Battle of the Shangani

Battle of the Shangani
Part of the First Matabele War
An illustration of the battle by Richard Caton Woodville Jr.
Date 25 October 1893 Location Shangani River Result Company victory
Belligerents
British South Africa Company	Ndebele Kingdom
Commanders and leaders
Patrick William Forbes	Manonda † Mjaan
Strength
700 5 Maxim guns 3 other rapid-fire guns 2 cannons	5,000
Casualties and losses
4 killed	1,500 killed

The Battle of the Shangani took place on 25 October 1893 during the First Matabele War in what is now Zimbabwe. A British South Africa Company column led by Major Patrick William Forbes was attacked during night by a large force of Ndebele Kingdom warriors. Equipped with superior weaponry, the column, consisting of British South Africa Police troopers and African auxiliaries, repulsed them with a heavy loss of life to the Ndebele force. The battle is noted for being the first battle in which the Maxim gun played an important role.