Prologue: A Telegram From The Front
To The Secretary of State for War January 23rd 1009
I regret to report a very disastrous engagement which took place on the morning of the 22nd January between the armies of the Zebra King, Caesar, and our own Number 3 Column, consisting of five companies of the 1st Battalion 24th Regiment of Hoof (South Hoofington Borderers) and one company of the 2nd Battalion. A total of nearly 1500 ponies, both officers and other ranks. The Zebras, in overwhelming numbers, launched a highly disciplined offensive on the slopes of the mountain Isandlwana. In spite of gallant resistance the column was completely annihilated.
The fate of the garrison at the mission station 'Braeburn's Drift' is as yet unknown however it is expected that they perished in the aftermath of the battle at Isandlwana.
- Lieutenant-General Cupcake
