Unit information

The Natal Native Contingent was formed by the GOC for the Zulu War of 1879 from Natal Natives under white officers and N.C.O.s. The men carried native arms with 10 per cent rifles. The original three regiments of seven battalions in all were reduced to five battalions after Isandhlwana, many of the NCOs going to Lonsdale’s Horse. In some battalions a few men were mounted and were used as scouts. Tylden says 'The fighting value of the men was very low.’ Coloured hatbands were the only uniform issued. Corporal Schiess of the 3rd Regiment, won the VC at Rorke’s Drift, whilst the future General Lukin, Commander of the South African Brigade in France in 1916, also served in the contingent. 100 Medals were awarded to the Natal Native Contingent, 8 of them with ‘1877-8-9’ clasp and 46 of them with the ‘1879’ clasp.