Zulu: Colour Sergeant Frank Bourne - the real story!
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- Опубликовано: 20 янв 2021
- Today is the anniversary of the Battle of Rorke's Drift and it seemed like the perfect day to look at the life of one of the battle's most intriguing characters - Frank Bourne OBE, DCM. During the battle, he was a Colour Sergeant but he was to have a stellar career and be one of the few defenders who achieved his full potential. Watch this film to learn about his life and how realistic Nigel Green's portrayal was in the movie 'Zulu'.
To find out more about the battle you can listen to my podcast here - • Rorke's Drift - The fu...
And you can walk the battlefield with me here - • Anglo-Zulu war: A tour...
"Nobody told you to stop working"
LMFAO. Great comment !
@@srichardson1963 every senior NCO in history has spoken those same words. 🤣
The bloke played him in the film Zulu was brilliant .
The last survivor of that famous defence and dies a day after VE day. Very poignant. What a man and what a hero
It may not be totally accurate, but Nigel Green's portrayal on Sgt. Bourne is still my favourite part of Zulu.
It is great acting and a cracking character I can't disagree Bob.
Bourne had seen action In the Zulu War, seen the end of the Boer War, served in WWI and saw the collapse of the German empire, then saw the end of Hitler's reign and WWII. What a military career that man had. For a "kid", he didn't do bad. :)
He was also the last surviving Rorke's Drift defender.
When he first joined, the breechloading metallic cartridge firing Snider-Enfield was the pinnacle of military technology.
He lived to see the first/only use of nuclear weapons.
That really puts it into perspective
@@sharonrigs7999 While your first statement was correct, he did not actually live to see the only use of nuclear weapons. He died on the 9th of May, 1945.. A day after the war ended in Europe. However, the war continued in the Pacific until the nuclear bombs were finally dropped in August 1945.
Other than that, yeah.. It really does put it into perspective.
I believe that the belt buckle worn by Nigel Green for the film was actually at the real battle. It was loaned to Green by the Grandson of one of the defenders who was an advisor for the film. The Grandson was banished from the film set by Stanley Baker for making the comment " what are all these bloody Welshmen doing here ", as the 24th then was not a Welsh Regiment at the time of the battle
Unbelievable that a filmed interview with him was wiped.
Colour sargent Bourne brilliant feel good story some story's end really tragic but this was great till his end,great stuff.
I think Ian Knight mentioned about Bourne being the youngest Colour Sergeant in his Osprey book on Rorke’s Drift…
What an amazing man he was , from poor but obviously highly intelligent farmers son to being admired for his abilities, competence and leadership skills by the entire army and like you said going onwards and upwards to end as a senior officer. Great series.
Good video, thanks for your efforts.
Interestingly, I was born in South Africa to an Afrikaans speaking family, so by all measures 100% Boer as my forefathers & family name are Dutch. When I left SA and came to the UK I joined the British Army and served for 11 years. Now I live in a house right behind where the School of Musketry was (it’s now a Sainsburys) in Hythe, in Sir John Moore Avenue across the road from Major General John Brown’s house.
Nice one! I have met quite a few Afrikaaners who have served in the British military. To be fair, despite the historical "issues" it does make sense...If a young South African is keen to serve and learn soldiering then it seems to be a more practical option than the SANDF. I guess the only other obvious choice would be the French Foreign legion (especially with the promise of a passport after 4 years)...
@@redcoathistory I joined up by pure accident, walked into a Military careers office in London out of interest and I got persuaded to join. 😂 Don’t regret it though, went many places and saw & learned things I never would have been able to otherwise. As for the FFL, I met a chap in Iraq that left the Royal Marines because it apparently wasn’t challenging enough, joined the FFL for 7 years and then came back and joined the British army because he got bored again. Different breed of soldier he was…
Thanks for your service. It’s a small world at times. I recently moved from Sir John Moore Avenue to New Romney nine miles down the round. We lived opposite the car park on the bend just before Corunna Close. I loved the history living there and our strolls along the military canal.
All the very best
@@markaustin5324 Crazy! Small world indeed. 😁
And agreed, nice to live somewhere with such a rich history.
Loving this series, Chris! Lieutenant Colonel Frank Bourne is also thought to be the last surviving defender of Rorke's Drift to pass away. His medals, including his OBE and DCM, are currently held by the Royal Regiment of Wales Museum in Brecon.
Hi James, wonderful to hear from you and I'm glad you are enjoying this series - I need to get around to finishing it at some point. I left facebook a while ago so havent been able to keep in touch as much as I would like - I hope we speak soon.
If you were going to pick a person to fit the man of Frank Bourne's stature, the portrayal by Nigel Green was easily fit for purpose. I have just stumbled across your channel, and subscribed straight away.
This man deserves more recognition! Great video thanks.
Imagine if that interview was still there to listen to
Yes - absolutely tragic.
@@redcoathistory Is it known when that interview was deleted?
@@larrygiesbrecht3428 Yes I think it was in the 50's.
Ripping stuff ! Thanks for your exciting programs.
Thankyou so much for keeping our proud history alive and for shining a bright light onto the service and commitment of all our countrymen from days gone by.I can tell it is a labour of love for you,it is much appreciated
Thanks a lot. Really appreciate you messaging me. I will keep doing my best to keep the history alive.
Thanks, I like to pay my respects if I can
Another fantastic insight to history thats very close to me. Thank you so much.
I've been trying to "follow" my Dad into Europe with 179th FR RA 43rd Wessex Div. , & considering this is relatively modern times it still amazes how few actually wrote down their experiences . My Dad was very interested in WW2 but like so many his story is lost bar a few jots in the edges of Gen. Essame's 43rd Wessex Div at war & as a kid I never really asked...now it's TOO late.
Just subscribed. Yeah, OK, I know Zulu is about as inaccurate as any historical war movie can be, but it certainly portrayed the courage, on both sides, of the combatants and will always be one of my top five favorite movies. Thank you for a fantastic presentation.
Good video. Lt. Col Frank Bourne was a truly great British soldier. And, yes, please finish the series on heroes of Rorke's Drift and then expand it to other 19th century campaigns British children, sadly, no longer learn about.
The rank of CSM did not exist in the 1870's and a Colour Sgt pretty much filled that roll then, as the Company Commanders right hand man. So Bourne's early promotion was even more telling.
Thanks a lot. Yes I suspect I’m fighting a losing battle hoping that younger generations will get to learn about the campaigns we are fascinated by - but that’s why we must continue to do our bit to share the stories. I know you are also doing your bit 👍🏼
@@redcoathistory Like the best British soldiers never surrender and keep fighting the good fight.
@@99IronDuke Old soldiers never die the just smell that way :>) from an ex soldier!!
Just love this .
Thanks Robert!
Fantastic piece of Brit' History . 1879 , for me at least , wasn't that long ago . A long lifespan can encompass nine hundred and sixty months .
Great video thanks. To think I walked the same ground this man walked. Just special.
No VC,considering his brave contribution to the battle and rank you would of thought he would have been a recipient,just as an aside what a monumental task disposing of all those dead bodies on the battlefield.
Thank you ......very interesting.
This is great stuff fella. Your doing a stellar job. Many thanks.
"Subscribers report, videos on a playlist. 56 of 'em."
Thank you.
Fascinating level of detail. I believe he died May 9, 1945.
well, this is one of the most informative videos I have seen in quite some time. Even though I am 2 years late, thank you for doing this. The only thing I know about this British historical time is the 1964 movie. I am across the pond in Norfolk, VA, another area of colorful British history.
As like many other comments already posted thanks for sharing this great soldiers story. A man made of strong stuff.
Excellent job!
Awesome mate.
He was a legend. Such a shame the interview was destroyed, would have loved to hear what he sounded like. I've heard the narrated version.
Thanks - yes it would have been amazing to actually hear his voice.
on seeing this man reenlist his commanding officer reading his references and previous conduct wood sea him promoted on the spot as a man of good caricature.
Thank You for Correcting History.
Your videos are Excellent.
Thanks a lot. I really appreciate that comment.
Well done keep telling us more please
What a great video, thank you! Not just for the content, which I enjoyed, but also for your editing style. The editing fashion on youtube is to remove pauses between sentences until the sentences flow like rushing water. There are many channels with great content that I do not want to watch because they use this style, which feels too rushed and frenetic. But your editing style is perfect, leaving natural gaps between sentences that give me time to listen to what you're saying. Thank you for bucking the trend.
Thanks a lot. I’m always experimenting with my films - some you may like, some you might not. Let me know what you think.
I was unaware musketry was still persisting in the Army in 1907. Incredible video and appreciate the work you put in!
I think you’ll find the term musketry means the use and care of rifles as opposed to actually using muskets!!
Disappointed that he was overlooked for the Victoria Cross. Perhaps a petition can be started to have him awarded one posthumously?
Hmmm . I’m in two minds about that. Reminds me of the move to posthumously promote Sir John Monash to Field Marshal. Of course he deserves it and he would be a far more worthy recipient than the only Australian Field Marshal (Blamey). But it seems like a false honour. Monash’s place in history is assured as is Frank Bourne’s.
The real Bourne was offered a choice - a Commission or a VC - he chose a Commission
I have a trip booked to go back to South Africa next year (if I can go) plan to re-visit isandlwanha, rorkes drift, ulundi etc. Not the same war but will be doing spion kop as well.
Fantastic - that will be a great trip.
Did you go Adam?
@@ericbleasel5907 im going in November
In the film Michael Caine played the superior officer of Nigel Greene (as Bourne). In their next film, the wonderful Ipcress File, these roles were reversed.
Both great films 👍🏼
Excellent
Another great vid, I look forward to Fridays for your videos.
That's great thanks a lot. I hope I can keep it up!
Another great Friday video.
Thanks Hugh.
@@redcoathistory welcome. I am loving them.
Thank you. Loved this share.
a true gent and scholar a mans man.
Brilliant!!
Thanks Josh
Gutted to have to wait a few months for the next one. But your doing a sterling job with the content! Keep up the good work..
Cheers Russ - I promise to finish the series eventually 👍🏼
I saw the film on the big screen- It has been my favourite all the years.
I still unable to understand why F Bourne was not awarded the VC. He was the stalwart at Rorke's Drift.
I have read Chard wrote him up for a VC - " wherever he was present it was like having an extra platoon". Somewhere up the chain someone ruled him out - " well done, but just doing his job".
Thanks for the excellent well balanced report with no mention of the empire!
These guys just followed orders - please don't erase :) This is our heritage
great video and insight into the man.
Excellent series! I enjoyed every bit of it.
Thanks Ken!
Amazing man❤️
Brilliant video.
Great research. 👌🏼♥️
another great and informative video. I had heard that he had turned down the VC accepting the DCM instead in the hope of a commission I hadn't heard he had had to turn down the commission.
Frank Bourne died at his home address , 16 Kings Hall Road, Beckenham , Kent, on VE day, 1945 at the age of 91. On google earth street view the blue disc can be seen above the front door. If he had lived another 18years he could have gone to the cinema to see the film, and of course he would not have had to pay as there was a sign outside saying "Born Free"
Where was the sign outside the cinema? What did it mean?
Excellent ... really enjoyed Thanks very much ..Subbed ;)
Is there any way to award the V.C. after a review of his action at Rorke's Drift? After all his actions and leadership added to the victory at Rorke's Drift.
You mean now? No - I think there is a rule that actions can't be considered for a VC after X number of years.
It would serve no use at this stage. However a statue in his home town would be a splendid tribute.
Another great video keep em up!
Cheers mate!
Excellent video...
Thank you. Cheers from Denmark 🇩🇰
Thanks, Ken.
Excellent channel!
well done
Just found this,
it is very good.
Thanks.
Glad you like it!
Keep up the great work. I stumbled across your channel and really enjoy your shows.
Cheers Joshua - glad you are enjoying the channel.
Great video! Bourne was just awesome!
Thanks mate - yes he was certainly an amazing guy.
Amazing, well done 👍🏻👏👏
Cheers Mate
Thanks for the yeoman’s work researching and sharing your knowledge about the key players at the Battle of Rorke’s Drift. I’ve found it both illuminating and entertaining. This post in the series and in general is one of the best on RUclips! Much obliged!!!
Thanks for the positive comment - much appreciated.
Great stuff, liked & subscribed
Cheers Charlie - appreciate that
Hello Christian, great video mate, keep em coming, stay safe, Lee.
Thanks Lee, same to you mate.
A fascinating story told with style. Thank you. I’m now a subscribing fan. I look forward to watching your other videos.
.
That's great - thanks for letting me know. I hope you enjoy the other videos.
Great guy , as a small bore shooter for 67 years , nice to know he was a founding fathers of the NSRA ? Where is his grave ?
Hi Graham - I’d have to check grave location as I don’t know off top of my head. I’m sure a google search will reveal though 👍🏼
He is buried in Beckenham Crematorium and Cemetery in Kent and his house in King's Hall Road, Beckenham has a blue plaque.
@@99IronDuke Brilliant thanks.
Absolutely love this series, gutting to hear the BBC destroyed the Frank Bourne interview though.
Yeah that’s a real shocker and very annoying that happened.
First up on the mealie bags
The reference to CV/Sgt. Bourne being called 'The Kid' comes from the later destroyed (what kind of archivist would do that?) interview 'I Was There' BBC Radio broadcast (1936), reproduced in The Listener Magazine, 20 December 1936.
7:13 in that time was the Battle famous? Or did that happen later after the movie?
Just found your channel searching for the Bourne wanting to learn more about his history
I wonder how he wasn't awarded the VC!
Was offered a choice - a Commission or a VC - chose a Commission
Semper Fi!
I don't believe that there were any US Marines present at Rorke's Driuft 😀
Without that great movie I reckon the whole campaign would have been forgotten, as would the Anglo Sudan wars without the film(s) of the Four Feathers. How many other tales of derring do from that era have just faded away?
Exactly - that’s why I have this channel to try and keep those stories alive. Enjoy! 👍🏼
Does Mr Bourne personify why the British were so successful? I love the Pom. God love them.
❤
Frank Bourne was the last survivor who passed away on May 9th, 1945, so that was another overshadowing of his life.
Thanks Richard - I thought it was the 8th?
@@redcoathistory You are correct. I remembered imperfectly from the book “Washing of the Spears” and thought that CSG Bourne had passed away on VE Day not the day prior.
Colonel.
Bourne was a v ery young color seargeant.
The click in Xhosa isn't a separate syllable
Thanks Wally
@@redcoathistory From what I understand the click kinda overlaps the "co" sound. But then again, I'm from the West Country so it's debatable if I can even speak English lol
🇬🇧
Was he in Ireland for the whole of WW1?
Ooolllll right now, nobody told you to stop wurkin'!
I'm pregnant from all your pauses.😅
He e=retired as a lt colonel if I remember.
That he was born when flying was about a balloon and died when jets and rockets and atom bombs were soon to dictate the path of war!
A soldiers soldier
defintely was 💪🏻
I know Frank Bourne's niece's son
Y have u called if 5 minute Friday when I not seen one that is 5 minutes they all been like 8 minutes or more
He should have called them moron Friday and then you might have liked them...
Appreciate the feedback.
Is that a nascent mustache?
Ha ha no - sadly my face is incapable of growing more than a bit of blonde fluff 😂
Would like to see a remake of the movie Zulu using the modern technology in film making. Would be interesting to see who would play the Main Characters.
Happy international Chelmsford humiliations day to you to!
I'm willing to bet they didnt delete that interview because they thought nobody would be interested they want to erase as much history they can of it to appease a certain audience.
Sorry, no. The BBC is notorious for purging or erasing and reusing media to save money. This is why a lot of early TV was lost too. You can go cry about PC culture elsewhere.