New British Miniatures Join Black Powder Epic Battles: Zulu

Warlord Games expands the options available to those playing as the British in Black Powder Epic Battles: Zulu. This marks an expansion of the previously released Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana sets that got folks so excited not long ago.

British Army Commanders // Black Powder Epic Battles: Zulu

We start with a pair of British Army Commanders for the period of the Anglo-Zulu War. These could represent characters of your own stories or perhaps even some of the notable figures from the conflict, like Colonel Anthony Durnford, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Pulleine, Colonel Charles Pearson, and Colonel Evelyn Wood, as Warlord has mentioned.

They could then be put in charge of the likes of these British Dragoons.

British Dragoons // Black Powder Epic Battles: Zulu

These could represent the 1st King's Dragoon Guards who acted as a line of communication for the British and also took on scouting and escort duties. They were also present at the Battle of Ulundi, where their final cavalry charge routed the Zulu army once the infantry had scuppered their attack. They were also present when they captured Zulu King Cetshwayo, which ended the Zulu's resistance to the British.

Next up, we have the Frontier Light Horse.

Frontier Light Horse // Black Powder Epic Battles: Zulu

This represents the famous irregular mounted colonial regiment that fought under Major Redvers Buller. They were the eyes and ears of the British Army and found themselves fighting at Hlobane, Kambula, and Ulundi. Warlord also mentioned that three members of the regiment were awarded the Victoria Cross for their service during the war.

Last but not least, we have the 17th Lancers.

17th Lancers // Black Powder Epic Battles: Zulu

The 17th Lancers, who had Prince George, Duke of Cambridge as their colonel-in-chief, also took part in the Battle of Ulundi and were instrumental in the decisive British victory there. A good way for you to add a notable focal point to your battles during your Zulu campaigns.

Explosive Reinforcements

As well as the cavalry, the British can also draw on more artillery across three different packs.

Hales Rocket Launcher Battery // Black Powder Epic Battles: Zulu

Originally invented by William Gale in 1844 and used by the British in 1867, the British used these rocket launchers as mobile weaponry that could be used to psychologically shake the enemy. They were also direct-fire support weapons but they didn't hit a lot. They were much more useful at going "boom" and scaring the enemy away.

Some more traditional artillery and heavy weaponry came in the form of the British Army 7-pdr RML Cannon Battery.

7-pdr RML Cannon Battery // Black Powder Epic Battles: Zulu

This was a light and portable piece of artillery that could be moved quite easily, even through the tall African grasses. The Royal Artillery were the operators of these weapons and two of them were lost at the Battle of Isandlwana. Weaponry like this would then be more useful at battles like Kambula and Ulundi.

You could also scare the enemy even more with a Gatling Gun.

Gatling Gun Battery // Black Powder Epic Battles: Zulu

These devastating weapons would be used during the Anglo-Zulu War, handled by the Royal Navy at the likes of the Battle of Inyezane. Even the bravery of the Zulu wouldn't stand up to one of these being spun up and fired into their ranks.

Special British Miniatures

Last but not least, there is also a new Soldier of Fortune release but this time for Epic Battles scale armies. Here, we have the Heroes of Rorke's Drift.

Heroes of Rorke's Drift // Warlord Games

This little vignette shows Lieutenants John Chard and Gonville Bromhead as portrayed by Stanley Baker and Michael Caine in the movie. They are shown in the climactic moments of the movie, standing at the ready to receive the charge of the Zulu for a final time. As this is a Soldiers of Fortune miniature, it will be available for the month of October.

A great set of miniatures for those looking to dive into the Anglo-Zulu War and play out the moments beyond those depicted in the movies. A self-contained bit of military history but with enough scope for you to start looking at all sorts of different battles without going overboard!

What do you think?