the British in the laager repulsed at least three assaults ...however the rescuing force lost valuable time dealing with the scouts on the rocky ground and didn't arrive early. The cavalry tried desperately to repulse the Zulus, but then another impi [the elite white shields] charged and overwhelmed them. The British commander decided that nothing could be done and retreated leaving the defenders alone... A terrible day for the British. The Zulus had great casualties but they had won the day...