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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!
@@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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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
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!.
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.
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!
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.
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."
@@4thamendment237 I watched Jeremy Clarkson recently on a documentary about VC winner at Arnhem., it's on RUclips, 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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
Was there there in January 2017 and left a cross in memory to the fallen made of ww1 shrapnel which I collected from the Somme, with a poppy on it, and some engraving on the top and bottom base,, would you know if it’s still there??? Graham jones, great sutton, England
@@grahamjones630 I checked my video footage from my last visit and I couldn't see it but that doesn't mean that it isn't there as my shot was quick and didn't show the whole area. I will check again next time I go.
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.
Definitely Subbed and its on my Bucket list to go there.. After year of the film and my family's love of History. Also watching Zulu Dawn from the 70s as to the start. Its wonderful to see it still there.
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?
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
@@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.
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.
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.
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.
Another fantastic video. I was surprised to hear about Major Spalding who rode to Helpmekaar in the afternoon to warn the garrison that Isandlwana had fallen. Surely Spalding would have returned to Rorke's Drift with reinforcements during the evening in time but doesn't look like he did?
What of the column that finally relieved them? You said they came from Isldwhana(misspelled?) as well, but had not been part of that battle? How did that occur? I am not doubting, just unversed on the subject.
@@Svensk7119 The camp at Isandhlwana was just a base camp and Chelmsford lead the bulk of the forces forward deeper into Zululand, leaving it somewhat thinly defended. When the Zulus attacked, he was half a days march away. Didn't arrive at Isand. until late at night, long after it was over.
@@Svensk7119 There's a good book called Custer and the Sioux, Durnford and the Zulu, by Paul Williams (McFarland Press). It doesn't go into the battles, that's done in detail in many other books, but compares the two men, who had a great deal in common, including boundless courage and faith in their units
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..
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....
Visited there and Isandlwana in 2012. Dream come true. Visited the Shaka sites too and Breaker Morant’s grave in Pretoria. Lots of amazing British/Australian history in SA.
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.
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.
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.
@@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 :)
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.
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.
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.
My great grandad and his brother were in the boar war, not saying they were at Rorkes Drift, I have 6 trench art pin cushions they made, and a bull can opener, both returned safe and went on to marry 2. sisters.
I highly recommend: Sheldon Hall Zulu With Some Guts Behind It: The Making of the Epic Movie. I was 14 when the movie came out and I sat transfixed for four straight showings of the film one Saturday. When I started collecting toy soldiers in the early 90’s - the first ones purchased were of the 24th foot. In 2000 I had the wry great honor of leading my rugby team on the field against Brecon RFC,Wales and being made an honorary member of the 24th, complete with pith helmet.
Those that ran away, is there any information on what happened to them, besides the one that was shot? We were actually going to visit the area next week but it's just too hot and humid at the moment, will try again in winter.
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...
Hi Paul, that's a great story - thanks for sharing.
As a cadet in Waverley College in 1970, we were shown the same movie when at Camp.
Sorry Paul, Long Tan was 6 years earlier.
The Viet Cong were based
Think that's been made into a film now. Best wishes
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.
That's beautiful 👍🏻💪🏻
Why?
@@Stantheman848 probably to explain why he got bullied at school
@@patnavchatnav9634 lol
@@patnavchatnav9634Good one lol
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.
Thats very interesting, thanks for sharing the info
A true hero.
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.
Amazed at how small the area of the battle is , these aerial views really brought this home.
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.
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.
Brave men on both sides. Glad to see the buildings restored. Would love to visit some day. Actually stand in this sacred place
Had the experience of actually standing at the place
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.
Thanks for sharing that moment, Brian. I really appreciate you opening up.
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.
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!!
Trained soldiers,
Any reports of jamming with black powder fouling and action taken to clean the Martini Henries during the fighting?
Boxer Henry Miracle of reliability. Proven beyond argument
They were single shot rifles. 42 an hour us pretty good
@@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.
Amazing presentation and scenes from above. Thank you so much for sharing.
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.
Wow what a wonderful trip!
The ZRX?
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.
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.
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".
@@johnroche7541kn
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
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 !!!!
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
I agree - it is a must visit for any tourists with even the slightest interest in military history.
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!.
9oo
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.
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.
Thanks a lot - I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Zulu was a great movie. I have watched it more times than I can count
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!
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.
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."
@@4thamendment237 I watched Jeremy Clarkson recently on a documentary about VC winner at Arnhem., it's on RUclips, 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.
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?
ZULUS ATTACK
@@4thamendment237 My God, beautifly written, your commentary held me speelbound
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.
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.
Thanks, Michael
Brilliant, thanks for doing and sharing!
Cheers, Bruce.
Just watched Zulu … thought I’d educate myself this afternoon … I felt like a sponge watching that… very good 10 MINS mate!
On of my definete "favourite battles" of history. Great movie and greetings from Sweden
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.
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.
Very slick presentation.....appreciate and thoroughly enjoy all your efforts bringing history alive as you do. Thank you!
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!
Thanks a lot, Loren. I appreciate the kind message.
This nine and a half minute video was more compelling then the movie. Well done Redcoat
Btw Very impressed with your work, I subscribed
@@82luft49 Thanks a lot - I'm really glad to hear that.
These overhead timelines are very helpful, thanks!
Awesome as always. Your production values keep getting better. Keep up the excellent work.
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!
Love to visit this historical battle Field, as I'm relative to Sgt Windridge as mentioned in movie.
Thanks for retelling the history and for the amazing footage.
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.
OK ml
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.
Was there there in January 2017 and left a cross in memory to the fallen made of ww1 shrapnel which I collected from the Somme, with a poppy on it, and some engraving on the top and bottom base,, would you know if it’s still there???
Graham jones, great sutton, England
A nice gesture, graham. I'm afraid I am not sure if it is still there - where exactly did you put it?
Hello thanks for your reply I left it on the white memorial in the grave yard???? Regards graham
@@grahamjones630 I checked my video footage from my last visit and I couldn't see it but that doesn't mean that it isn't there as my shot was quick and didn't show the whole area. I will check again next time I go.
Visiting Rourke’s Drift is on my bucket list, as well as Thermopylae in Greece, of 300 Spartan fame. Awesome video! Well done!
Awesome! Thank you!
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.
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.
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.
Definitely Subbed and its on my Bucket list to go there.. After year of the film and my family's love of History. Also watching Zulu Dawn from the 70s as to the start. Its wonderful to see it still there.
You should, its a great spot and well worth a visit.
What a great video! I have subscribed! Zulu is probably my favourite movie of all time!
Awesome! Thank you!
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?
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.
Thanks James - yes i've explored the caves but sadly never found the engravings...I'll look again next time.
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
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.
Look forward to another future presentation.
Visited there and were given a tour by a young Zulu history grad. Respected all the warriors! Haunting.
Was it a cool guy called Brian?
@@redcoathistory Can’t remember - our man has probably moved on since we were there.
You are doing excellent work. I really appreciate it
Thanks, Bill.
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.
I hope you get here one day, Craig.
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.
Thanks, mate. Appreciate that.
What a fabulous presentation ! Brilliantly planned and executed.
Great report very slick and interesting.
Amazing
When in South Africa in 1981 I went to Rorkes Drift, Spion Kop and Blood River
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.
Hi - Ive done a few videos on Isandlwana and Nyezane. I plan on a 'chronology' video like this one about Isandlwana befoire Christmas.
One of my favourite topics to listen to
Cheers, martin - hope you enjoyed this video .
@@redcoathistory I really enjoyed that Chris, excellent production too. Thanks for that, keep them coming!
Another winner Chris, well done 👍
Excellent. I was always fascinated by the story, which only increased with time, age and a visit to Africa. New sub!
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
Hi - thanks Bill. Was it perhaps David Rattray you are thinking of? If so he is certainly legend.
@@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.
@@jmw5233k
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
Despicable if so
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.
@@garfieldsmith332 Really? What a disgrace
@@garfieldsmith332 Out lived their usefulness, seems to still be the case.
@@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.
A great episode.The footage from the actual site gives new insights to this epic event.
Excellent Video. Very informative, well presented. Enjoyed it immensely 😊
Brilliant - thanks for letting me know.
Great video! I doubt I’ll ever get the chance but I’d love to go there someday.
Private Robert Jones VC is buried in our village cemetery, he comitted suicide years after, having never come to terms mentally with the aftermath.
Wow! Thank you for the research and video! I didn't realize the small area that combat occurred in. Time line also helped.
Glad it was helpful! Cheers, David.
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.
Hi mate - I have done an entire video on Dalton that you may enjoy - please have a watch 👍🏻💪🏻
@@redcoathistory I will thanks for this video I enjoyed it
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.
@@daistoke1314 Like all of Kipling's poems it is very good.
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.
My Africa. Love the land and the people.
Thank you for your podcast. I have really enjoyed it!
Cheers, Doug.
Excellent presentation. I have tried to follow the battle through film and video presentation but this is much easier to follow 😁
Very nicely presented! Very instructive!
Actually, this looks bigger than I thought. In my mind, these buildings were all a lot closer together...
Most of what you see here today are not the original buildings. Those were mostly burnt down and otherwise destroyed during the battle.
@@mazambane286 Understood, but they'd be rebuilt in the same place, though?
@@interestedbystander196 Not entirely no. As were the original buildings far more rustic and rudimentary. With thatched roofs.
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@@jeffpeterson3809 ????
Very interesting video thank you for sharing.
So nice of you, thanks
Another fantastic video. I was surprised to hear about Major Spalding who rode to Helpmekaar in the afternoon to warn the garrison that Isandlwana had fallen. Surely Spalding would have returned to Rorke's Drift with reinforcements during the evening in time but doesn't look like he did?
He tried to return - but his small column assumed the mission station had fallen and they were vulnerable so they returned to Helpmakaar.
What of the column that finally relieved them? You said they came from Isldwhana(misspelled?) as well, but had not been part of that battle? How did that occur? I am not doubting, just unversed on the subject.
@@Svensk7119 The camp at Isandhlwana was just a base camp and Chelmsford lead the bulk of the forces forward deeper into Zululand, leaving it somewhat thinly defended. When the Zulus attacked, he was half a days march away. Didn't arrive at Isand. until late at night, long after it was over.
@@euthydemos Thank you. Other than it all being one column,it sounds very much like Little Big Horn, but on a larger scale.
@@Svensk7119 There's a good book called Custer and the Sioux, Durnford and the Zulu, by Paul Williams (McFarland Press). It doesn't go into the battles, that's done in detail in many other books, but compares the two men, who had a great deal in common, including boundless courage and faith in their units
Absolutely loved this video! It was this battle which got me into history. Just subscribed and keep up the great work 👍
Brilliant thanks for letting me know.
The movie with Peter o'toole is gripping I first saw it when young, well done movie for both nationalities involved
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..
Thanks Martin!
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....
Great work bro! Greetings from Indiana! Really bringing great content Thanks!
Thanks a lot!
Really interesting.
Yet another video from Mr Redcoat that I am looking forward to
Great - hope you liked it.
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
Excellent presentation.
Thanks Jason
Excellent, thank you.
You are welcome!
Visited there and Isandlwana in 2012. Dream come true. Visited the Shaka sites too and Breaker Morant’s grave in Pretoria. Lots of amazing British/Australian history in SA.
H
Great brings back memories when I lived in SA and visited Roarkes Drift many times
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.
I used to live just up the road from where Lt Chard is buried, paid him a visit to pay my respects.
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.
Fantastic - what a memory!
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.
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.
A relation, or so I'm told as I never met him, John Chick took part as well.
I didn’t realize it was supposed to be Rorke’s Drift in Meaning of Life. Interesting.
Haha, amazing! I was there that day too, just watching from the sidelines. Blanefield, wasn’t it? Or Strathblane? Somewhere in Stirlingshire anyway :)
@sambaker8724 Blanefield I think.
@@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 :)
The tragic story of how most of these heroic souls ended up is a damn shame.
Still seems to happen to soldiers now sadly
It is one of the battles we studied when I was in the army
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.
Looking forward to this.
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.
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.
Great , Well inspiring , thank you .......
My great grandad and his brother were in the boar war, not saying they were at Rorkes Drift, I have 6 trench art pin cushions they made, and a bull can opener, both returned safe and went on to marry 2. sisters.
Excellent, that really put it into perspective.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I highly recommend: Sheldon Hall
Zulu With Some Guts Behind It: The Making of the Epic Movie. I was 14 when the movie came out and I sat transfixed for four straight showings of the film one Saturday. When I started collecting toy soldiers in the early 90’s - the first ones purchased were of the 24th foot. In 2000 I had the wry great honor of leading my rugby team on the field against Brecon RFC,Wales and being made an honorary member of the 24th, complete with pith helmet.
Nice one Roger - will look it up.
Those that ran away, is there any information on what happened to them, besides the one that was shot? We were actually going to visit the area next week but it's just too hot and humid at the moment, will try again in winter.
Very well made.. Very professional video