A mini-Isandlwana: Visiting the battlefield of Ntombe Drift (Intombe Drift)

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  • Опубликовано: 29 сен 2021
  • This is the video of a recent talk I gave to tour guides in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa on the little-known Battle of Ntombe Drift, fought on the 12th of March 1879 during the Anglo-Zulu War. A battle I describe as a 'mini-Isandlwana'.
    This is my first time giving a live, in-person talk on the Anglo-Zulu War and to say I was nervous is an understatement. I think it went well, but you can be the judge.
    To find out more about the Anglo-Zulu and other aspects of British military history then please subscribe to my channel.

Комментарии • 120

  • @biggestoof524
    @biggestoof524 2 года назад +41

    This channel is underrated

  • @shawngarratt2887
    @shawngarratt2887 2 года назад +28

    You got nothing to be intimidated about being a guide ! You got this ! No problem my friend

  • @Wolfsschanze99
    @Wolfsschanze99 2 года назад +14

    Great presentation & very detailed, I can remember visiting relatives as a Child in the UK & seeing the Zulu Shields & Spears on the wall above the mantlepiece & on the mantlepiece, old photo's of Family from the Boar war & portraits of relatives in their Red Coats from the Zulu wars. I think South Africa touched every British family one way or another.

  • @welshwarrior5263
    @welshwarrior5263 2 года назад +3

    Excellent presentation. Very informative, done with confidence and enthusiasm. Well done mate.

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  2 года назад +1

      Thanks a lot mate - was nervous as hell.

    • @welshwarrior5263
      @welshwarrior5263 2 года назад +1

      @@redcoathistory You done very well mate. Its not easy getting up and doing a presentation. I bought your Anglo Zulu War book off Amazon. Excellent read. 👍

  • @davidburroughs2244
    @davidburroughs2244 2 года назад +4

    I thought I had heard all about this before, but your details really brought home what a close run thing this was for the both the British and their auxiliaries as well as for the 800 or 1000 Zulu. Nearly went the other way. That rough little river must gain its bit of the final and successful outcome in the second laager. As the last officer, the decision by the captain to be the one to go for help is extremely problematic and could never look good even if the Zulu had declined to force close battle. Why they split their forces in to two laagers is also a decision deserving the severest review. "I didn't think they would attack at all" is the secret to the surprise attack, actually, and the defensive posture one takes must be based on that. Insufficient guards, improper laagering and more must have rocked the British military world. "How Not To Do It" earns it's own pages for study in the curriculum at Sandhurst, I would suspect.

  • @colonialradio1
    @colonialradio1 Год назад +1

    I hope you realize how much you are appreciated with these amazing videos. I have been reading about the Zulu Wars for many years, and it's doubtful I will ever visit these historic sites; you bring us there and we are able to view them as if we were there as well. I've always had a fascination with the Ntombe Drift - to the point where I want to write a screenplay about it one day. This video is the most detailed account I've ever seen (I saw the other one you did as well) - to be able to view the actual location is brilliant. Thanks so much, Christian. You're a gem!

  • @Lentonist
    @Lentonist 2 года назад +5

    Excellent talk, well-paced and very informative! Incidentally, have you ever visited the memorial to the 80th's Ntombe disaster at Lichfield Cathedral? It's quite an extensive one dedicated to the Zulu and Sekukhuni campaigns with carved wooden zulu shields placed across a iron gateway. Dedicated to the men "killed at Intombe River Drift". On each slat/strip of the shields are recorded the rank and name of one of the dead soldiers from the regiment.

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  2 года назад

      I haven't visited it = but would love to one day. Thanks

  • @StMiBll
    @StMiBll Год назад

    On top of getting to walk those beautiful lands as you talk. Getting to talk S. African history as a job has got to be fantastic! I’d love that job!

  • @johnny_pilot
    @johnny_pilot 2 года назад +3

    Absolutely engrossing account of a battle that I knew nothing about. Fascinating and I was engaged till the end. Really amused too by the chap next to you and his occasional smiles to some of your interesting narration! Great job, sir!

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  2 года назад

      Thanks, Johnny - that is great feedback and much appreciated.

  • @armstrongcuster9262
    @armstrongcuster9262 2 года назад +2

    Very nicely presented.
    Compliments from Swedish Army 1st Lt/ as well as history buff.

  • @leth9320
    @leth9320 Год назад

    You are superb at this mate. You are a natural. You have nothing to worry about. You tell these stories perfectly.

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Год назад

      Thanks a lot - really appreciate the feedback.

  • @keithagn
    @keithagn 2 года назад +1

    Excellent presentation; very enjoyable. Thank you!

  • @christinewright342
    @christinewright342 2 года назад +2

    You have the most important qualification far any guide a real passion for your subject the rest will fall into place. l wish you all the best,

  • @jackharrison6771
    @jackharrison6771 Год назад

    Excellent, and easy to follow. And those Zulu names and other words seem to come quite easy to you. 10/10

  • @thehistoadian
    @thehistoadian 2 года назад +10

    Great video! I'd love to do something like this but for the 1885 Northwest Rebellion here in Canada, no one really does anything like this for it.

  • @Mackem67
    @Mackem67 Год назад

    I love your videos, I lived in South Africa as a young child, and visited rorkes drift, it is allot different than in your stories, we also watched the Zulu atomba doing traditional dancing and stories were told of islandwana,.

  • @BallisticCoefficient
    @BallisticCoefficient 2 года назад +1

    Your presentation and enthusiasm is Sublime. Thank you for your efforts to share this incredible countries history.

  • @ccswede
    @ccswede 2 года назад +4

    Reading James Muse 4th book right now. It is on column in the north. Learned about James Muse from this channel.

  • @grahameedwards7972
    @grahameedwards7972 Год назад

    I've read just about book on the Zulu War. Got dozens of them. You have done very well. Read a bit about the battle, or skirmish, seeing the battlefield you have bought it to life brilliantly

  • @PaulThorpeOfficial
    @PaulThorpeOfficial 2 года назад +1

    Thoroughly enjoyed that. Didn't know that about Ntombe.

  • @michaelewert8310
    @michaelewert8310 2 года назад +3

    Great presentation on a under appreciated battle of the Zulu War. I believe Moriarty's false sense of security and his sloppy laager attempt was the weather which caused the river to be raging.

  • @macdansav1546
    @macdansav1546 2 года назад +2

    Another fascinating post. The drone footage was very good too. Many thanks!

  • @stephenwill4852
    @stephenwill4852 11 месяцев назад

    Your presentation and storytelling is excellent very enjoyable and informative as a listener, many thanks.

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  11 месяцев назад

      Thanks for the feedback. Very much appreciated.

  • @leonidaslantz5249
    @leonidaslantz5249 2 года назад +1

    Awesome information. Your book describes this incident perfectly.

  • @rickybell2190
    @rickybell2190 2 года назад +2

    A fantastic presentation and you come across as very engaging, articulate and extremely knowledgeable for which are all key in any presentation role. Also just to add you are very professional and I'd never know that your in training. Well done.

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  2 года назад +1

      Thanks, Ricky. That is great feedback.

  • @andywest279
    @andywest279 2 года назад +1

    Excellent as always. I have been there several times, your presentation brings it to life.

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  2 года назад

      Cheers, Andy. It is a wonderful site to visit isn't it?

  • @bernardprice8551
    @bernardprice8551 2 года назад +1

    A thoroughly researched and extremely enjoyable presentation, thank you..

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  2 года назад

      Thanks, Bernard that means a lot to hear.

  • @chriscookesuffolk
    @chriscookesuffolk 3 месяца назад

    Really enjoyed the tour, you're a natural so don't worry about a thing !

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  3 месяца назад

      Thanks, Chris - I really appreciate that.

  • @andygeorgeparkinson2515
    @andygeorgeparkinson2515 2 года назад +2

    Great , really enjoyed it 👍

  • @julieblundell7421
    @julieblundell7421 7 месяцев назад

    Excellent talk Chris, very confident and you you keep it interesting, you can be my battlefield guide any day mate.

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  7 месяцев назад

      Thanks a lot. - appreciate the feedback.

  • @chriswoodworth1894
    @chriswoodworth1894 2 года назад +1

    Couldn’t fault that & it was good to be hearing the talk from the site of the battle.

  • @shawngarratt2887
    @shawngarratt2887 2 года назад +1

    Been waiting for this yesssss

  • @brianford8493
    @brianford8493 2 года назад +1

    Just watched this again.......thats how its done chap! ✌

  • @johnaitken7430
    @johnaitken7430 2 года назад +1

    Loving your work sir

  • @retriever19golden55
    @retriever19golden55 Год назад

    I enjoyed your characterization, "a slim, handsome man"!

  • @ianknight2053
    @ianknight2053 2 года назад +1

    Thank you. Excellent.

  • @dc-gb2zx
    @dc-gb2zx 2 года назад +2

    Love the channel, can you do something on the crimean war

  • @sercosean
    @sercosean 2 года назад +1

    Nice presentation 👍

  • @rodfoley2812
    @rodfoley2812 2 года назад +1

    Time to do a few Anglo Boer war trips...especially the early battles..following the boers invasion route into Natal...the early battles leading up to the retreat to Ladysmith.

  • @rodfoley2812
    @rodfoley2812 2 года назад

    Great story....thank you

  • @silasrocco
    @silasrocco 2 года назад +1

    Bloody superb! One of my favourite battles of the azw. Will you be doing Hlobane soon?

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  2 года назад +1

      I will defintely do it - hopefully this year, if not then early next year.

  • @suleimanlauderyoung6833
    @suleimanlauderyoung6833 2 года назад

    Excellent! Kia Ora from Aotearoa/New Zealand :)

  • @brentbman6945
    @brentbman6945 2 года назад

    Brilliant job!

  • @andrewmitchell1248
    @andrewmitchell1248 2 года назад +1

    Very well done sir.

  • @jacobdavies5656
    @jacobdavies5656 2 года назад +1

    Congratulations!

  • @davidlee-ln9vh
    @davidlee-ln9vh 2 года назад

    Nice work

  • @jsob1970
    @jsob1970 2 года назад

    Well done!

  • @joeeema3873
    @joeeema3873 2 года назад +1

    Hey after this could u try to talk about Napoleonic wars outside europe like the Invasion of Java in 1811?

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  2 года назад +1

      Hopefully I will get to this at some point 👍🏻

  • @PowerPlay1
    @PowerPlay1 2 года назад

    Well done Sir, great job! Are you anywhere near London? We could get a beer or two.

  • @petermcquade1003
    @petermcquade1003 2 года назад

    Private Wassal VC who you mentioned at the end of your excellent presentation is interred at Barrow in Furness Cemetery. I have a picture of his headstone which I will gladly forward to you if you want.

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  2 года назад

      Fantastic, thanks for letting me know. Is it in good condition?

    • @petermcquade1003
      @petermcquade1003 2 года назад

      @@redcoathistory It is in great condition! The headstone reads, "Private Samuel Wassall V.C. 1856-1927. H.M 80th Regiment Staffordshire Volunteers, now the South Staffordshire Regiment. He won the Victoria Cross at Isandhlwana, Zulu Land, on 22nd January 1879 for rescuing a drowning comrade under enemy fire".

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  2 года назад +1

      @@petermcquade1003 That's great news, thanks Peter.

  • @johnclarke9498
    @johnclarke9498 2 года назад

    Very well spoken 👍

  • @brianford8493
    @brianford8493 2 года назад

    Any chance you can shufty over to the Crimea chum?....Sevastopol etc.....fascinating stuff!

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  2 года назад

      Happy to mate - if you could just send me about £5000 I'll be there in a flash! :-)

    • @brianford8493
      @brianford8493 2 года назад

      I'd meet ya there if I could.... Brilliant!

  • @brianford8493
    @brianford8493 2 года назад

    Brilliant!......Ta!

  • @jackiemason75
    @jackiemason75 2 года назад +1

    Ian knights good but I think you tell the story's better and keep people interested throughout great stuff

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  2 года назад

      An amazing compliment - maybe one day I can be in his league, thanks Jackie.

  • @greenmonster1027
    @greenmonster1027 2 года назад

    Can you do a topic on the BATTLE OF ULUNDI !

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  2 года назад

      I have - two! pls check my feed. Podcast episode 6 and also a walking tour of the battlefield

  • @richardbouchard1716
    @richardbouchard1716 Год назад

    What happened to the Lance Corporal?

  • @johnaitken7430
    @johnaitken7430 2 года назад

    You spoke of rain..how would rain affect zulus? Or was wet wool of brits worse to wear vs near nothing:

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  2 года назад +1

      Cheers John - to be fair I think the rain was probably equally as miserable for both sides, but as the aggressors I guess the bad weather and poor visibility gave the Zulu warriors a tactical advantage.

  • @brianford8493
    @brianford8493 2 года назад

    Did Booth get a VC at Rorkes?

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  2 года назад

      No mate, he won a VC here at Ntombe

    • @brianford8493
      @brianford8493 2 года назад

      @@redcoathistory brilliant stuff chap...keep lead in the pencil what!

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  2 года назад

      @@brianford8493 Always plenty of lead in my pencil :-)

  • @jayturner3397
    @jayturner3397 2 года назад +4

    One of the reasons the British regimental system has been so successful and officers orders are followed in time of crisis is because the men KNOW their officers stand with them and don't desert them.. He should have sent someone else for help.

  • @invisibleray6987
    @invisibleray6987 2 года назад

    Didn't the British do another Rorkes drift before the end of the war

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  2 года назад +1

      Not that I am aware of Ray. They defended the laagers at Kambula, Gingindlovu and Ulundi if that is what you mean, but that was on a very different scale.

  • @nileriversoftware4070
    @nileriversoftware4070 Год назад

    So, redcoats used to sleep completely naked???

  • @joehulse675
    @joehulse675 2 года назад

    i find you p[age so interesting, thank you

  • @fanelemabaso2514
    @fanelemabaso2514 2 года назад

    Did you know Shaka and Dingane's aunt Mkabayi was sent off to marry into the abeQulusi tribe?

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  2 года назад

      Hi fanele - know I don't know the story about that. I will have to do more research. Thanks for the info.

  • @SecNotSureSir
    @SecNotSureSir 2 года назад +1

    Savagery is still savagery. Even when those that practice it, do so for a lack of understanding and knowledge.

  • @rafaeldaniel4581
    @rafaeldaniel4581 2 года назад

    Os vídeos vão para o mundo todo, poderiam ao menos ter legenda em espanhol, 2+ língua mais falada ..

  • @tombogan03884
    @tombogan03884 6 месяцев назад

    I think you may be mis-interpreting the number of Zulu dead left behind.
    It could be that there were so many casualties that they missed over 2 dozen with out realizing.
    The Native Americans also would go to great lengths to recover casualties since it would deny the enemy knowledge of their numbers.
    25:30 Or reason #4, disrespectful teenagers who haven't learned respect.
    Those little bastards are universal..
    28:00 The Officer should have sent back a runner. His job is to command the fighting, not play messenger.

  • @BallisticCoefficient
    @BallisticCoefficient 2 года назад

    Why do you call Ulundi " The Slaughter". It was as fair as Isandhlwana was.

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  2 года назад +1

      Hi paul, simply because it was a slaughter. I am just reflecting the horrific casualties suffered by the Zulus. Warfare should never be "fair", so it's no criticism of those invovled - just a reflection that they never really had a chance. The British and Lord Chelmsford had finally learnt their lessons and now knew how to defeat the Zulu impi with very little loss to themselves. I've made a video at Ulundi if you are interested. Thanks.

  • @NERVNOTO
    @NERVNOTO 2 года назад

    come on man.....don''t be so politicaly bloddy corect.......disemboweling dead soldiers is a savage act, preformed by bloddy savages,..... english soldiers also try to take our land, about the same time frame...19/20 century........but there were no disembowelings.................by the way, love your chanel....God bless....greatings from Yugoslavia

  • @shawngarratt2887
    @shawngarratt2887 2 года назад +5

    You got nothing to be intimidated about being a guide ! You got this ! No problem my friend