Rorke's Drift: A timeline (w/ drone shots)

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  • čas přidán 30. 06. 2021
  • The Battle of Rorke's Drift, is one of the most famous and celebrated British battles of the Victorian era. Eleven Victoria Crosses were won in the course of that small, bloody battle. Hundreds of brave Zulu warriors were killed as they attempted to storm the small British mission station on the Buffalo River. Here is the story of that day, told by Christian Parkinson using recent video footage of the actual battlefield as it looks in 2021.
    If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: www.redcoathistory.com
    If you are very generous, you can also buy me a coffee and help support the channel via ko-fi.com/redcoathistory

Komentáře • 566

  • @paulhall170
    @paulhall170 Před 2 lety +294

    When I joined the Australian Army in 1972 they marched us off to the camp theatre, and showed us a movie; it was "Zulu". The explanation was "This is how a small group of well-trained soldiers respond to overwhelming odds in battle". A couple of years later a small group of well-trained Australian soldiers beat off over 1,000 VietCong in the battle of Long Tan...

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Před 2 lety +14

      Hi Paul, that's a great story - thanks for sharing.

    • @rustykilt
      @rustykilt Před 2 lety +5

      As a cadet in Waverley College in 1970, we were shown the same movie when at Camp.

    • @johna2575
      @johna2575 Před 2 lety +20

      Sorry Paul, Long Tan was 6 years earlier.

    • @Ignaciofinger
      @Ignaciofinger Před 2 lety +4

      The Viet Cong were based

    • @tobylennon8913
      @tobylennon8913 Před 2 lety +4

      Think that's been made into a film now. Best wishes

  • @spokest
    @spokest Před 2 lety +132

    I grew up in SA, and when my son was born here in England, I gave him the middle name 'Rorke'. When he was 13 I took him to Rorke's Drift to complete the story for him.

  • @garycope4830
    @garycope4830 Před 2 lety +69

    A friend and neighbour of mine is a William Hitch, a relative of private Hitch. He has a Zulu assagai that Frederick brought back from the battle as a souvenir and has been passed down the family. It's quite strange to handle the weapon knowing its history. Many thanks for the video.

  • @notwocdivad
    @notwocdivad Před 2 lety +53

    It is interesting to note that the British at Rorke's Drift started the battle with 34 boxes of .450 inch Boxer cartridges, at the end they were down to 6 boxes! With the rounds left in their pouches each man had 100 rounds left, (12,000 in total) In 5 hours of fighting the men had used 25,000 rounds or 42 rounds an hour per man, Excellent fire discipline!!

    • @jackoneal7186
      @jackoneal7186 Před 2 lety +3

      Trained soldiers,

    • @grahamy3400
      @grahamy3400 Před 2 lety +5

      Any reports of jamming with black powder fouling and action taken to clean the Martini Henries during the fighting?

    • @philipambler3825
      @philipambler3825 Před 2 lety +1

      Boxer Henry Miracle of reliability. Proven beyond argument

    • @bigdirtyred
      @bigdirtyred Před rokem +2

      They were single shot rifles. 42 an hour us pretty good

    • @BrendonChase2012
      @BrendonChase2012 Před rokem

      @@bigdirtyred Maybe for muskets, but the Martini-Henry in trained hands could be used effectively ten times per minute. I believe three rounds per minute was the preferred number for volley firing.

  • @fatblokeinlycra
    @fatblokeinlycra Před rokem +16

    Thanks for this overview. My grandad’s cousin, John Fielding (John Williams) fought in the hospital and won the Victoria Cross. I was lucky enough to visit Rorke’s Drift during the 2009 British Lions tour to RSA and was overwhelmed to visit both battle sites and this video brings it all back.

  • @davidhovey6045
    @davidhovey6045 Před 2 lety +64

    Brave men on both sides. Glad to see the buildings restored. Would love to visit some day. Actually stand in this sacred place

    • @geoffbrown1518
      @geoffbrown1518 Před 2 lety +2

      Had the experience of actually standing at the place

  • @andygeorgeparkinson2515
    @andygeorgeparkinson2515 Před 3 lety +68

    Amazed at how small the area of the battle is , these aerial views really brought this home.

  • @glennshark4487
    @glennshark4487 Před 2 lety +16

    The movie Zulu depicts the battle being fought during the daylight hours (my favorite movie). This excellant narrative describes the battle being fought during the PM hours. Apparently most of the battle was at night which made this battle even tougher for the British. Great video.

    • @OutnBacker
      @OutnBacker Před rokem

      Remember that SA is in the southern hemisphere, and was fought in January, which is high summer there. Also, SA is actually pretty far north of the south pole. Thus, at 9 or 10 o'clock pm, there would have been plenty of ambient light.

  • @errolhooker747
    @errolhooker747 Před 2 lety +8

    Some years ago, when I was a table top wargamer, I replayed this battle. The end result was almost the same as what happened in real life. I wish I could attach the photo of the table.

  • @JamesThomas-gg6il
    @JamesThomas-gg6il Před 3 lety +72

    I can just imagine the fear of the men trapped there with that huge force of Zulus scrambling around and on them all day and evening. They had no choice but to fight or die. Wow, do not know for sure how i would have handled it. A better time for braver men there never was.

    • @4thamendment237
      @4thamendment237 Před 3 lety +15

      The fear must have been intense. You're 8,000 miles from home and about a million miles from help. And this is combat 1879 South Africa style -- up close, very personal, and no quarter. If you're lucky you won't suffer much before you die. And here they come "thick as grass and black as hell!" That's when you find out. When you find out what you're made of and what the men around you are made of. "Valor is a gift. Those who have it don't know they have it until the test comes." -- Carl Sandburg. This kind of Valor, from another place and time. But Valor like this is timeless -- "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. On 2-3 June 1944, at 1:00 A.M., Pvt. Christian elected to sacrifice his life in order that his comrades might extricate themselves from an ambush. Braving massed fire of about 60 riflemen, three machine guns, and three tanks from positions only 30 yards distant, he stood erect and signaled to the patrol to withdraw. The whole area was brightly illuminated by enemy flares.
      Although his right leg was severed above the knee by cannon fire, Pvt. Christian advanced on his left knee and the bloody stump of his right thigh, firing his submachine gun. Despite excruciating pain, Pvt. Christian continued on his self-assigned mission. He succeeded in distracting the enemy and enabled his 12 comrades to escape.
      He killed three enemy soldiers almost at once. Leaving a trail of blood behind him, he made his way forward 20 yards, halted at a point within 10 yards of the enemy, and despite intense fire killed a machine-pistol man.
      Reloading his weapon, he fired directly into the enemy position. The enemy appeared enraged at the success of his ruse, concentrated 20-mm machine-gun, machine-pistol and rifle fire on him, yet he refused to seek cover.
      Maintaining his erect position, Pvt. Christian fired his weapon to the very last. Just as he emptied his submachine gun, the enemy bullets found their mark and Pvt. Christian slumped forward dead. The courage and spirit of self-sacrifice displayed by this soldier were an inspiration to his comrades and are keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces."

    • @daistoke1314
      @daistoke1314 Před 2 lety +5

      @@4thamendment237 I watched Jeremy Clarkson recently on a documentary about VC winner at Arnhem., it's on CZcams, I know I'd have been curled up calling for mommy, while that bloke did things I would dream of doing. Same as now as then, some men do what they do.

    • @notwocdivad
      @notwocdivad Před 2 lety +6

      With no disrespect to the men of Rorke's Drift, the army at the time had it's fair share of men who were given the Jail or Army choice by magistrates! a lot, but certainly not all, were from the slums of London and other cities and were as tough as old boots BEFORE joining the army! They had grown up fighting to survive in the back streets so this was maybe not as traumatic to them as some?

    • @APersonOnYouTubeX
      @APersonOnYouTubeX Před 2 lety +2

      ZULUS ATTACK

    • @82luft49
      @82luft49 Před 2 lety +1

      @@4thamendment237 My God, beautifly written, your commentary held me speelbound

  • @philbond9816
    @philbond9816 Před 2 lety +10

    I visited on 22nd January 1989, my birthday. It looks very different now as was still a school when I visited. The atmosphere was still papable of what had happened here and at Isandlwana. I traveled around Natal on an 1100 Kawasaki and some of the locals were quite surprised by my presence. I got invited to supper by a Zulu family and we sat in a Kraal and ate pap and vleis. I stayed at the Babanango Hotel and drank way too much Cane and Coke one night. Great memories of Natal, the silence or lack of ambient noise always stunned me.

  • @ronti2492
    @ronti2492 Před 2 lety +10

    For any viewers wanting to complete a Rourke's Drift 'loop, may I suggest the Royal Welsh museum in Brecon, South Wales is well worth a visit. (I was there a week ago )
    The battalion that fought at Rourke's drift was eventually amalgamated into the Royal Welsh ( not Welch, which I think is a different regiment) hence this museum has a big focus on this unit and that battle. On speaking to the gent who was the volunteer running the museum that day, he showed me what he considered to be the most historical object in the museum: a chair from the original mission station hospital that somehow survived the inferno and got brought back to Wales. Interestingly also , his comment was that Dalton, who was actually a civvy contractor, an ex-SNCO , and not a serving member at the time, was the main brains behind the defence, not Bromhead or Chard. (You reference Dalton quite early in your excellent video). The museum is packed with memorabilia that documents the entire history of the regiment to the present day, including an alarmed, safe room with a large assortment of weapons.
    The Royal Welsh are currently deployed to Estonia, and are armoured infantry in Warrior AFV's. 'Zulu' was one of the movies which made a big impression on me as a teenager, and which encouraged me to join the military, where I still serve ( just!)
    Thankyou for a professional ,informative, innovative video.

    • @johnroche7541
      @johnroche7541 Před 2 lety +1

      The regiment that fought at Rorkes Drift was the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and not the South Wales Borderers as the film "Zulu" erroneously depicts. The trading post was named after James Rourke an Irishman. Due to British pronunciation of his surname it became Anglicised to Rorke as in "fork".

    • @giovannimaria
      @giovannimaria Před 10 měsíci

      ​@@johnroche7541kn

  • @fnln544
    @fnln544 Před 2 lety +25

    The aerial view and narrative of the battle is incredible. Blessings to the 'Red Coats' and supportive soldiers.
    An army soldier of America; an incredible battle for all indeed. We learn this battle, both sides, in officer candidate school.

  • @brianfreeman8290
    @brianfreeman8290 Před 2 lety +9

    I'd love to visit, but am getting old now. However, the museum in Brecon must be highly recommended. Standing next to the standard that the two soldiers tried to save, made me cry.

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Před 2 lety +2

      Thanks for sharing that moment, Brian. I really appreciate you opening up.

    • @barry6482
      @barry6482 Před 2 lety +2

      Just reading your comment is making my eyes water to, I find I'm becoming more emotional as I get older, small things like your comment can trigger it.

  • @nicholasbloom2414
    @nicholasbloom2414 Před 2 lety +13

    I have visited Rorke's drift twice and was blown away at the vulnerability of the position. If you ever travel to South Africa I would highly recommend the trip to Isandlwanda and Rorke's drift

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Před 2 lety

      I agree - it is a must visit for any tourists with even the slightest interest in military history.

  • @ptauagpt
    @ptauagpt Před 2 lety +4

    Had to be a scary scene for the British soldiers. How well they endured the onslaught ....and then Won The Battle !!!! All brave young men !!!!

  • @stevebeckerman4214
    @stevebeckerman4214 Před rokem +4

    Just got back from our trip to Zulu Nyala. I had to make the drive to Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. Just a feeling of awe at both battlefields.

  • @JohnEboy73
    @JohnEboy73 Před 2 lety +8

    I visited Rorkes Drift just after Christmas 2019 when it is the height of Summer. Was extremely hot and the grass was taller and had a brown/yellow colour. Great drive getting there and back from Durban too!.

  • @welshwarrior5263
    @welshwarrior5263 Před 3 lety +16

    Amazing presentation and scenes from above. Thank you so much for sharing.

  • @jmurray212
    @jmurray212 Před 3 lety +27

    Very well done. As others have commented, the aerial views shows the small size of the area far better than a static map. Your concise comments, with just enough inflection add to the urgency of the event. (Jack Hawkins, I forgot about him, always more a Heart of Oak RN type for me). Finally, I’d venture that most people coming to this subject are quite conversant with the ‘Who’s who’, hence the drone and site markers are the stars of the show.

  • @sopwithpuppy
    @sopwithpuppy Před 2 lety +13

    I have never seen the actual land on which this battle was fought. Fascinating to actually see the terrain (though of course it must have altered a little). But I thoroughly enjoyed this. Thank you.

  • @swaldron5558
    @swaldron5558 Před 2 lety +2

    I’ve watched Zulu film in local cinema when I was 9 years old, never forget the climate, colour and sound, so hopefully I’ll go there one day. Great video story!

  • @nicksinyc
    @nicksinyc Před 2 lety +1

    Zulu was a great movie. I have watched it more times than I can count

  • @brucebisbey9554
    @brucebisbey9554 Před 2 lety +3

    Brilliant, thanks for doing and sharing!

  • @bobmorganz
    @bobmorganz Před 2 lety +7

    Visited there and were given a tour by a young Zulu history grad. Respected all the warriors! Haunting.

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Před 2 lety

      Was it a cool guy called Brian?

    • @bobmorganz
      @bobmorganz Před 2 lety

      @@redcoathistory Can’t remember - our man has probably moved on since we were there.

  • @pierremainstone-mitchell8290

    Thank you very much for a most informative video! If my, now elderly, memory from my 10yrs in the Australian Army Reserve is correct, the Australian Army bought enough 16mm copies of the film "Zulu" (quite expensive at the time) to ensure that for a period of at least 10yrs, every recruit who joined the Australian Army (Regular & Reserve) saw "Zulu" as part of their recruit course!

  • @michaelmuir4548
    @michaelmuir4548 Před 3 lety +17

    Excellent as always. Thanks so much for this. I've just finished the book Zulu Rising (Ian Knight) and having never been there this really helped. Keep up the great work.

  • @alexbowman7582
    @alexbowman7582 Před 2 lety +32

    I actually took part in this battle. When I say I took part what I mean is I was an extra in August 1982 of the Monty Python The Meaning Of Life reconstruction of the battle.

    • @Hassle68
      @Hassle68 Před 2 lety +2

      A relation, or so I'm told as I never met him, John Chick took part as well.

    • @ElCrab
      @ElCrab Před 2 lety +2

      I didn’t realize it was supposed to be Rorke’s Drift in Meaning of Life. Interesting.

    • @sambaker8724
      @sambaker8724 Před rokem +1

      Haha, amazing! I was there that day too, just watching from the sidelines. Blanefield, wasn’t it? Or Strathblane? Somewhere in Stirlingshire anyway :)

    • @alexbowman7582
      @alexbowman7582 Před rokem

      @sambaker8724 Blanefield I think.

    • @sambaker1045
      @sambaker1045 Před rokem

      @@alexbowman7582 The late Terry Jones was such a gentleman. He and Michael Palin both treated us young fans with such kindness that day. I will never forget the “Zulus” (many of whom were young white Scots on the dole) cursing (in broad Scots accents) the splinters in their feet from running over the heather for the 20th time that day. And the patient make-up artists who had to touch up the boot polish wherever it had rubbed off a leg here or an arm there :)

  • @mcdermg
    @mcdermg Před rokem +3

    Great video, must have read and heard the battle described a thousand times but having the drone footage is great to be able to really visualize it

  • @macdansav1546
    @macdansav1546 Před 2 lety +1

    Thanks for retelling the history and for the amazing footage.

  • @joshuagoering2048
    @joshuagoering2048 Před 3 lety +8

    Awesome as always. Your production values keep getting better. Keep up the excellent work.

  • @lorenrogers9269
    @lorenrogers9269 Před 3 lety +10

    Well done Christian, I truly enjoy your very well researched, excellent videos. Your videos are naturally enhanced by actually being on location`~ and showing and walking the hallowed ground upon which the topic at hand actually occurred. Keep up the good good work!

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Před 3 lety

      Thanks a lot, Loren. I appreciate the kind message.

  • @johnmorrison3409
    @johnmorrison3409 Před 3 lety +13

    Very slick presentation.....appreciate and thoroughly enjoy all your efforts bringing history alive as you do. Thank you!

  • @tillbodd
    @tillbodd Před 2 lety +3

    My wife and I stayed at Isandlwana Lodge some years ago where we met Rob Gerrard - the resident historian there - with whom we spent the day as he recounted the battle of Isandlwana and Rorke's drift. It was as if we were there in 1879 as he brought to life the battle and the appalling leadership of Lord Chelmsford who was led miles away at the other end of the plain of isandlwana by trickery of the Zulu chief. Walking amongst the white stones marking the places where soldiers died and in the little area of rorkes drift made the history come alive.
    Of Rorke's drift, his account and that of this clip are essentially the same but being there made the difference. It seems the leader of the zulu raiding party had been told not to cross the river but disobeyed, perhaps because he needed to blood himself as a warrior leader
    Sadly, Rob Gerrard was murdered a tear or so later in a failed robbery. He was a delightful and engaging man and his death was needless - very sad

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Před 2 lety

      Hi - thanks Bill. Was it perhaps David Rattray you are thinking of? If so he is certainly legend.

    • @jmw5233
      @jmw5233 Před 2 lety +1

      @@redcoathistory No, I think Bill is correct. I too had a guided tour there from Rob Gerrard in our case in 2014. I agree with Bill, he was a very impressive guide to both battlefields. Later I read of his death as a result of a violent robbery.

    • @giovannimaria
      @giovannimaria Před 10 měsíci

      ​@@jmw5233k

  • @jonathanwalker8730
    @jonathanwalker8730 Před 2 lety +3

    Just discovered your channel; have liked and subscribed. Extraordinary that this location is still acknowledged. Great video, mercifully without dramatic vocals or soaring musical soundtrack, and containing the straight reporting of facts. Nice one.

  • @shoutinghorse
    @shoutinghorse Před 2 lety +10

    Otto Witt was much younger than his character in the film Zulu, excellently played by Jack Hawkins, and his wife and infant daughter had already left a few days before. Although Witt is believed to have left on the morning of the battle he himself claimed to have stayed and helped out in the hospital. After the Zulu wars he travelled to England to claim £600 from the British government for the damages caused to his mission (Rorke's Drift) which he by all accounts got, he then apparently toured the country relaying stories of his own derring do during the battle and at Isandlwana where he also claimed to be. All of which appear to have been completely made up.

  • @retriever19golden55
    @retriever19golden55 Před rokem +1

    These overhead timelines are very helpful, thanks!

  • @swapsplat
    @swapsplat Před 2 lety +6

    you really underplayed Hook's heroics in the hospital. He wasn't just guarding interior doors. There were no interior doors. He had to punch through walls with a broken pickaxe and it took 2 hours to get to the final room.

    • @trigger399
      @trigger399 Před 4 měsíci

      Hook did not make the holes in the wall, that was done by Pte John Williams while Hook was keeping the Zulus at bay, but you are correct about Hook's heroics.

  • @brianfreeman8290
    @brianfreeman8290 Před 2 lety

    What a fabulous presentation ! Brilliantly planned and executed.

  • @interestedbystander196
    @interestedbystander196 Před 2 lety +16

    Actually, this looks bigger than I thought. In my mind, these buildings were all a lot closer together...

    • @mazambane286
      @mazambane286 Před 2 lety +1

      Most of what you see here today are not the original buildings. Those were mostly burnt down and otherwise destroyed during the battle.

    • @interestedbystander196
      @interestedbystander196 Před 2 lety +2

      @@mazambane286 Understood, but they'd be rebuilt in the same place, though?

    • @mazambane286
      @mazambane286 Před 2 lety +2

      @@interestedbystander196 Not entirely no. As were the original buildings far more rustic and rudimentary. With thatched roofs.

    • @jeffpeterson3809
      @jeffpeterson3809 Před 2 lety

      @@mazambane286 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
      ,,,,)
      L
      ,,,L

    • @mazambane286
      @mazambane286 Před 2 lety

      @@jeffpeterson3809 ????

  • @nissafors
    @nissafors Před 2 lety +1

    On of my definete "favourite battles" of history. Great movie and greetings from Sweden

  • @jimbojet8728
    @jimbojet8728 Před 2 měsíci

    Very very good. My Welsh countrymen served us proud, and Chard an old Sapper as I am, led them. Zulu Warriors, were a phenomenal adversary, what a fantastic history fought out by proud men alone! Thanks for the vid, I have enjoyed it.

  • @alistairmcgregor8820
    @alistairmcgregor8820 Před rokem +1

    I read somewhere that had the Zulus used their assegais to cut the mealie bags open thus emptying the contents and removing them as obstacles there might have been a different outcome.

  • @timmo491
    @timmo491 Před 2 lety +3

    Dalton is the unsung hero of the whole RD action. As an experienced soldier on the verge of retirement it was his recommendation to split the camp and create the redoubt. On the 24th leaving Africa after the battle Dalton received a personal salute from the Regiment during the march past as he stood in the crowd. He then, as with many heroes, disappeared into retirement and obscurity.

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Před 2 lety

      Hi mate - I have done an entire video on Dalton that you may enjoy - please have a watch 👍🏻💪🏻

    • @timmo491
      @timmo491 Před 2 lety

      @@redcoathistory I will thanks for this video I enjoyed it

    • @daistoke1314
      @daistoke1314 Před 2 lety

      Kipling wrote a poem pointing out that during peace that people thought Tommy was a ruffians Tommy was a thief ( quoting from memory)
      Only in wartime was Tommy a hero
      Tommy being British slang for a soldier.
      Win a medal
      Die in the gutter.

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Před 2 lety

      @@daistoke1314 Like all of Kipling's poems it is very good.

    • @zen4men
      @zen4men Před 2 lety +2

      A wise officer listens to a good NCO, but it is always the officer who carries the ultimate responsibility. ...... Whatever the failings of the 'on the cheap' army that Victorian Britain had, there is no doubt that the officers kept their nerve, were well served by their NCOs, and by their men. ...... Considering the mental shock that the slaughter earlier that day must have been to them, lesser men would have broken.
      Very often, when the challenge is greatest, a man just knows that it is his time to act. ...... RAF Sgt James Ward climbed out onto the wing of a Wellington bomber without a parachute, to put out a fire in the engine. ...... I read of this as a boy, and have never forgotten it. ...... A well-earned VC.

  • @michaelewert8310
    @michaelewert8310 Před 3 lety +2

    Look forward to another future presentation.

  • @Jabber-ig3iw
    @Jabber-ig3iw Před 2 lety +1

    I used to live just up the road from where Lt Chard is buried, paid him a visit to pay my respects.

  • @rmbandy835
    @rmbandy835 Před 2 lety +5

    I think I may have missed it in the commentary but is it mentioned that there were about 150 men, mainly of B Company, 2nd Battalion, 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot v. approx 3000 Zulu?

  • @legaleagle101
    @legaleagle101 Před 3 lety +1

    Thank you for your podcast. I have really enjoyed it!

  • @billrolston5800
    @billrolston5800 Před 2 lety +3

    You are doing excellent work. I really appreciate it

  • @SARHistories
    @SARHistories Před 2 lety +2

    Absolutely loved this video! It was this battle which got me into history. Just subscribed and keep up the great work 👍

  • @davidscott2771
    @davidscott2771 Před 2 lety +2

    Thanks for the great video Redcoat and the drone shots give a completely new perspective to the battle. I've been obsessed with everything Rorke's Drift for almost 30 years but this video revealed a few things I was unaware of so thanks once again.
    Would love to visit Rorke's Drift, Isandlwana and Fugitive's Drift someday.

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Před 2 lety +1

      Cheers, David. I'm glad you liked it. If you ever do come here let me know as I've just qualified as a tour guide.

    • @stevetheduck1425
      @stevetheduck1425 Před 2 lety

      In Rochester Cathedral in Kent, England, in the military corner, there is a brass plaque commemorating one J. R. M. Chard. It's easy to miss.

  • @ronaldwhalen8143
    @ronaldwhalen8143 Před 2 lety +1

    That was well done and much enjoyed. Wish you could do more like this with the other battles that when on during that 24 hour period. Thanks really great job.

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Před 2 lety

      Hi - Ive done a few videos on Isandlwana and Nyezane. I plan on a 'chronology' video like this one about Isandlwana befoire Christmas.

  • @jamiewindridge8782
    @jamiewindridge8782 Před 2 lety +1

    Love to visit this historical battle Field, as I'm relative to Sgt Windridge as mentioned in movie.

  • @hoopie5000
    @hoopie5000 Před 2 lety +1

    Thank you so much. I'm fascinated by this battle and the men who fought it. Have many books on the subject. All photos I have are black and white and It is on my bucket list to visit some day hopefully. To see the real time colour aerial camera videos and photos in this has given me a new insite into what it was like there.

  • @craigrobertson6082
    @craigrobertson6082 Před 2 lety

    Excellent. I was always fascinated by the story, which only increased with time, age and a visit to Africa. New sub!

  • @82luft49
    @82luft49 Před 2 lety +1

    This nine and a half minute video was more compelling then the movie. Well done Redcoat

    • @82luft49
      @82luft49 Před 2 lety

      Btw Very impressed with your work, I subscribed

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Před 2 lety

      @@82luft49 Thanks a lot - I'm really glad to hear that.

  • @justonecornetto80
    @justonecornetto80 Před 2 lety +1

    Very interesting video. It really offers a great perspective on the near hopeless situation faced by those soldiers.
    It's almost criminal that you don't have more subs.

  • @sevesellors2831
    @sevesellors2831 Před 2 lety +2

    Great report very slick and interesting.

  • @armstrongcuster9262
    @armstrongcuster9262 Před 2 lety +1

    Very nicely presented! Very instructive!

  • @Olleetheowl
    @Olleetheowl Před 2 lety +3

    Excellent Video. Very informative, well presented. Enjoyed it immensely 😊

  • @WhatWeDoChannel
    @WhatWeDoChannel Před 2 lety +4

    What a great video! I have subscribed! Zulu is probably my favourite movie of all time!

  • @mrblue1970
    @mrblue1970 Před 9 měsíci +1

    The tragic story of how most of these heroic souls ended up is a damn shame.

    • @becky2235
      @becky2235 Před 6 měsíci

      Still seems to happen to soldiers now sadly

  • @gordontyree9858
    @gordontyree9858 Před 2 lety +1

    Visiting Rourke’s Drift is on my bucket list, as well as Thermopylae in Greece, of 300 Spartan fame. Awesome video! Well done!

  • @peterrooke5336
    @peterrooke5336 Před 2 měsíci

    Another winner Chris, well done 👍

  • @ericdenoorman1188
    @ericdenoorman1188 Před rokem +1

    Excellent!!

  • @buddyhek
    @buddyhek Před 2 měsíci +2

    Private Robert Jones VC is buried in our village cemetery, he comitted suicide years after, having never come to terms mentally with the aftermath.

  • @alonsocushing2263
    @alonsocushing2263 Před 3 lety

    Well done. A great new view of the Drift.

  • @stevedownie5751
    @stevedownie5751 Před 2 lety +7

    Frederick Hitch also got a VC for the battle of Roke's Drift he is buried in Chiswick Old Cemetery, Having his original VC stolen from his grave

    • @GrrMeister
      @GrrMeister Před 2 lety +1

      Despicable if so

    • @garfieldsmith332
      @garfieldsmith332 Před 2 lety +2

      Reports state it was stolen from him when he was in a hospital. And he had to pay for a replacement. It seems none of the VC winners were taken care of after they left the army. And that is a tragedy.

    • @82luft49
      @82luft49 Před 2 lety +1

      @@garfieldsmith332 Really? What a disgrace

    • @celticminstrel8252
      @celticminstrel8252 Před 2 lety +1

      @@garfieldsmith332 Out lived their usefulness, seems to still be the case.

    • @garfieldsmith332
      @garfieldsmith332 Před 2 lety +1

      @@celticminstrel8252 So true. Same here in Canada. Our liberal government forgets the veterans. As our prime minster said to them "You ask for more than we can give". They did not ask for much, but to him it was too much. Really disgusting.

  • @williamgeoffreyjones3421

    Amazing
    When in South Africa in 1981 I went to Rorkes Drift, Spion Kop and Blood River

  • @ianknight2053
    @ianknight2053 Před 3 lety +1

    Excellent, thank you.

  • @hughsmith4464
    @hughsmith4464 Před 3 lety +1

    Looking forward to this.

  • @davidyasui4103
    @davidyasui4103 Před 2 lety

    Wow! Thank you for the research and video! I didn't realize the small area that combat occurred in. Time line also helped.

  • @Rokosovssky
    @Rokosovssky Před 2 lety +1

    Really interesting.

  • @jamestowell2499
    @jamestowell2499 Před 2 lety +10

    Very enjoyable thank you. I have visited Rorkes Drift many times. Something I have always meant to do but never have is to climb a little way up the side of Shiyane hill. Apparently a few of the soldiers regimental numbers can still be seen carved by them into the rockface there. It may be worth exploring on your next visit.

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Před 2 lety +3

      Thanks James - yes i've explored the caves but sadly never found the engravings...I'll look again next time.

    • @edwardsteel4064
      @edwardsteel4064 Před 2 lety +3

      It’s fantastic. I was warned about snakes up there when I went in my shorts, but didn’t care! You can still see marks in the rocks from the strike of Martini Henry rounds

  • @ml1941
    @ml1941 Před rokem +1

    I had read that some Zulus were positioned on the hill overlooking the station. They had captured British rifles, but they thought the rear sight was a “power meter”, and so they ran it all the way up. Their shots went way over the heads of the British.

  • @lloydfortner1510
    @lloydfortner1510 Před 5 měsíci

    It is one of the battles we studied when I was in the army

  • @jeffbrewer8810
    @jeffbrewer8810 Před 4 dny

    Great video! I doubt I’ll ever get the chance but I’d love to go there someday.

  • @MrDuncanquasar
    @MrDuncanquasar Před 2 lety

    Great work bro! Greetings from Indiana! Really bringing great content Thanks!

  • @mark703
    @mark703 Před 2 lety

    Excellent, that really put it into perspective.

  • @davidduff9348
    @davidduff9348 Před 3 lety +1

    Yet another video from Mr Redcoat that I am looking forward to

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Před 3 lety

      Great - hope you liked it.

    • @davidduff9348
      @davidduff9348 Před 3 lety

      Just watched it again, never get tired of the subject of the zulu war and this is another one of your excellent videos, recommend It to anyone

  • @tonyjedioftheforest1364
    @tonyjedioftheforest1364 Před 2 lety +1

    Very interesting video thank you for sharing.

  • @henrygrey346
    @henrygrey346 Před 2 lety +2

    What insight beautifully presented. While the photography depicted a wonderful area with beautiful sunshine and scenery, things; admittedly were not so serene for the British soldiers present there at the time of the story. How tragic that the Brits were menacingly overwhelmed that day. Even those who perished had some part to play that day even if merely supplying ammo or providing first aid. What a day....

  • @patrickbarrett5650
    @patrickbarrett5650 Před 2 lety

    Excellent, an original idea really well done. 👏🏻

  • @patrickevans3797
    @patrickevans3797 Před 2 lety

    The movie with Peter o'toole is gripping I first saw it when young, well done movie for both nationalities involved

  • @stephenmcdonald664
    @stephenmcdonald664 Před 6 měsíci

    Thanks for posting this excellent video. I'm a long time student of the Anglo-Zulu War, however I'm disabled and will never go to SA to see the battlefield, so I appreciate this video. Recently I purchased the book mentioned in this video. It's a good read. Also suggest these books: "Zulu Frontiersman", and "Soutrh African Campaign of 1879". Cheers from Canada.

  • @paulryan2081
    @paulryan2081 Před 2 lety +1

    Victory at Rorkes Drift was indeed impressive. Worth remembering that the British were massacred earlier in the day at Isandlwana.

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Před 2 lety

      First I've heard about it - what happened?

    • @paulryan2081
      @paulryan2081 Před 2 lety +1

      @@redcoathistory
      🤔 As you well know. What happened at RD was a last minute consolation goal in what was otherwise a 10 nil drubbing. RD is (and was at the time) conveniently used by historians to gloss over the slaughter at Isandlwana.
      Don't get me wrong RD was inspiring and Zulu is a great film but it would be good if some context was made.

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Před 2 lety

      @@paulryan2081 Hi Paul, if you require context feel free to watch my many videos on Isandlwana - it's impossible to go back over all the details for every video. There is always someone upset that something is missing but its best to watch my entire video series as they are meant to compliment one another. Cheers for watching and keep in touch.

    • @johnroche7541
      @johnroche7541 Před 2 lety +1

      Valid point you make Paul but Zulu KIA at Isandlawana were estimated at 1,000 to 1,500 warriors. They paid a heavy price too for the victory. Another battle took place the same day as Isandlawana and Rorkes Drift and that is the Battle of Nyezane River where Zulu KIA is estimated at 300 to 600. Modern historians estimate that Zulu KIA from these 3 battles(Isandlawana,Rorkes Drift,Nyezane River) in the opening 48 hours of the Anglo-Zulu War is 2,500 to 3,000 warriors. The Zulu army was estimated at 20,000 to 25,000 before the commencement of hostilities. When Cetswayo heard of the casualties from these 3 battles he said something along the lines "A great assegai has been thrust into the heart of the nation".

  • @craiglewis8981
    @craiglewis8981 Před 2 lety +1

    Would love to visit there one day.
    One of the British Defenders is buried in my town. Private John Williams VC . Always been fascinated by the battle.

  • @Philiia
    @Philiia Před rokem

    Excellent presentation. I have tried to follow the battle through film and video presentation but this is much easier to follow 😁

  • @Bullseyearchery
    @Bullseyearchery Před 6 měsíci

    It was the 100th year anniversary of the battle on my 16th birthday 22/01/1979.
    I've always been fascinated with the history of this battle.

  • @brianford8493
    @brianford8493 Před 2 lety

    Made my morning that 👌🏼

  • @alwatt9367
    @alwatt9367 Před 2 lety

    Very well made.. Very professional video

  • @martinjohnson9517
    @martinjohnson9517 Před 2 lety +2

    Loving all the videos to do with the Anglo zulu war one of my favorite periods in British Military History. The Ariel footage is awesome.Keep up the great work..

  • @clivesimpson-wells5952

    Great , Well inspiring , thank you .......

  • @declanoleary1
    @declanoleary1 Před 2 lety +1

    A great episode.The footage from the actual site gives new insights to this epic event.

  • @geoffjones4285
    @geoffjones4285 Před 11 měsíci

    I went to Islandwana, Rorkes Drift and Blood River in 1981
    Pilgrimage started after watching Zulu in 1964

  • @jasonbromhead5257
    @jasonbromhead5257 Před 2 lety +1

    Excellent presentation.

  • @jmc0075
    @jmc0075 Před 2 lety

    Brilliant loved this.

  • @martinbarrett6249
    @martinbarrett6249 Před 3 lety +1

    One of my favourite topics to listen to

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Před 3 lety

      Cheers, martin - hope you enjoyed this video .

    • @martinbarrett6249
      @martinbarrett6249 Před 3 lety

      @@redcoathistory I really enjoyed that Chris, excellent production too. Thanks for that, keep them coming!

  • @philipswain4122
    @philipswain4122 Před 2 lety

    Excellent

  • @neilgriffiths6427
    @neilgriffiths6427 Před 2 lety +3

    The most amazing and tragic day of the British Empire's history, perhaps?