Battle of Bembezi

Battle of Bembezi
Part of First Matabele War
Bembezi
Battle of Bembezi (Zimbabwe)
Date1 November 1893
Location
Bembezi, Southern Rhodesia
Result Decisive BSAC victory
Belligerents

 United Kingdom

 Ndebele Kingdom
Commanders and leaders
Maj. Patrick William Forbes King Lobengula
Units involved
700 BSAC soldiers
5 Maxim guns
3 other rapid-fire guns
2 cannons		 8,000 spearmen
2,000 riflemen
Casualties and losses
Unknown 2,500 Ndebele

Battle

The Battle of Bembezi took place on 1 November 1893. This was the most decisive battle won by the British South Africa Company in the First Matabele War of 1893.

The British South Africa Company went over to Ndebele positions and were almost ambushed, yet due to command issues they went another way with Ndebele spearman waiting for them. Though thoroughly outnumbered, (10,000 men to 700), the BSAC Maxim guns proved superior to Ndebele numbers. After heavy losses, the Ndebele began retreat. Roughly 2,500 Ndebele were killed by the time the gunfire was over.

After the stunning defeat, King Lobengula fled the battle; the end of the First Matabele War was near.

Music

A song written by John Edmond in 1979[1] explained the course of the battle and the events that took place during the battle. This song was titled Battle of Bembezi.[2]

References
  • "The decisive Battle of Bembesi (Bembasi) is fought in the First Matabele War (Ndebele), Zimbabwe | South African History Online". Sahistory.org.za. 31 October 2013. Retrieved 22 September 2017.

Sources
  1. "Battle Of Bembezi". Discogs. Retrieved 25 March 2019.
  2. John Edmond - Battle of Bembezi, retrieved 1 November 2019
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