The Natal Carbineers Regiment traces its roots to 1854 but it was formally raised on 15 January 1855. Since its inception, the Natal Carbineers have participated in every campaign in KwaZulu-Natal. Their baptism of fire came during the Langalibalele Rebellion in 1873 where they suffered their first casualties in the Drakensberg action.

Subsequently during the Anglo-Zulu War, the Carbineers suffered heavy losses at the Battle of Isandlwana on 22 January 1879.
The Carbineers who were out at the front of the Zulu attack unfortunately running low on ammunition had to withdraw into the main camp, thereby exposing “G” Company’s right flank beside them. Lieutenant Pope on Durnford’s left would have had no choice but to also retire, thus exposing Wardell’s flank, and so on. The result was a collapse of the line and a precipitate retirement towards the high ground at the rear.

The Zulu’s wasted no time in exploiting this gap and rushed into the camp killing everyone they could find including many of the camp animals and pets and then looting the camp for anything of value.
This military disaster was one of the greatest defeats for a European army at the hands of native African forces.

SFA040A Kneeling firing Carbineer (100 x Pte)
SFA040B Kneeling firing Carbineer (50 x Lance Cpl)
SFA040C Kneeling firing Carbineer (50 x Cpl)