulu Dawn worn by Vereker, Raw and Harford, I find jarring to the eye, most of all.

I am really frustrated by this because i can not find what i need anywhere.. it seems to me that people have forgotten that other branches than infantry fought in this war.. can i get some information on the Royal artillery i know they wear blue but thats about it, and they get NO mention in any forums.. the only illustrations google gives me are of some old large scale miniatures that you can not even buy anymore.. and whats more its unpainted!

Hi BriteLite & MadDrDevo,
Firstly welome to the forum, I hope you have a great time here with us all. As 90th said if you use the search facility you will uncover a wealth of information.
I use uniform reference quite extensively and if I was going to offer any advice I would say;

Buy for starters something like Osprey Campaign Series 14 Zulu War 1879, this gives the Order of Battle for 1879 and lists the coloums and units attached to those colums. Also some good stuff on uniforms. Once you know the units you can can start breaking down the uniforms, equipment and weapons.

Osprey Elite 032 British Forces In Zululand again a good reference book.

Osprey Men At Arms, Zulu War - Volunteers, Irregulars & Auxiliaries. Excellent book again for reference on the uniforms both descriptive and illustrated.

Uniforms & Weapons of the Zulu War by Christopher Wilkinson-Latham

I'm sure if I have missed any sitters for starting, the rest of the brigade will chip in. If you want anything else please just ask there is a wealth of information and everyone is very helpful.
cheers
Richie