Battle of Bembezi

Battle of Bembezi
Part of First Matabele War
Bembezi Battle of Bembezi (Zimbabwe)
Date 1 November 1893 Location Bembezi, Southern Rhodesia Result Decisive British victory
Belligerents
United Kingdom British South Africa Company	Ndebele Kingdom
Commanders and leaders
Maj.Patrick William Forbes	King Lobengula
Units involved
700 British soldiers 5 Maxim guns 3 other rapid-fire guns 2 cannons	8,000 spearmen 2,000 riflemen
Casualties and losses
Unknown	2,500 Ndebele

The Battle of Bembezi, that took place on 1 November 1893, was the most decisive battle won by the British in the First Matabele War of 1893.

The British 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 British Maxim guns proved superior to Ndebele numbers. After heavy losses, the Ndebele began retreat. Roughly 2,500 Ndebele were killed.

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

References

• "The decisive Battle of Bembesi (Bembasi) is fought in the First Matabele War (Ndebele), Zimbabwe | South African History Online". Sahistory.org.za. 2013-10-31. Retrieved 2017-09-22.

Sources