GG60-01
John Jenkins Designs
This battalion was stationed at Colchester when, on 12th February 1879, it was ordered to Natal. Soon after its arrival it was attached to the column that was organized for the relief of Eshowe. On 2nd April the battalion was engaged at the Battle of Gingindhlovu and took part in the subsequent relief of Eshowe.
Six companies of the 3rd Battalion of the 60th Regiment were to defend the north face of the laager at Gingindhlovu. The men of the 60th rifles manning the north face bore the brunt of the zulu ”Chest” attack, and were under enormous pressure. They were to hold their position, and at 06.40 am the Zulu chest confronting them began to retire into the long grass.
Chelmsford ordered Barrow’s Mounted Infantry and Natal Volunteers out of the north side of the laager in pursuit, but the zulu rallied and drove them back. The chest then circled to their right to reinforce the left division of the right horn attacking the laager’s western face.
At 7 am the right division of the right horn began a determined assault on the laager’s southern face under Dabulamanzi’s leadership. Chelmsford ordered two companies of the 60th out of the north face in support of the hard pressed 91st regiment.
Dabulamanzi’s attack stalled under the heavy fire, rolling around for a brief and unsuccessful attempt at the eastern face of the laager.
During the second invasion of Zululand the battalion formed part of the 2nd Brigade of Crealock’s 1st Division.