- Colonial Wars Series: Zulu War Range: The British Army Collection
- Approximately 2.25” tall (54 mm)
- 5x highly detailed historically accurate plastic figures
- Figures are nnpainted requiring minor assembly. Figures in sealed plastic bags.
- Packaged in a box. Box dimensions: 8.2” L x 5.9” W x 1.7” H
- Recommend for hobbyists and miniature gamers 14 years and above.
The Anglo-Zulu War was fought in 1879 between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom. Following the passing of the British North America Act of 1867 forming a federation in Canada, Lord Carnarvon thought that a similar political effort, coupled with military campaigns, might lead to a ruling white minority over a black majority, which would provide a large pool of cheap labour for the British sugar plantations and mines, encompassing the African Kingdoms, tribal areas and Boer republics into South Africa. In 1874, Sir Bartle Frere was sent to South Africa as High Commissioner for the British Empire to effect such plans. Among the obstacles were the armed independent states of the South African Republic and the Kingdom of Zululand.
The British 1st King's Dragoon Guards played a significant role during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. As a prestigious cavalry regiment, the Dragoons were equipped with the iconic sun helmets and red uniforms that distinguished British forces of the era. Though primarily heavy cavalry, they often served in mounted reconnaissance and skirmishing roles during the campaign. One of the regiment's notable moments came during the capture of Chief Chatseo, a Zulu leader. This event took place following the British victory at the Battle of Ulundi, the final major confrontation of the war. The King's Dragoon Guards, alongside other British forces, tracked down and captured Chatseo, which helped to break remaining Zulu resistance.
This Expeditionary Force boxed set contains 5x unpainted 54mm scale plastic model British 1st King’s Dragoon Guards wearing badge Sun-Helmets with Pugri .
A puggaree (pugri) is a cloth band, often made of cotton or muslin, that was wrapped around the base of a British sun helmet. It served both a practical and decorative purpose. In hot climates like those in colonial campaigns such as the Anglo-Zulu War, the puggaree helped to insulate the helmet and improve ventilation, keeping soldiers cooler under the intense sun. The puggaree became a standard feature on many British sun helmets during the 19th and early 20th centuries, symbolizing the colonial military uniform.
Note: The models are made from non-phthalate plastics and tested for compliance with toy safety regulations. Please note the actual content of the box-set may contain minor variations from the photographs.
