You don't mention that Chard and Bromhead ( pronounced Brumhead apparently) were known in their regiments to be the dullest of dullards and deaf as a post. They had no chance of rising any further because they were .. well... Dullards In fact the whole siege was planned and organised by Commissariat Dalton. Chard did the defences to his credit, Miele bag and built up the defences. Dalton joined 85th of foot ( infantry) in 1849 ( served Thirteen years) transferred to the Commissariat corps on the rank of corporal in 1862 raised to Staff sergeant the same rank as Colour sergeant Bourne ( only infantry regiments have colour sergeant) he retired 1867 went to south Africa and eventually volunteered for the Commissariat. He was in fact the most experienced soldier there. Yet the movie makes him out to be an efete character who only gives out rounds a disgusting a treatment of a VC winner both Chard and Bromhead argued for Dalton's VC niether wanted nor felt they deserved credit. But British government needed heroes it had to be officers. Dalton received his VC a year late. What happened when the fighting was done. They did what all soldiers did from whichever country to the dying, no doctor, no magic pills no bandages or medical knowledge anywhere in sight what to do leave them to die in agony or do the decent thing, club their heads till they died. It was killing yes, but mercy killing not an atrocity. Even today you can bet when someone is going to die in agony you know it they know it if they asked for a bullet to save the pain somebody would give him one. So when you give that look when you mention the 500 killed remember this. They did not have the benefit of hindsight they did not know more wouldn't come they had to check. The could have left the Zulu to die in the hot sun in agony they didn't so don't roll your eyes or be apologetic it was a different age different standards. Lastly though I have no doubt these men earned their VC many in their own regiments didn't some got bullied because of it. As one general had said you don't give medals for doing your duty. One would end his life with his young daughter running through Manchester shouting and screaming the Zulu were coming he blew his head off with a shotgun. Colour sergeant Bourne was offered and turned down his chance to be an officer as he couldn't afford it. However he did reach the Honourary rank of Lieutenant Colonel as well as serving in WW1 in charge of training troops. Quite a man .. the kid ( as you rightly said youngest colour sergeant of his age nickname the kid.) Why was the 24th Welsh in the film? Well Stanley Baker was Welsh it was his film simple.
Amazing additional information... thank you so much.. as for the 500 killed at the end, your are totally correct. I am in no way, rolling my eyes or apologising for history (it wouldn't be my place anyway) however I am talking about a movie and a source of entertainment. I wanted to acknowledge the lives behind that. The lives of the VC winner after the battle are varied and interesting.. I am sure I will do videos on each of them eventually (no idea when sadly)... Again thank you so much for watching and the amazing additional information here.
Major Sven hi I have only just seen this reply, wasn't really speaking to you about rolling eyes etc but just those many viewers who don't seem to realise we live in a very different world than those at Rourke's Drift or even Agincourt were some argue Henry ordering the killing of his prisoners should be a war crime .. tosh! In Henry's mind at the time would be the far superior numbers of the French and needing all his fighting men able to fight, the prisoners would probably turn on Henry given the chance, that left only one real option. Take them out of the fight. It would be a great idea to do a piece on the survivors of Rourke's Drift, their stories afterwards are still relevant today with sufferers of PTSD etc. Again though they were badly treated in my view, it was a vastly different world back then.
First of all congratulations on rightly recognising that Commissary Dalton "did his duty" (as every soldier knows, you have to do good deal more than that and Dalton did) as you put it. It was he who organised the defences using metal biscuit boxes and miele bags, not Lieutenant Chard. Dalton died in action in a bloody fight to the death with a Zulu warrior. It must be remembered that five companies of the first battalion of the 24th and one company of the second had been annihilated the previous day at Isandlwana along with the rest of number three column. That would have unnerved any soldier at Rorke's Drift who faced the Zulu Reserves from the previous days action. Some 4 000 warriors. Indeed it did as the Natal Contingent fled Rorke's Drift together with their leader a serving British Corporal. He was shot by the 24th as he ran. If men like James Dalton fought and died that day the conduct of many of the commissioned officers . The actual officer commanding , who is not often mentioned was, Major Henry Spalding . Spalding left Rorke's Drift 12:00 noon on the day of the battle to search for reinforcements from Helpkwanaar leaving without informing Bromhead. It is worth noting that Spalding was also Lord Chelmsford's Quartermaster. No mention was made of his leaving his command to face the oncoming Zulu impis. James Dalton then was shabbilly treated after all his actions which those of a steadfast and honourable soldier in the face of battle. He was not awarded a VC until 12 moths after the rest. However we must remember that this was the "British" Army of the late 19th Century. Those members of the other ranks who spoke out against the regiment or commanding officers often faced ostracisation or worse. Lastly I will turn to the constant criticism from Englishmen about the way the 24th were portrayed in the film Zulu. Is it a Welsh regiment? Well The 24th Foot was raised in 1689 as Colonel Sir Edward Dering's Regiment of Foot for service in Ireland under William III. In 1751 it was placed 24th in the line infantry order of precedence. Between 1782 to 1881, the regimental name was The 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot. Under the Cardwell Reforms of 1881, the 24th (2nd Warwickshire ) Regiment became The 1st Battalion The South Wales Borderers. In June 1969, The South Wales Borderers linked with The Welch Regiment (41st/69th Foot), to form The Royal Regiment of Wales (24th/41st Foot). Just word of caution to any English commentators, who happen upon an off duty or discharged member the Royal Regiment of Wales (24th/41st) . There were many historical inaccuracies in the film Zulu including the downplaying of Isandlwana itself. This later put right to some degree. All those soldiers fought for their lives facing an overwhelming and courageous enemy who in turn had to face the terror martini henry rifles, properly supplied, and used to deadly effect unlike on the previous days massacre. Zulu's intent in "washing their spears" also had to face trained close quarter fighting with the bayonet. Let's not forget Commisary James Dalton. I think that he saved that company. A disciplined soldier and a tough bastard. One of the features of the Film which cannot be criticised however is the opening narration of Richard Burton which recites Chelmsford's dispatch to the War Office. It is chilling. ruclips.net/video/cuc53jXvklM/видео.html
SPECIAL MENTION: Colour Sergeant Frank Bourne - If you have seen the movie Zulu, you still can see the tall, severe visage of Colour Sergeant Bourne, his muttonchop sideburns bristling, staring down at the malingering soldiers of the 24th shouting, “Nobody told you to stop working!” Well, the reality is a bit different. At the time of the battle of Rorke’s Drift, Frank Bourne was 24 years old, the youngest colour sergeant in the British Army, having enlisted only 6 years previously. His youth earned him the nickname “The Kid.” Also, Bourne was only about 5’ 6” tall. For some reason, his actions at Rorke’s Drift were recognized with a Distinguished Conduct Medal rather than a VC. Bourne was also offered an officer’s commission, but he declined. After the Anglo-Zulu War, he saw service in India and Burma. Bourne was later promoted to Quartermaster-Sergeant. In 1893 he was appointed Adjutant of the School of Musketry (now the Small Arms School Corps) in Hythe, Kent, retiring from the army in 1907. He volunteered for service during the First World War, at the end of which he was given the honorary rank of lieutenant colonel. In 1936 Bourne made a BBC radio broadcast discussing the Battle of Rorke’s Drift, a transcript of which still survives. He became a fixture at the funerals of the other VC recipients from Rorke’s Drift. Bourne outlived all the other defenders of the mission station, dying on May 8, 1945 - VE Day - at the age of 91.
@@lawrencewood289 He was recommended for the VC Victoria Cross, but he felt it would hinder his progress in the Army so opted for the Distinguished Conduct Medal which i think was the next level down in Gallantry awards at the time. It is on record and as he progressed to Colonel maybe he was right. He was the youngest Colour Sergeant in the British Army , so he must have been very good and aware of how the promotion system worked, maybe he had served with VC holders and had observed how it affected their progression. Jealousy by senior officers has stunted many military career
Of all the innacuries in the 1964 film Zulu, is the way they portraid private hook as a drunken troublemaker. So far from the truth as he was a teatotaler and helped to defend and rescue injured fellow soldiers and was awarded the cv medal. They were truly brave men. As for Chelmsford he was a pompous and arragont officer who told lies to save his skin after the battle.
Private Robert Jones (716) - Another soldier who came to a poor end. He enlisted in the 24th Regiment at the age of 19, apparently wanting to be something more than a Welsh farm laborer. During the defense of the hospital, Jones and his comrade Private William Jones (#593) defended one of the wards until six of the seven patients were evacuated. He was stabbed in the stomach by a Zulu assegai. He saw service in India, and in 1882 transferred to the reserves. When he subsequently left the army altogether, he returned to Wales, became a farm laborer and married, producing five children. He complained of headaches later in life. In 1898, he borrowed a neighbor’s shotgun “to go rabbit hunting.” He was found shortly afterwards, dead of a head wound. His death was ruled a suicide; his body was carried into the graveyard over the wall - not through the gate - and his headstone faces away from the church, opposite all the other headstones. His family has tried for years to have the verdict of suicide reversed but to no avail. He was 41 years old.
Private Frederick Hitch - Fred was 22 years of age at the defense, having enlisted in the army less than 2 years previously. [Fred was illiterate, and he signed his enlistment papers with an “X”.] He was severely wounded in the right shoulder by a Zulu-cast musket ball, which left him permanently disabled. After his discharge from the army, he moved from job to job, unable to find permanent employment. Hitch was also married and raising a family (he eventually had eight children) and found it difficult to get by on his military pension of 10 pounds a year (in 2008 value, that’s about $1185). In 1901, he fell from a ladder; when he awoke in the hospital, his VC was missing, stolen. Hitch managed to secure a replacement, but had to pay for it himself. It later turned up at an auction after his death. Later, Hitch became a London cab driver. He died of pleuro-pneumonia on January 6, 1913, living alone, age 56.
Two other inaccuracies that you missed! They wouldn't have been wearing smart white helmets - the troops in the Zulu war stained their helmets with cold tea to dull them down (this was shown well in the prequel "Zulu Dawn" though, and secondly, there was no mention of the heroic little dog "Pip" who by many accounts was the reason they survived the night attacks as he could hear the Zulus approaching and barked at whichever side of the defences they were coming towards, alerting the defenders to that section. He was the only dog to be officially buried with full honours in a human cemetery after his death (somewhere in London I believe).
Surgeon James Henry Reynolds, Army Medical Department - Surgeon Reynolds, born in Dublin, Ireland in 1844, joined the Army Medical Department in 1868, and served in India and several military actions in Africa prior to the Anglo-Zulu War. Besides attending to the Rorke’s Drift defenders while under heavy fire, he also helped distribute ammunition. After the battle, Reynolds attended to the sick and wounded, and was subsequently promoted to Surgeon-Major. He retired from the army in 1896, with the rank of Brigade Surgeon Lieutenant Colonel. He died March 4, 1932 at the Empire Nursing Home in London, age 88 years old.
One thing that no-one seems to comment on about the movie, is the uniforms. British regiments had colour facings on the sleeve and the collar, I don't understand why the movie makers decided to add it to the shoulders as well.
The film wasn't made as an historical documentary. It's purely an entertainment film, based LOOSELY on the events of those 2 days. It never pretended to be 100% accurate.
James Langley Dalton, Acting Assistant Commissary, Commissariat & Transport Department - Dalton enlisted in the 85th Regiment in 1849, at the age of 17. He transferred to the Commissariat Corps in 1862, and was later promoted to Master-Sergeant. In 1870 he served as part of the British Army’s Red River Expedition to quell the Métis rebellion led by Louis Riel, one of the first challenges to the newly-created country of Canada. Dalton retired in 1871 after 22 years of service. Apparently unable to find civilian work - or feeling the call of the frontier - he moved to South Africa and volunteered for service in the Commissariat Department in 1877. After the battle, Dalton was given a permanent commission in the department. He left for England in early 1880, returning to Africa shortly after to take part shares in a gold mine. In 1886, he was in Port Elisabeth, South Africa visiting an old friend. Staying in a hotel, he died in his sleep from unknown causes on the night of January 7, 1887, age 55.
Most of the troops at the drift were from, A Coy (2 Warwickshire) 24th Regt of Foot, made up mainly of Englishmen. There was Welsh as well, due to the recruiting office being in Brecon. A member of the Corps of Royal Engineers, was also present. Just to remind infantry officers when I served during the troubles, I would introduce myself as ' Morning sir, Cpl Jones Corps of Royal Engineers, by the grace of God and her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the 2nd'🙂 Zulu, my best film ever, watched it around 80 to 82 times now. Love the Zulu chants, proud brave warriors.👍
Lieutenant John R.M. Chard, Royal Engineers - He joined the Royal Engineers in 1868, and had served in Bermuda and Malta prior to being sent to South Africa. After the battle of Rorke’s Drift, he was promoted to captain, then brevet major. He later commanded the R.E. detachment in Singapore from 1892 to 1896 at the rank of lieutenant colonel. Chard was promoted to colonel and sent back to Great Britain to take a posting in Perth, Scotland. However, he became ill with cancer of the tongue and died at his brother’s house on November 1, 1897, at the age of 49.
Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead, Commanding Officer, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot - Bromhead came from a distinguished military family - his grandfather had fought the French at Waterloo. He was 33 years old at the time of Rorke’s Drift, although he had purchased his commission as a 2nd lieutenant in 1867. The reason for his slow promotion was likely the fact that he was profoundly deaf (which was not depicted in the movie Zulu). Bromhead was promoted to brevet major after the battle. He later served in India, also participating in the 3rd Anglo-Burmese War of 1885-1886. He died of typhoid fever on February 9, 1892 at the age of 46; he is buried in the north Indian city of Allahabad.
Stanly Baker was Welsh and wanted to show his feelings. When the men are all singing it's actually the male voice choir from Baker's home town in Wales. Adendorf is seen at the beginning of the movie. He is never seen during the battle but all of a sudden shows up at the end.
Another (minor) inaccuracy in the movie - the officers in it are using either Webley, or Enfield revolvers which were used by the British Army in WW1, WW2, and Korea. The standard revolver at the time of Rorke's Drift was the Beaumont-Adams.
They're using Webley Mk VI revolvers, more than 40 years out of date. They're also using drawn instead of rolled brass Martini ammo, over one year out of date; It's the ammo I use today. I also shoot a Webley Mk III revolver which is still ten years too modern for the Zulu war. Cheers.
@Kernal Scott 2 To be honest I didn't notice the Metfords/Enfields. I watched it again and you're bloody right, they look like Enfields* or MLEs. Thanks for pointing this out. My Martini is an 1887 that was finally withdrawn from service in 1916! It was used to shoot at Zeppelins over England in WW1, until they got incendiary rounds for Enfield Mk IIIs. I've got some 577/.450 incendiary rounds, they're very rare now. I have at least one of every Enfield made gun from the 18th century (Brown Bess) through 19th and to 1956. My favourite is an 1896 MLE cavalry carbine that was actually in action with a New Zealand cavalry regiment at Gallipolli in WW1. The only Webleys I'm missing is the Mk1 and Mk2, also an Enfield Army Mk 2 (.476). If you ever hear of any for sale perhaps you would let me know. Thanks again, stay safe and covid free. Cheers!
I know what you mean, it is a pity that even Dad's Army can get the rifles and calibre historically accurate but given the films of that time I'm impressed they found Martini-Henrys for everyone and didn't get a directors hard on for something fancy, like Broomhandles or a big bloke with pony tail and tattoos carrying a hand held Gatling gun.
Pte. Frederick Hitch . He is buried in the centre of St. Nicholas' Churchyard, Old Chiswick. Block P, grave 17. This is off the A4, close to the Fuller's Brewery. The grave is difficult to miss since it is more of a monument than a grave, featuring a helmet on top.Hitch was born at Chase Side, Southgate, London on 29th. November 1856. He enlisted in London on 7 March 1877 aged 20 years. Severely wounded at Rorke's Drift in the right shoulder by a roughly made Zulu bullet, which shattered the bone and permanently disabled him. On his return to the UK he was a patient at Netley Hospital and was finally discharged from the army with a pension in August 1879. died 1913.
I'm pretty sure Maj. Spaulding left before they had any idea the Zulus were coming. A group of replacement soldiers were overdue and he'd gone to the local town to see what the holdup was. He left Chard in command because he was senior and he didn't expect him to have anything other than routine administrative duties to look after.
Corporal William Allen - Aged 35 at the time of the battle, Corporal Allen had recently been demoted from sergeant for being drunk on duty. During the fight, he and Private Hitch (more on him later) helped keep communications with the men defending the hospital open until it was evacuated and both men were wounded. After their wounds were dressed, they both then helped distribute ammunition to the defenders throughout the fight. Allen was eventually promoted back to sergeant. He later returned to England, and served as a training instructor at the regimental recruiting depot at Brecon, Wales. He died at nearby Monmouth, Wales in 1890 of influenza at the age of 46.
Fred Hitch suffered a severe shoulder wound which effectively incapacitated him for the rest of his life. He ended his days, conmfortably, as a London Cabbie. Henry Hook got a job (as a Duster, and later a cane/umbrella attendant) at the British Museum, aided by Bromhead, Chelmsford, and, the Prince of Wales. He died of Tuberculosis.
Private William Jones (593) - William Jones is possibly the most pathetic of all the heroes of Rorke’s Drift. He was 39 years old on January 22-23, 1879. He also served in Mauritius, Burma and India, and was awarded a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. He was discharged from the army in February, 1880 due to chronic rheumatism which he claimed to have contracted from the cold, wet nights lying on the ground after the battle. Unable to find steady work, Jones did some acting and in 1887 toured with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. However, Jones’s mind never recovered from that battle. He was found wandering around Manchester, destitute and penniless, having pawned his VC in 1910 for £6. His family took him in but, convinced that Zulus were coming through the windows of his family home, he grabbed his grandchildren and ran them out of the house. He was declared mentally unstable and sent to an government workhouse where he died on April 15, 1913, age 74. No one claimed his body and he was buried as a pauper in an unmarked government grave.
They never used the Rifles from Istandlwana, the Impi's that took part at Roakes Drift were never engaged in the the battle at Instandlwana. Also in the film there is no mention or presence of the Reverend George Smith (who had a very large 2 foot red beard) who constantly gave out ammo and quoted parts from the bible. There was also the battle for the water bowser which is not mentioned or even in the film at all. The Reverend Otto Witt had a young family and not a 17 year old daughter and they were long gone before the battle started. They also had to tie rags around their Martini Henry Rifles to stop themselves from getting their hands burnt from the continuous firing again not in the film.
Oddly, there are plenty of accounts that the Zulus really didn't like getting anywhere close to bayonets. Even at Isandlwana, a lot of the final stands were finished with off with thrown assegais and gunfire. The Zulus' use of guns is always dismissed, yet a considerable number of the more 'famous' victims at Isandlwana were killed by gunfire: the men of the Rocket Battery were decimated by a volley from 600 yards. The Royal Artillery suffered 20% casualties from gunfire before trying to flee the field. I believe both Durnford and Pulleine were shot; Captain Younghusband was shot despite being surrounded after his company was wiped out; the soldier in the cave, maybe the last man to die, was shot, despite being outnumbered 20,000 to one!! There were some Zulus who could shoot and they did so.
The location is also wrong. The mountain in the background is the amphitheater in the Drakensberg, several hundred kilometers to the west. The surrounding hills around the Buffalo River are much lower.
Private John Williams (Fielding) - He enlisted in the army in 1877, at the age of 19, probably using a false name to avoid being traced after running away from home. Fielding and Hook saved eight patients - and themselves! - by digging their way through three walls of the hospital, sometimes using a pickaxe, more often digging with their bare hands. After Rorke’s Drift, Fielding served in India from 1880 to 1883. He then returned home to Wales, and served as a sergeant in the 3rd Battalion (basically the recruiting unit) for the South Wales Borderers (the renamed 24th Regiment) at it depot in Brecon, Wales. Though retired, he volunteered to serve on the SWB depot’s staff during World War I. He married and had six children, one of his sons being killed at Mons in 1914. He was the last Rorke’s Drift VC recipient to survive, dying of heart failure on November 25, 1932 at the age of 75.
What the movie did to PVT Hooke is straight up slander. Its even more unforgivable when you consider that Hooke was a VC recipient and there was at least one other soldier present at Rorke's Drift who was ACTUALLY a former convict. Which Hooke absolutely was NOT. So it was totally unnecessary to slander him to create that character. Its a bloody scandal what they did to his legacy.......ultimately the real scandal is what the British did to Zululand. If the movie was made today, it would be called Isandlwana and the British would be the "bad guys".
Corporal Christian Ferdinand Schiess, 2nd Battalion, Natal Native Contingent - Corporal Shiess was 23 years old at Rorke’s drift, a native of Switzerland and a veteran of the French Army and the 9th Cape Frontier War (1877-1879) in South Africa. He was only at Rorke’s Drift due to the fact that he was in the hospital suffering the effects of poorly-fitting boots. During the defense, Schiess at one point dislodged some Zulus who were threatening the inner defense line, despite being wounded. After the war, he was unable to find employment of any kind, either military or civilian. He was found wandering the streets of Cape Town in late 1884, suffering from malnutrition and exposure - essentially homeless! He was taken in by members of the Royal Navy, after he told them of his exploits at Rorke’s Drift and showed them his VC, his only possession. Taking pity on the man, the Navy gave him food and offered him passage back to England, which he accepted. However, during the voyage Schiess succumbed to the ravages of his unfortunate circumstances, dying on December 14, 1884, at the age of 28. He was buried at sea off the coast of Angola.
Which is an absurdity, because a Lieu Tenant is an officer acting in place of , therefore IN LIEU (LOO) of the Captain commanding (the Tenant holding office) the unit. We should be pronouncing it correctly, as an officer cannot be in LEFF of the tenancy of the commander of the Unit a Captain. There is as far as I know no such word as LEFF in the English language.
Fun fact: I read in a book of the zulu war that the commard "FIRE" was never said in the zulu war. Its "MAKE READY" "PRESENT" the 3 seconds then the men fired.
The Zulu's that fired rifles had the idea that a bullet would drop in the same manner as a throwing spear, thus many rounds sailed well over the heads of the British. One of the fiercest defenders at Rorke's Drift was the regimental mascot, a border Collie dog who barked and bit at Zulu's non-stop for ten hours.
Another small inaccuracy was filming this at the foot of the Amphitheatre in the Royal Natal National Park in the Drakensberg Mountains.This is miles away from Rorkes Drift. Apparently your Queen visited the Park when she came to South Africa, before her Coronation I think.It got the Royal bit after her visit. I have been there on holiday as a youngster in the 70s and 80s and no remains exist of what was built for the movie. Is a beautiful part of South Africa and worth a visit when Covid buggers off.
I love the film. Having been to Rorke's Drift (and Isandlwana) the setting is not correct. The countryside surrounding Rorke's Drift is low lying with a single low hill to one side from which the Zulu's fired upon the garrison. I believe the film was shot in the Drakensburg mountains, 100 miles away, for a more dramatic backdrop.
The mountain behind is Ampetheatre, in the Drakensbergs (dragon mountains) Kwa-Zulu Natal. One of the most impressive rock faces on earth. I was there last October, and several times prior. Incidentally, Stanley Baker was born, lived and his ashes were scattered minutes away from where I now live.
Not sure about that as I have seen on another "mistakes " video that the Zulus first charge passes a memorial to the defenders placed there some years later, meaning it would have to be filmed on or very near the actual battle site? But I stand to be corrected by those who know better!
According to Colour Sergeant Bourne, interviewed in 1936 as a short Colonel, all the British casualties were from bullets, fired by rifles captured earlier in the day. Not a single casualty from assegai.
Quite a few died from assegai, but none on the barricades. All those who were killed with spears were in the hospital or escaping from it. That's about 7 who died from assegais outright (sgt Robert Maxfield; pvt William Horrigan, Garret Hayden, Joseph Williams and James Jenkins; trp Hunter; one NNC native) , and one who died from wounds later (pvt William Beckett).
I Don't think any of the rifles from isandluana were taken to rorkes drift. They all went North. However the Zulu had many muzzle loaders and a few sniders and the odd martini and sporting rifles etc. That is another error in the movie where the Boer says that the rifles came from isandluana.
@@peterlazzari3950 The Zulu regiments who fought at Rorke's Drift were held in reserve at Isandlwana and went directly to plunder the British supply depot at "Jim's Place" as they called it (Kwa Jimi). They had no contact with the victorious regiments from Isandlwana so had no access to the loot - which included guns and ammunition.
You missed one. In the scene where you have the two ranks firing and advancing the troops are not using Henry martini rifles, but are using Bolt action rifles if you pay close attention.
I miss a couple to be honest.. None of them would have had the badge on the helmets...The revolvers are the wrong date... The Zulus would have been married warriors (and have been differently attired).. But time forced some edits.. Excellent spot on the rifles though.. I never spotted that one.. Thank you :)
You do a fantastic job on the historical aspects and as a fellow Anglo Zulu War enthusiast I have to say well done by and large on both the miniatures and the book collection! Would you consider doing a video on Zulu Dawn, Khartoum, Battle of Majuba or The Four Feathers? The Mahdist War and Boer War like the Anglo Zulu war doesn't get very much attention from books or film, but both are fascinating episodes in the history of the British Empire. I would very much recommend the book, "Khartoum The Ultimate Imperial Adventure"
Thank you for the kindness... Zulu Dawnm Khartoum and the mahdist/boer war are on my list.. I have never seen Battle of Majube or The Four Feathers... Hmmmm thank you I will need to look into this. I have read the Khartoum book and I agree its excellent Chinese Gordon deserves a video all to himself at some point :)
I recommend them, Khartoum, Zulu Dawn, Zulu, Gunga Din and The Four Feathers started my massive interest in Victorian England's Imperial adventures(and led to my collection of Pith helmets and a Henry martini to boot!) Keep up the great vids my good fellow!
The production couldn't get enough Martini-Henry rifles, so they rounded things out with a lot of older Lee rifles ... probably a version from before the charger bridge was introduced. The magazines are removed, but you can clearly see the cocking piece going forward when the Lees are fired.
Definitely one of my favorite movies of all time! My favorite line in it is "FIX... BAYONETS!" I often said it when out in the field training with my Infantry Regiment, the famous US 69th!
If you look at Colour Sergeant Bourne's tunic you will see that he holds the 1902 Coronation Medal and the Military Medal. This decoration for gallantry was awarded for the first time in 1916.
Unfortunately, as so often in American financed films, they take dramatic licence to a whole new level. I’m surprised the lead figure wasn’t American! Don’t you think?
LK72 they are wearing tunics in the film. Should be Field Service frocks. The belting shown is 1888 pattern vice 1871. Helment plates not worn in the field....I could go on
So, if this video is 11 min, and the movie Zulu is like what, 2 hrs? There can’t be that many inaccuracies. Besides, that’s why its called „movie“, not „documentary“.
Producer/director and rights holder Dr. Richard Wawman presents ZULU WARS. I kept all of my film off the market until now. I make a special offer for one month 3 titles Shaka King of The Zulus Blood River Red Coat Black Blood CLICK HERE vimeo.com/ondemand/shakakingofthezulus You may also be interested in Empires Of Gold part of he 5 par quest For Gold series. It starts with Zulus to Rhodes. vimeo.com/ondemand/frozengoldalaska
At 5:21, Chard is seen breaking his revolver to reload. He doesn't fire it, then 2 seconds later breaks it again to reload. Your clip doesn't show it, but view the film, and you will see.
I believe I'm right in saying that the film is guilty of at least one anachronism: the revolvers that Chard and Bromhead are using didn't come into service until a long time later. This was a good video, though, so keep doing what you're doing.
The insulting treatment of Henry Hook by the film makers reflects the disgusting way James Cameron treated Officer William Murdoch of the Titanic. There was no evidence or witnesses that gave credence to the assumption that he panicked and fired his revolver into the passengers fighting for places on the lifeboat he was responsible for. Cameron had to publicly apologise to his family and made a donation to his school which still rightly regards him a hero.
What happened to Murdock was much worse. At least Hook was portrayed as a tough brave soldier - a more typical representation of some British soldiers.
Amazing - the old why didn't they stab the mealie bags?? Well, it's kinda difficult when a hairy-arsed Redcoat is trying to bayonet you. Killing the wounded? Well, how many POWs were taken at Isandlwana?? And, how were the British medical services supposed to deal with hundreds of Zulu wounded?? How many British spoke Bantu?? How would the surgeons communicate with them??
2 British infantry companies were marching to rorkes drift but when they saw the flames from the burning hospital they decided to withdraw till daylight convinced that the depot had fallen and wait reinforcements
The injured Zulus were killed as there was no decent treatment available, especially after being hit by a Martini Henri bullet. There are accounts of Zulus being treated alongside British and Boer injured during the war. The Zulus are not accurately depicted as many were older, married men, who would have hoops in their hair. The Union Jack was not present at Rorke's Drift as the colours were lost at Fugitive's Drift (Isandlwana).
True indeed.. I was making no judgment on the British there, it was more to highlight how a movie will leave out the distasteful bits. You are also very correct about the Zulu's.. I bought the Warlord games Rorkes drift set and was always very disappointed that the Zulus you receive in the set are the wrong ones... excellent extra info... thank you
@William Traynor-Kean As a note.. it was the Queens Colour, NOT the Regimental colour that were saved. Queens Colour are different & the officers that attempted to save them were Lt's Coghill & Melvill. Also, your comment regarding the Flag only being the Union Jack when at sea is incorrect.. actually BOTH terms are correct (personally I have always used the term Union Jack from as a kid through my ARMY service & until now). The terms Union Jack and Union Flag are both used historically for describing the national flag of the United Kingdom. According to the Flag Institute, the official organization advising the government on these matters indicated that although it is often stated that the Flag should only be described as the Union Jack when flown in the bows of a warship is a relatively recent idea. From early in its life even the Admiralty itself frequently referred to the flag as the Union Jack, where ever its use, and in 1902 an Admiralty circular announced that Their Lordships had decided that either name could be used officially. Even Winston Churchill only ever called it the Union Jack.
@@Hawkeye5723 Well there we go, when I visited Fugitives Drift the term used was that it was the "Regimental Colour", however since I only served for 34 years and only made it to OF6 unfortunately in a regiment which did not have a colour. My brother served in the RN and seems to think that the term Union Jack is correct when used at sea by either the RN or MN but then again he only made it to OF7, you did serve in the scalley backs?
@@williamtraynor-kean7214 yes, I have served... I have been involved with both infantry & corps in UK, & Infantry in Australia. Dad was Grenadier Guards from early '50s & then went RFA & MN, but others in the family were RN. I am guessing your comment about your service & Brigadier rank was to try & intimidate me.. if so, you failed, If I am wrong.. I apologise. All I was doing was correcting the actual details, as It matters not what "Term" they used when you visited, it was wrong.. If you disagree with what I am saying, check it out for yourself, that actual Colour is hanging in Brecon. As for the Union Jack/Flag, I said it could be addressed correctly in either term.. just that Jack doesn't SPECIFICALLY mean on a ship at sea.. again, check it out for yourself from the Flag institute.. or get your RN Brother to research a1902 Admiralty circular announcing that Their Lordships had decided that either name could be used officially, or the 1913 Admiralty note that 'A Jack is a Flag to be flown ONLY on the "Jack" Staff', & as the union flag is flown on more than a staff, or when on a ship or at sea, Both 'Union Jack' & 'Union Flag' are correct terms.
@@Hawkeye5723 Oh dear we are not up on our ranks are we? Me OF6 Colonel RA my brother OF7 Commodore RN more a appointment than a rank. Do not forget the Union Flag is used on HM Ships as a sign of courts martial being held aboard.
I'm glad that you recognised the inaccuracies pretty well, especially the Welsh bit. I took my then young sons to Rorke's Drift in the mid 70s when next to no one went there. Just a couple of madalas running a little post office, who both claimed their grandfathers fought there, but no tourist crap like today. Still a great movie.
In the movie it gave the viewer the Impression that the Zulus started the war, they didn't ,Lord Chelmsford did when he invaded Zululand against the wishes of the British Government. The movie also gave the viewer the impression that the defenders of Rorke's Drift took on the whole Zulu army, they didn't it was a breakaway group of supposedly 4.000 men but then no one counted them. C.Sgt Bourne was given the rank of honoury L/t Colonel on his retirement from the British Army. If you look very closely at the battle scenes you will see that some of the rifles where Le Enfield' 303 bolt action because the producers could not get enough Martini Henry 's.
OMG reading some of the comments below it amazes me, it was a movie for god's sake and not a documentry you can pick faults in most movies but is this what you go to see the movie for? I have seen it about six times from when I first saw it in the 60's.
I first saw the movie in Amityville, NY when it came out. The marquis said "starring Richard Burton" who only shows as a narrator. And it was a predominantly Black theater. Everytime the Zulus came on the screen everyone cheered. Everytime a British/Welsh soldier was killed, everyone cheered. My brother slunk down in his seat so not to be see. The Zulus had been several days without food or rest when they attacked.
Who ever the nationalities at the drift there was a number of Welsh men there . Theres a man buried in my local cemetery in treorchy , Rhondda valley who fought there .
Of course there were Welshmen in the unit. It's the line "we have a few Englishmen" that rankles......."a few", like 7 of the 11 VC winners. Can't imagine Englishmen singing about Saxon foes.
@@adventussaxonum448 if you'd done your home work . They did not sing men of harlech , the film is highly enjoyable but not accurate. Don't lose no sleep over it buddy 😂
@@matthewevans3292 I know that the film isn't gospel..... that's my point. In real life, an English unit (with a few Welshmen in it) would never have sung MoH. The fact that Stanley Baker came from Ferndale has hugely influenced the tone of the movie. There are two generations of Welshmen who are convinced that the movie represents the truth, if not exact in every detail. My local pub has a display of the great "Welsh" victory. I don't buy the "it's only a film" argument. That would be fine if the general public all read history books, but most get their vague notions of the past from films or TV... . it's so much easier than proper reading. See Braveheart, U 571, etc. To be fair, Zulu is far better than those.... at least the troops were British.😄
@@adventussaxonum448 I believe Stanley paid for the budget of the film if I'm not mistaken . I know Ferndale well it's only over the other side of the mountain from me .
I think moustaches and beards were mandatory in the British army due to the risk of shaving cuts becoming infected. Most photos from the era of the Crimean war and late Victorian period show most British soldiers with the full set.
Interesting video, however the mistake i always spot is that during filming it looks like they didnt have enough Martini henry rifles , so next time you watch it look at the soldiers further back from the camera , they have lee enfields and mausers , ( would have made it a lot easier to defend if they had them there in reality )
The biggest mistake is at the very beginning which features Mr De Witt and his daughter at Cetschwayo's kraal at Ulundi over 70 miles away from Rorkes Drift. On hearing the news that Isandlwana has fallen, the De Witts get aboard their horse carriage and somehow overtake the Zulus at Isandlwana and arrive at Rorkes Drift a good hour before the Zulus do.Isandlwana is only about 8 miles from Rorkes Drift. In reality by the time the De Witts heard of the news of Isandlwana, the battle of Rorkes Drift would have been over.
I'd heard there were plenty of Warwickshire lads at the Drift on a visit to a museum in Warwick years ago. I also know Corporal Allen's family hail from the same Northumberland village as my great Grandfather. It is a fabulous movie and the Welsh lads who earned their VC's deserve to be remembered as true heros. There are few war films that "nail things" warts and all, let's be honest. Just facing an impi of Zulu was worthy of Greek epic and Enfield's film certainly captures that essence. I seem to remember reading the rum/beer ration was pretty high too. It would need to be! The stoicism of these guys was unbelievable. Thanks for posting.
Great video shedding some light on the inaccuracies. The casualty difference was staggering and i guess it proves discipline and a rifle wins the day. I like the line atvthe end of the battle when Bourne says is a miracle and Chard responds mentioning the henri martini rifle and calibre etc and bourne days 'with some guts behind it'.
Bromhead was hard of hearing, but not deaf or stupid. He had a long and fine career. Chard was an experienced officer who was sent to the post to repair a bridge. He also had a fine career.
I agree with the inaccuracies in the movie, however for the time and still now, it's a highly respectful portrail of both sides, and actually shows the sadness and desperation of war, whi
Surprising fact, not only were there only 17 fatalities amongst the defenders at Rorkes Drift, all those deaths were as result of gun fire and none were killed by Zulu spears Many of the redcoats were wounded by spears but all the deaths were by gun shot.
actually i have to dispute this, as ive read in a book i think by zulu war expert saul david that during the hospital seige a soldier was overpowered and dragged outside where he was quickly surrounded and stabbed to death by the hoarde. hence at least one died by spear.
@@lyndoncmp5751 is that replie for me ? if it is saul david is a famous historian on the zulu wars. hes written many books on it including a novel. he stated that a soldier at one point was dragged out of of the hospital and stabbed to death .
Don't apologise Major, I too loved the movie but appreciate everything you've corrected. I ncidentally, an old friend of mine was on first name terms with the King of Zulus (who was in 1985 - 1999) and always took tea with him when he came to London and visited him in Africa.
Great video, this is the first I have watched from your channel, I think it’s a great idea to have these comparisons, and as I’m sure there are others doing these types of videos, you really have done a great job, so thank you. Also your dioramas are amazing, always something I’ve wanted to do. Cheers mate.
Station on correct side of river, not 'invaders'. Zulu 'kingling' that attacked was generally 'out of order' & being a bit naughty, bet he got smacked when he got home.
When I was about 12, or 13, in the early 1960's, I read, in the Library of Guisborough Grammar School, a novel called "Zulu Royal Feather". This was based, apparently accurately, on the life of John Dunn, a historical South African, of English origin, who had become one of Cetewayo's Chiefs! By the time the film came out, I was aware that Zululand was a lot more intelligent place to be
The Zulus were from much further north and had murdered and enslaved all the way down into south Africa, they had no right to be there, there was a tribe already in situ but which did not inhabit all of the region, much of it was open land.
@@robshirewood5060 I think it’s a mistake to look into the past looking for “goodness”. The earliest accounts of the Zulus were from shipwreck survivors (!), who reported a good-natured law-abiding people. What would they have said about the Cornish (had there *been* any survivors!)?
Another inaccuracy not mentioned concerns the revolvers used by Chard and Bromhead. They are Webleys. In fact Adams revolvers were used. Webleys weren't introduced till the 1880s.
The 'Pistol, Webley' Mk I' was officially adopted on November 8, 1887 so this is an underrated comment. Webley's are more iconic and probably easier for the props department to procure for the movie. Definitely an inaccuracy for the Zulu war as the British army was about to switch to the Enfield Mk I revolver in 1880.
@@celston51 The Royal Engineers Museum have in their collection the pistol used by John Chard at Rouke's Drift. It is a Webley RIC (Royal Irish Constabulary) model 1450 C.F which they manufactured from 1868 onwards, quite a few British officers purchased them.
Very interesting video, I’ve always really enjoyed this movie from a cinematic and dramatic perspective. This is one classic film that I would love to see be remade today with all the improvements in CGI etc. I knew there were inaccuracies but I wonder if you could comment on what the film did get right?
Really? I'd be terrified of it being remade today - the liberties they took with the truth back then would be nothing compared to what outrageous PC rewrite would be required before a penny was raised to make it....
At the end of the day this is a movie. a great movie, with wonderful examples of talented lead and supporting actors. It was never intended to be a documentary. good grief.
As I can appreciate learning and knowing more about movies as these, this is one of my favorite and well I like it the way it is...I'm comfortable not knowing this one. thx
I've always had a serious interest in the battle of Isandlwana and Rorks drift because of the films, but mainly because my birthday is on the same day, 22nd January. The one hundredth anniversary was on my sixteenth birthday. I'm now fifty eight. The Washing of the Spears is a great read on the history of the Zulu nation and Zulu wars btw.
At the time of Rourke's Drift the order to fire consisted of, 'Present' then count of three beats, then the man would fire without any further orders. The order 'Fire' returned in about 1881. But then you wouldn't have the great 3 ranks scene at the end in quite the same way!
Find this fascinating as the film was a masterpiece but as someone said not a documentary.Also some of the extensive comments below just as interesting.
Also I dont get how that soldier suddenly like fall you missed that part and when the soldiers in the back firing like what are they firing at that's like wasting ammo
Thing is, you can put the 17 deaths of the British against the 500-800 deaths of the Zulu's down to superior weapons. UNTIL you remember that the day or so before, an entire British army had been wiped out by the Zulu's - a far bigger defeat than that suffered by Gen Custer at the Little Big Horn....the worst defat EVER by "native" troops against "imperial" troops, Thanks for pointing out the inaccuracies, though, but they don't take away from this incredible military event.
Has anyone ever claimed that the movie is historically accurate in every detail? At the end of the day, it is more important that moviegoers are entertained, so that they might want to go back to see another historically inaccurate movie!
Absolutely agree about Hook, great soldier and very decent man so poorly portrayed! I can fully understand the family disgust at such a portrayal of Thier ancestor! Literary license can be very poorly incorporated at times, and was also shamefully done in the movie "Titanic" when it showed the 1st officer shooting himself which was a huge inaccuracy with no good reason for it being filmed that way!
Great movie. Scared the crap out of me when I was a kid. So as you know the movie was filmed near the spectatucular amphitheatre nowhere near Rorkes Drift. My guide explained the attack was about retrieving cattle which were of great value and basically currency. The portrayal of Hook was contemptible and insulted his family but movie people and ethical behaviour are rarely bedfellows. Great.analysis.
Good points mentioned - well done. Another small point about the revolvers used by Lieutenants Chard and Bromhead (that's pronounced 'leftenant' in Britain, not 'lootenant' as in the U.S.) - They're using .455 cal. MKVI Wembley and Scott revolvers, which weren't in service until.1915. A picky point, but it illustrates the fact that film (or 'movie') companies have to make some compromises.
Really good extra point thank you for adding it.. I never thought to include that one.. Another good fashion point is that all those Helmets they wear would have in no way had the badge on the front, those would have been removed when on campaign (check out old photos)..
Major Sven It is really fascinating to find all these inaccuracies in this film. It adds an extra dimension never really envisaged by the production company, Diamond Films. I hadn't considered the helmet badge, though there would probably have been questions if they hadn't been displayed. Smart and shiny looks good on a steadfast Victorian British soldier! Keep up the good work, sir...
A couple more inaccuracies for you. The command FIRE was not introduced for a few years after this action. You would need to be a foot soldier to understand this but at the time of the action the command was PRESENT then the soldier would count in his head 2 fast beats the rate he was taught to march then fire. This allowed him time to take aim knowing exactly the moment when to fire that was coming. Secondly the Zulu regiments were organised by date of birth all soldiers,in the Zulu regiments were the same age. The regiment in this action were actually in thier 40s . Still fierce soldiers though. This regiment had never been in action before and just missed action the previous day at Ishlandwana. King Cetshawayo had commanded that his armies were not to attack fortified and entrenched British positions . Deliberately to avoid this type of disaster for them. Thirdly you see the british soldiers being supplied ammunition loosely from a large box when at that date ammunition was supplied in small paper packs of ammunition. I assume 12 in a pack not 10. I have only read references to these packs and seen photos of them . So if anyone knows if they were in 12s or 10s I would appreciate a shout out. Please.
Zulu dawn shows the ammo box much more accurately with the inside tin liner and packs of ten. It even shows the lids being knocked off wit rifle butts which was done. Not sure but I think the ammo should be the rolled foil type rather than drawn brass cases which are shown a couple of times.(can't remember which of the movies-- probably both)
@@peterlazzari3950 dear sir. Yes indeed. I have never really ascertained for sure which cartridge was correct at the time. Although I have seen photos of the paper pack I'm not sure if they were in tens or dozens. The film was probably filmed using smokeless ammunition there doesn't seem to be half enough smoke that would of been present using black powder. Many thanks.
I can only find reference to ammo being in packs of 10. You are almost certainly correct about some smokeless powder being used in the movies. A lot of the scenes are shot without even having a round in the chamber as you can tell by the non existent recoil when the rifle is shown being fired.still great movies though.
Excellent job on your diorama sir. Have you played the wargame on Rorke's Drift by 3W wargames?? Also another inaccuracy in the film is the ammo boxes. They make it look like that there is a flimsy metallic covering when in fact under the wooden lid it was like a huge sardine can & the cartridges came in labeled paper type boxes. The boxes were also screwed down but was easy to open with rifle butts
They do show the tin liner being ripped back in Zulu dawn. I watched both movies last weekend and they also show the lid being opened by bashing with a rifle butt. The ammunition shown is drawn brass cased when in reality it was at that stage a wrapped brass foil type set up. Nit picking I know when they're using some Lee actions and at least one martini Enfield. 303
You don't mention that Chard and Bromhead ( pronounced Brumhead apparently) were known in their regiments to be the dullest of dullards and deaf as a post. They had no chance of rising any further because they were .. well... Dullards
In fact the whole siege was planned and organised by Commissariat Dalton. Chard did the defences to his credit, Miele bag and built up the defences.
Dalton joined 85th of foot ( infantry) in 1849 ( served Thirteen years) transferred to the Commissariat corps on the rank of corporal in 1862 raised to Staff sergeant the same rank as Colour sergeant Bourne ( only infantry regiments have colour sergeant) he retired 1867 went to south Africa and eventually volunteered for the Commissariat. He was in fact the most experienced soldier there. Yet the movie makes him out to be an efete character who only gives out rounds a disgusting a treatment of a VC winner both Chard and Bromhead argued for Dalton's VC niether wanted nor felt they deserved credit. But British government needed heroes it had to be officers. Dalton received his VC a year late.
What happened when the fighting was done. They did what all soldiers did from whichever country to the dying, no doctor, no magic pills no bandages or medical knowledge anywhere in sight what to do leave them to die in agony or do the decent thing, club their heads till they died. It was killing yes, but mercy killing not an atrocity. Even today you can bet when someone is going to die in agony you know it they know it if they asked for a bullet to save the pain somebody would give him one. So when you give that look when you mention the 500 killed remember this. They did not have the benefit of hindsight they did not know more wouldn't come they had to check. The could have left the Zulu to die in the hot sun in agony they didn't so don't roll your eyes or be apologetic it was a different age different standards.
Lastly though I have no doubt these men earned their VC many in their own regiments didn't some got bullied because of it. As one general had said you don't give medals for doing your duty.
One would end his life with his young daughter running through Manchester shouting and screaming the Zulu were coming he blew his head off with a shotgun.
Colour sergeant Bourne was offered and turned down his chance to be an officer as he couldn't afford it.
However he did reach the Honourary rank of Lieutenant Colonel as well as serving in WW1 in charge of training troops.
Quite a man .. the kid ( as you rightly said youngest colour sergeant of his age nickname the kid.)
Why was the 24th Welsh in the film? Well Stanley Baker was Welsh it was his film simple.
Amazing additional information... thank you so much.. as for the 500 killed at the end, your are totally correct. I am in no way, rolling my eyes or apologising for history (it wouldn't be my place anyway) however I am talking about a movie and a source of entertainment. I wanted to acknowledge the lives behind that.
The lives of the VC winner after the battle are varied and interesting.. I am sure I will do videos on each of them eventually (no idea when sadly)... Again thank you so much for watching and the amazing additional information here.
Major Sven hi I have only just seen this reply, wasn't really speaking to you about rolling eyes etc but just those many viewers who don't seem to realise we live in a very different world than those at Rourke's Drift or even Agincourt were some argue Henry ordering the killing of his prisoners should be a war crime .. tosh! In Henry's mind at the time would be the far superior numbers of the French and needing all his fighting men able to fight, the prisoners would probably turn on Henry given the chance, that left only one real option. Take them out of the fight.
It would be a great idea to do a piece on the survivors of Rourke's Drift, their stories afterwards are still relevant today with sufferers of PTSD etc. Again though they were badly treated in my view, it was a vastly different world back then.
Probably the report written by another 'Dullard' then... wouldn't you think ?
Bromhead was partly deaf. I am not sure he would have made it through an army medical in WW1. He did come from an old military family.
First of all congratulations on rightly recognising that Commissary Dalton "did his duty" (as every soldier knows, you have to do good deal more than that and Dalton did) as you put it. It was he who organised the defences using metal biscuit boxes and miele bags, not Lieutenant Chard. Dalton died in action in a bloody fight to the death with a Zulu warrior. It must be remembered that five companies of the first battalion of the 24th and one company of the second had been annihilated the previous day at Isandlwana along with the rest of number three column. That would have unnerved any soldier at Rorke's Drift who faced the Zulu Reserves from the previous days action. Some 4 000 warriors. Indeed it did as the Natal Contingent fled Rorke's Drift together with their leader a serving British Corporal. He was shot by the 24th as he ran. If men like James Dalton fought and died that day the conduct of many of the commissioned officers . The actual officer commanding , who is not often mentioned was, Major Henry Spalding . Spalding left Rorke's Drift 12:00 noon on the day of the battle to search for reinforcements from Helpkwanaar leaving without informing Bromhead. It is worth noting that Spalding was also Lord Chelmsford's Quartermaster. No mention was made of his leaving his command to face the oncoming Zulu impis. James Dalton then was shabbilly treated after all his actions which those of a steadfast and honourable soldier in the face of battle. He was not awarded a VC until 12 moths after the rest. However we must remember that this was the "British" Army of the late 19th Century. Those members of the other ranks who spoke out against the regiment or commanding officers often faced ostracisation or worse. Lastly I will turn to the constant criticism from Englishmen about the way the 24th were portrayed in the film Zulu. Is it a Welsh regiment? Well The 24th Foot was raised in 1689 as Colonel Sir Edward Dering's Regiment of Foot for service in Ireland under William III. In 1751 it was placed 24th in the line infantry order of precedence. Between 1782 to 1881, the regimental name was The 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot. Under the Cardwell Reforms of 1881, the 24th (2nd Warwickshire ) Regiment became The 1st Battalion The South Wales Borderers.
In June 1969, The South Wales Borderers linked with The Welch Regiment (41st/69th Foot), to form The Royal Regiment of Wales (24th/41st Foot). Just word of caution to any English commentators, who happen upon an off duty or discharged member the Royal Regiment of Wales (24th/41st) . There were many historical inaccuracies in the film Zulu including the downplaying of Isandlwana itself. This later put right to some degree. All those soldiers fought for their lives facing an overwhelming and courageous enemy who in turn had to face the terror martini henry rifles, properly supplied, and used to deadly effect unlike on the previous days massacre. Zulu's intent in "washing their spears" also had to face trained close quarter fighting with the bayonet. Let's not forget Commisary James Dalton. I think that he saved that company. A disciplined soldier and a tough bastard. One of the features of the Film which cannot be criticised however is the opening narration of Richard Burton which recites Chelmsford's dispatch to the War Office. It is chilling.
ruclips.net/video/cuc53jXvklM/видео.html
SPECIAL MENTION: Colour Sergeant Frank Bourne - If you have seen the movie Zulu, you still can see the tall, severe visage of Colour Sergeant Bourne, his muttonchop sideburns bristling, staring down at the malingering soldiers of the 24th shouting, “Nobody told you to stop working!” Well, the reality is a bit different. At the time of the battle of Rorke’s Drift, Frank Bourne was 24 years old, the youngest colour sergeant in the British Army, having enlisted only 6 years previously. His youth earned him the nickname “The Kid.” Also, Bourne was only about 5’ 6” tall. For some reason, his actions at Rorke’s Drift were recognized with a Distinguished Conduct Medal rather than a VC. Bourne was also offered an officer’s commission, but he declined. After the Anglo-Zulu War, he saw service in India and Burma. Bourne was later promoted to Quartermaster-Sergeant. In 1893 he was appointed Adjutant of the School of Musketry (now the Small Arms School Corps) in Hythe, Kent, retiring from the army in 1907. He volunteered for service during the First World War, at the end of which he was given the honorary rank of lieutenant colonel. In 1936 Bourne made a BBC radio broadcast discussing the Battle of Rorke’s Drift, a transcript of which still survives. He became a fixture at the funerals of the other VC recipients from Rorke’s Drift. Bourne outlived all the other defenders of the mission station, dying on May 8, 1945 - VE Day - at the age of 91.
I read that he refused the VC as it would affect his career progression, and opted for the DCM instead.
I didnt know this thankyoui.
@@robshirewood5060
Sorry but that makes no sense.
@@lawrencewood289 He was recommended for the VC Victoria Cross, but he felt it would hinder his progress in the Army so opted for the Distinguished Conduct Medal which i think was the next level down in Gallantry awards at the time. It is on record and as he progressed to Colonel maybe he was right. He was the youngest Colour Sergeant in the British Army , so he must have been very good and aware of how the promotion system worked, maybe he had served with VC holders and had observed how it affected their progression. Jealousy by senior officers has stunted many military career
Of all the innacuries in the 1964 film Zulu, is the way they portraid private hook as a drunken troublemaker. So far from the truth as he was a teatotaler and helped to defend and rescue injured fellow soldiers and was awarded the cv medal. They were truly brave men. As for Chelmsford he was a pompous and arragont officer who told lies to save his skin after the battle.
how do you know?
cv ? Ha ha....... VC you pratt !
Except for the betrayal of Hook, trivial nit picking. Thought I was going to learn something.
Private Robert Jones (716) - Another soldier who came to a poor end. He enlisted in the 24th Regiment at the age of 19, apparently wanting to be something more than a Welsh farm laborer. During the defense of the hospital, Jones and his comrade Private William Jones (#593) defended one of the wards until six of the seven patients were evacuated. He was stabbed in the stomach by a Zulu assegai. He saw service in India, and in 1882 transferred to the reserves. When he subsequently left the army altogether, he returned to Wales, became a farm laborer and married, producing five children. He complained of headaches later in life. In 1898, he borrowed a neighbor’s shotgun “to go rabbit hunting.” He was found shortly afterwards, dead of a head wound. His death was ruled a suicide; his body was carried into the graveyard over the wall - not through the gate - and his headstone faces away from the church, opposite all the other headstones. His family has tried for years to have the verdict of suicide reversed but to no avail. He was 41 years old.
Private Frederick Hitch - Fred was 22 years of age at the defense, having enlisted in the army less than 2 years previously. [Fred was illiterate, and he signed his enlistment papers with an “X”.] He was severely wounded in the right shoulder by a Zulu-cast musket ball, which left him permanently disabled. After his discharge from the army, he moved from job to job, unable to find permanent employment. Hitch was also married and raising a family (he eventually had eight children) and found it difficult to get by on his military pension of 10 pounds a year (in 2008 value, that’s about $1185). In 1901, he fell from a ladder; when he awoke in the hospital, his VC was missing, stolen. Hitch managed to secure a replacement, but had to pay for it himself. It later turned up at an auction after his death. Later, Hitch became a London cab driver. He died of pleuro-pneumonia on January 6, 1913, living alone, age 56.
Two other inaccuracies that you missed! They wouldn't have been wearing smart white helmets - the troops in the Zulu war stained their helmets with cold tea to dull them down (this was shown well in the prequel "Zulu Dawn" though, and secondly, there was no mention of the heroic little dog "Pip" who by many accounts was the reason they survived the night attacks as he could hear the Zulus approaching and barked at whichever side of the defences they were coming towards, alerting the defenders to that section. He was the only dog to be officially buried with full honours in a human cemetery after his death (somewhere in London I believe).
The British were still wearing scarlet tunics with white helmets and cross webbing at the time of the first Boer War which made them easy targets.
@@johncross2787 as spike milligan pointed out in one of his books.
Surgeon James Henry Reynolds, Army Medical Department - Surgeon Reynolds, born in Dublin, Ireland in 1844, joined the Army Medical Department in 1868, and served in India and several military actions in Africa prior to the Anglo-Zulu War. Besides attending to the Rorke’s Drift defenders while under heavy fire, he also helped distribute ammunition. After the battle, Reynolds attended to the sick and wounded, and was subsequently promoted to Surgeon-Major. He retired from the army in 1896, with the rank of Brigade Surgeon Lieutenant Colonel. He died March 4, 1932 at the Empire Nursing Home in London, age 88 years old.
One thing that no-one seems to comment on about the movie, is the uniforms. British regiments had colour facings on the sleeve and the collar, I don't understand why the movie makers decided to add it to the shoulders as well.
The film wasn't made as an historical documentary. It's purely an entertainment film, based LOOSELY on the events of those 2 days. It never pretended to be 100% accurate.
James Langley Dalton, Acting Assistant Commissary, Commissariat & Transport Department - Dalton enlisted in the 85th Regiment in 1849, at the age of 17. He transferred to the Commissariat Corps in 1862, and was later promoted to Master-Sergeant. In 1870 he served as part of the British Army’s Red River Expedition to quell the Métis rebellion led by Louis Riel, one of the first challenges to the newly-created country of Canada. Dalton retired in 1871 after 22 years of service. Apparently unable to find civilian work - or feeling the call of the frontier - he moved to South Africa and volunteered for service in the Commissariat Department in 1877. After the battle, Dalton was given a permanent commission in the department. He left for England in early 1880, returning to Africa shortly after to take part shares in a gold mine. In 1886, he was in Port Elisabeth, South Africa visiting an old friend. Staying in a hotel, he died in his sleep from unknown causes on the night of January 7, 1887, age 55.
Most of the troops at the drift were from, A Coy (2 Warwickshire) 24th Regt of Foot, made up mainly of Englishmen. There was Welsh as well, due to the recruiting office being in Brecon.
A member of the Corps of Royal Engineers, was also present.
Just to remind infantry officers when I served during the troubles, I would introduce myself as ' Morning sir, Cpl Jones Corps of Royal Engineers, by the grace of God and her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the 2nd'🙂
Zulu, my best film ever, watched it around 80 to 82 times now.
Love the Zulu chants, proud brave warriors.👍
they were extremely brave to go running towards rifle shots and cannon fodder ie isandlwana
Lieutenant John R.M. Chard, Royal Engineers - He joined the Royal Engineers in 1868, and had served in Bermuda and Malta prior to being sent to South Africa. After the battle of Rorke’s Drift, he was promoted to captain, then brevet major. He later commanded the R.E. detachment in Singapore from 1892 to 1896 at the rank of lieutenant colonel. Chard was promoted to colonel and sent back to Great Britain to take a posting in Perth, Scotland. However, he became ill with cancer of the tongue and died at his brother’s house on November 1, 1897, at the age of 49.
I always think it's best not to treat feature films as documentaries.
Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead, Commanding Officer, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot - Bromhead came from a distinguished military family - his grandfather had fought the French at Waterloo. He was 33 years old at the time of Rorke’s Drift, although he had purchased his commission as a 2nd lieutenant in 1867. The reason for his slow promotion was likely the fact that he was profoundly deaf (which was not depicted in the movie Zulu). Bromhead was promoted to brevet major after the battle. He later served in India, also participating in the 3rd Anglo-Burmese War of 1885-1886. He died of typhoid fever on February 9, 1892 at the age of 46; he is buried in the north Indian city of Allahabad.
Stanly Baker was Welsh and wanted to show his feelings. When the men are all singing it's actually the male voice choir from Baker's home town in Wales.
Adendorf is seen at the beginning of the movie. He is never seen during the battle but all of a sudden shows up at the end.
Good point about Adendorf. Ahhh movies
Another (minor) inaccuracy in the movie - the officers in it are using either Webley, or Enfield revolvers which were used by the British Army in WW1, WW2, and Korea. The standard revolver at the time of Rorke's Drift was the Beaumont-Adams.
They're using Webley Mk VI revolvers, more than 40 years out of date. They're also using drawn instead of rolled brass Martini ammo, over one year out of date; It's the ammo I use today. I also shoot a Webley Mk III revolver which is still ten years too modern for the Zulu war. Cheers.
@Kernal Scott 2 To be honest I didn't notice the Metfords/Enfields. I watched it again and you're bloody right, they look like Enfields* or MLEs. Thanks for pointing this out. My Martini is an 1887 that was finally withdrawn from service in 1916! It was used to shoot at Zeppelins over England in WW1, until they got incendiary rounds for Enfield Mk IIIs. I've got some 577/.450 incendiary rounds, they're very rare now. I have at least one of every Enfield made gun from the 18th century (Brown Bess) through 19th and to 1956. My favourite is an 1896 MLE cavalry carbine that was actually in action with a New Zealand cavalry regiment at Gallipolli in WW1. The only Webleys I'm missing is the Mk1 and Mk2, also an Enfield Army Mk 2 (.476). If you ever hear of any for sale perhaps you would let me know.
Thanks again, stay safe and covid free. Cheers!
I know what you mean, it is a pity that even Dad's Army can get the rifles and calibre historically accurate but given the films of that time I'm impressed they found Martini-Henrys for everyone and didn't get a directors hard on for something fancy, like Broomhandles or a big bloke with pony tail and tattoos carrying a hand held Gatling gun.
Martini Henry carbines used by infantry in Zulu Dawn!
Pte. Frederick Hitch . He is buried in the centre of St. Nicholas' Churchyard, Old Chiswick. Block P, grave 17. This is off the A4, close to the Fuller's Brewery. The grave is difficult to miss since it is more of a monument than a grave, featuring a helmet on top.Hitch was born at Chase Side, Southgate, London on 29th. November 1856. He enlisted in London on 7 March 1877 aged 20 years. Severely wounded at Rorke's Drift in the right shoulder by a roughly made Zulu bullet, which shattered the bone and permanently disabled him. On his return to the UK he was a patient at Netley Hospital and was finally discharged from the army with a pension in August 1879. died 1913.
The Zulus didn't find him difficult to miss
I'm pretty sure Maj. Spaulding left before they had any idea the Zulus were coming. A group of replacement soldiers were overdue and he'd gone to the local town to see what the holdup was. He left Chard in command because he was senior and he didn't expect him to have anything other than routine administrative duties to look after.
Corporal William Allen - Aged 35 at the time of the battle, Corporal Allen had recently been demoted from sergeant for being drunk on duty. During the fight, he and Private Hitch (more on him later) helped keep communications with the men defending the hospital open until it was evacuated and both men were wounded. After their wounds were dressed, they both then helped distribute ammunition to the defenders throughout the fight. Allen was eventually promoted back to sergeant. He later returned to England, and served as a training instructor at the regimental recruiting depot at Brecon, Wales. He died at nearby Monmouth, Wales in 1890 of influenza at the age of 46.
Fred Hitch suffered a severe shoulder wound which effectively incapacitated him for the rest of his life. He ended his days, conmfortably, as a London Cabbie.
Henry Hook got a job (as a Duster, and later a cane/umbrella attendant) at the British Museum, aided by Bromhead, Chelmsford, and, the Prince of Wales. He died of Tuberculosis.
Private William Jones (593) - William Jones is possibly the most pathetic of all the heroes of Rorke’s Drift. He was 39 years old on January 22-23, 1879. He also served in Mauritius, Burma and India, and was awarded a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. He was discharged from the army in February, 1880 due to chronic rheumatism which he claimed to have contracted from the cold, wet nights lying on the ground after the battle. Unable to find steady work, Jones did some acting and in 1887 toured with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. However, Jones’s mind never recovered from that battle. He was found wandering around Manchester, destitute and penniless, having pawned his VC in 1910 for £6. His family took him in but, convinced that Zulus were coming through the windows of his family home, he grabbed his grandchildren and ran them out of the house. He was declared mentally unstable and sent to an government workhouse where he died on April 15, 1913, age 74. No one claimed his body and he was buried as a pauper in an unmarked government grave.
Ouch. Very sad.
They never used the Rifles from Istandlwana, the Impi's that took part at Roakes Drift were never engaged in the the battle at Instandlwana. Also in the film there is no mention or presence of the Reverend George Smith (who had a very large 2 foot red beard) who constantly gave out ammo and quoted parts from the bible. There was also the battle for the water bowser which is not mentioned or even in the film at all. The Reverend Otto Witt had a young family and not a 17 year old daughter and they were long gone before the battle started. They also had to tie rags around their Martini Henry Rifles to stop themselves from getting their hands burnt from the continuous firing again not in the film.
Oddly, there are plenty of accounts that the Zulus really didn't like getting anywhere close to bayonets. Even at Isandlwana, a lot of the final stands were finished with off with thrown assegais and gunfire. The Zulus' use of guns is always dismissed, yet a considerable number of the more 'famous' victims at Isandlwana were killed by gunfire: the men of the Rocket Battery were decimated by a volley from 600 yards. The Royal Artillery suffered 20% casualties from gunfire before trying to flee the field. I believe both Durnford and Pulleine were shot; Captain Younghusband was shot despite being surrounded after his company was wiped out; the soldier in the cave, maybe the last man to die, was shot, despite being outnumbered 20,000 to one!! There were some Zulus who could shoot and they did so.
The location is also wrong. The mountain in the background is the amphitheater in the Drakensberg, several hundred kilometers to the west. The surrounding hills around the Buffalo River are much lower.
Private John Williams (Fielding) - He enlisted in the army in 1877, at the age of 19, probably using a false name to avoid being traced after running away from home. Fielding and Hook saved eight patients - and themselves! - by digging their way through three walls of the hospital, sometimes using a pickaxe, more often digging with their bare hands. After Rorke’s Drift, Fielding served in India from 1880 to 1883. He then returned home to Wales, and served as a sergeant in the 3rd Battalion (basically the recruiting unit) for the South Wales Borderers (the renamed 24th Regiment) at it depot in Brecon, Wales. Though retired, he volunteered to serve on the SWB depot’s staff during World War I. He married and had six children, one of his sons being killed at Mons in 1914. He was the last Rorke’s Drift VC recipient to survive, dying of heart failure on November 25, 1932 at the age of 75.
What the movie did to PVT Hooke is straight up slander. Its even more unforgivable when you consider that Hooke was a VC recipient and there was at least one other soldier present at Rorke's Drift who was ACTUALLY a former convict. Which Hooke absolutely was NOT. So it was totally unnecessary to slander him to create that character. Its a bloody scandal what they did to his legacy.......ultimately the real scandal is what the British did to Zululand. If the movie was made today, it would be called Isandlwana and the British would be the "bad guys".
Corporal Christian Ferdinand Schiess, 2nd Battalion, Natal Native Contingent - Corporal Shiess was 23 years old at Rorke’s drift, a native of Switzerland and a veteran of the French Army and the 9th Cape Frontier War (1877-1879) in South Africa. He was only at Rorke’s Drift due to the fact that he was in the hospital suffering the effects of poorly-fitting boots. During the defense, Schiess at one point dislodged some Zulus who were threatening the inner defense line, despite being wounded. After the war, he was unable to find employment of any kind, either military or civilian. He was found wandering the streets of Cape Town in late 1884, suffering from malnutrition and exposure - essentially homeless! He was taken in by members of the Royal Navy, after he told them of his exploits at Rorke’s Drift and showed them his VC, his only possession. Taking pity on the man, the Navy gave him food and offered him passage back to England, which he accepted. However, during the voyage Schiess succumbed to the ravages of his unfortunate circumstances, dying on December 14, 1884, at the age of 28. He was buried at sea off the coast of Angola.
Lieutenant is pronounced leftenant in the British Army.
Yes we are not French or Yanks
Correct leftennant
@@paddystrongjaw9995 Even if Lieutenant is originally French.
@@canturgan yes
Which is an absurdity, because a Lieu Tenant is an officer acting in place of , therefore IN LIEU (LOO) of the Captain commanding (the Tenant holding office) the unit. We should be pronouncing it correctly, as an officer cannot be in LEFF of the tenancy of the commander of the Unit a Captain. There is as far as I know no such word as LEFF in the English language.
They were changed from the Warwickshires to a Welsh regiment by Stanley Baker .
Fun fact: I read in a book of the zulu war that the commard "FIRE" was never said in the zulu war. Its "MAKE READY" "PRESENT" the 3 seconds then the men fired.
Chard's Webley pistol wasn't available for several decades after Rorke's Drift.
Adams revolver would have been more likely.
Quite likely a Colt.
Many films are historically incorrect. Bridge on the River Kwai was blown up in the film, but it is still standing in reality.
Not bothered about inaccuracies enjoyed film numerous times
The Zulu's that fired rifles had the idea that a bullet would drop in the same manner as a throwing spear, thus many rounds sailed well over the heads of the British.
One of the fiercest defenders at Rorke's Drift was the regimental mascot, a border Collie dog who barked and bit at Zulu's non-stop for ten hours.
Zulus
Another small inaccuracy was filming this at the foot of the Amphitheatre in the Royal Natal National Park in the Drakensberg Mountains.This is miles away from Rorkes Drift.
Apparently your Queen visited the Park when she came to South Africa, before her Coronation I think.It got the Royal bit after her visit.
I have been there on holiday as a youngster in the 70s and 80s and no remains exist of what was built for the movie.
Is a beautiful part of South Africa and worth a visit when Covid buggers off.
The real location was unsuitable for filming
I love the film. Having been to Rorke's Drift (and Isandlwana) the setting is not correct. The countryside surrounding Rorke's Drift is low lying with a single low hill to one side from which the Zulu's fired upon the garrison. I believe the film was shot in the Drakensburg mountains, 100 miles away, for a more dramatic backdrop.
The mountain behind is Ampetheatre, in the Drakensbergs (dragon mountains) Kwa-Zulu Natal. One of the most impressive rock faces on earth. I was there last October, and several times prior. Incidentally, Stanley Baker was born, lived and his ashes were scattered minutes away from where I now live.
Not sure about that as I have seen on another "mistakes " video that the Zulus first charge passes a memorial to the defenders placed there some years later, meaning it would have to be filmed on or very near the actual battle site? But I stand to be corrected by those who know better!
What do you expect from Hollywood.
According to Colour Sergeant Bourne, interviewed in 1936 as a short Colonel, all the British casualties were from bullets, fired by rifles captured earlier in the day. Not a single casualty from assegai.
You have a link to that interview, not saying you are lying.
Quite a few died from assegai, but none on the barricades. All those who were killed with spears were in the hospital or escaping from it. That's about 7 who died from assegais outright (sgt Robert Maxfield; pvt William Horrigan, Garret Hayden, Joseph Williams and James Jenkins; trp Hunter; one NNC native) , and one who died from wounds later (pvt William Beckett).
I Don't think any of the rifles from isandluana were taken to rorkes drift. They all went North. However the Zulu had many muzzle loaders and a few sniders and the odd martini and sporting rifles etc. That is another error in the movie where the Boer says that the rifles came from isandluana.
@@peterlazzari3950 The Zulu regiments who fought at Rorke's Drift were held in reserve at Isandlwana and went directly to plunder the British supply depot at "Jim's Place" as they called it (Kwa Jimi). They had no contact with the victorious regiments from Isandlwana so had no access to the loot - which included guns and ammunition.
You missed one.
In the scene where you have the two ranks firing and advancing the troops are not using Henry martini rifles, but are using Bolt action rifles if you pay close attention.
I miss a couple to be honest.. None of them would have had the badge on the helmets...The revolvers are the wrong date... The Zulus would have been married warriors (and have been differently attired).. But time forced some edits.. Excellent spot on the rifles though.. I never spotted that one.. Thank you :)
You do a fantastic job on the historical aspects and as a fellow Anglo Zulu War enthusiast I have to say well done by and large on both the miniatures and the book collection!
Would you consider doing a video on Zulu Dawn, Khartoum, Battle of Majuba or The Four Feathers? The Mahdist War and Boer War like the Anglo Zulu war doesn't get very much attention from books or film, but both are fascinating episodes in the history of the British Empire. I would very much recommend the book, "Khartoum The Ultimate Imperial Adventure"
Thank you for the kindness... Zulu Dawnm Khartoum and the mahdist/boer war are on my list.. I have never seen Battle of Majube or The Four Feathers... Hmmmm thank you I will need to look into this. I have read the Khartoum book and I agree its excellent Chinese Gordon deserves a video all to himself at some point :)
I recommend them, Khartoum, Zulu Dawn, Zulu, Gunga Din and The Four Feathers started my massive interest in Victorian England's Imperial adventures(and led to my collection of Pith helmets and a Henry martini to boot!)
Keep up the great vids my good fellow!
The production couldn't get enough Martini-Henry rifles, so they rounded things out with a lot of older Lee rifles ... probably a version from before the charger bridge was introduced. The magazines are removed, but you can clearly see the cocking piece going forward when the Lees are fired.
Definitely one of my favorite movies of all time! My favorite line in it is "FIX... BAYONETS!" I often said it when out in the field training with my Infantry Regiment, the famous US 69th!
Which war, that you lost, was that?
@@marknewbold2583 The douche asked, in a failed attempt at humor...
What does one do with a mortally wounded person who you cannot help?
Leave them to die in agony? Or end it quickly?
If you look at Colour Sergeant Bourne's tunic you will see that he holds the 1902 Coronation Medal and the Military Medal. This decoration for gallantry was awarded for the first time in 1916.
It looks like the second medal on his tunic, is the medal for the Ashanti War, 1874. The 24th Foot were not involved. But, the 23rd Foot were.
Obviously the props department just had a grab bag.
Ooops
Unfortunately, as so often in American financed films, they take dramatic licence to a whole new level. I’m surprised the lead figure wasn’t American! Don’t you think?
They were too busy slaughtering Sioux.
Like they did with Zulu Dawn
It the lead had been American, then they’d have won the war
Historical inaccuracy, the uniforms of the British soldiers uniforms probably didn't appear so pristine and we'll pressed after hours of battle
LK72 they are wearing tunics in the film. Should be Field Service frocks. The belting shown is 1888 pattern vice 1871. Helment plates not worn in the field....I could go on
@@kevingarrett2559 you certainly did your research! Well movies looks good so I guess it works lol
@@lukang72 never let accuracy get in the way of a ripping yarn!
Bromhead was profoundly deaf, so how did he hear a noise like a train in the movie?
So, if this video is 11 min, and the movie Zulu is like what, 2 hrs? There can’t be that many inaccuracies. Besides, that’s why its called „movie“, not „documentary“.
Pronounced as "leftenant" and not "loooootenant" === yank pronounciation.
Producer/director and rights holder Dr. Richard Wawman presents ZULU WARS. I kept all of my film off the market until now. I make a special offer for one month
3 titles
Shaka King of The Zulus
Blood River
Red Coat Black Blood
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vimeo.com/ondemand/shakakingofthezulus
You may also be interested in Empires Of Gold part of he 5 par quest For Gold series. It starts with Zulus to Rhodes.
vimeo.com/ondemand/frozengoldalaska
He has obviously seen too many American movies.
Hey!!!. Ok🤔
At 5:21, Chard is seen breaking his revolver to reload. He doesn't fire it, then 2 seconds later breaks it again to reload. Your clip doesn't show it, but view the film, and you will see.
Also the movie Gladiator has the Zulu war chant copied from the movie “Zulu” in the opening scene when attacking the German tribe
I saw the movie on first release at the Odeon, Gants Hill. On the big screen, it was fantastic.
my friend and I went to the ABC Hanley on the first day of showing, sitting on the front row , and stayed in to watch it twice !!
I believe I'm right in saying that the film is guilty of at least one anachronism: the revolvers that Chard and Bromhead are using didn't come into service until a long time later. This was a good video, though, so keep doing what you're doing.
The insulting treatment of Henry Hook by the film makers reflects the disgusting way James Cameron treated Officer William Murdoch of the Titanic. There was no evidence or witnesses that gave credence to the assumption that he panicked and fired his revolver into the passengers fighting for places on the lifeboat he was responsible for.
Cameron had to publicly apologise to his family and made a donation to his school which still rightly regards him a hero.
What happened to Murdock was much worse. At least Hook was portrayed as a tough brave soldier - a more typical representation of some British soldiers.
Best line in the film, "That leaves only three thousand, nine hundred and forty"
Neither side took prisoners during the war. No quarter was asked for or given.
Amazing - the old why didn't they stab the mealie bags?? Well, it's kinda difficult when a hairy-arsed Redcoat is trying to bayonet you.
Killing the wounded? Well, how many POWs were taken at Isandlwana?? And, how were the British medical services supposed to deal with hundreds of Zulu wounded?? How many British spoke Bantu?? How would the surgeons communicate with them??
Totally agree about Hook. They could have just invented a new character
2 British infantry companies were marching to rorkes drift but when they saw the flames from the burning hospital they decided to withdraw till daylight convinced that the depot had fallen and wait reinforcements
I liked you silence in the end, bring home the total death on both sides!
I agree with your analysis (1:35); there are many inaccuracies about ZULU, but it’s a movie designed to entertain. That’s the way Hollywood functions!
The injured Zulus were killed as there was no decent treatment available, especially after being hit by a Martini Henri bullet. There are accounts of Zulus being treated alongside British and Boer injured during the war. The Zulus are not accurately depicted as many were older, married men, who would have hoops in their hair. The Union Jack was not present at Rorke's Drift as the colours were lost at Fugitive's Drift (Isandlwana).
True indeed.. I was making no judgment on the British there, it was more to highlight how a movie will leave out the distasteful bits. You are also very correct about the Zulu's.. I bought the Warlord games Rorkes drift set and was always very disappointed that the Zulus you receive in the set are the wrong ones... excellent extra info... thank you
@William Traynor-Kean As a note.. it was the Queens Colour, NOT the Regimental colour that were saved. Queens Colour are different & the officers that attempted to save them were Lt's Coghill & Melvill. Also, your comment regarding the Flag only being the Union Jack when at sea is incorrect.. actually BOTH terms are correct (personally I have always used the term Union Jack from as a kid through my ARMY service & until now). The terms Union Jack and Union Flag are both used historically for describing the national flag of the United Kingdom. According to the Flag Institute, the official organization advising the government on these matters indicated that although it is often stated that the Flag should only be described as the Union Jack when flown in the bows of a warship is a relatively recent idea. From early in its life even the Admiralty itself frequently referred to the flag as the Union Jack, where ever its use, and in 1902 an Admiralty circular announced that Their Lordships had decided that either name could be used officially. Even Winston Churchill only ever called it the Union Jack.
@@Hawkeye5723 Well there we go, when I visited Fugitives Drift the term used was that it was the "Regimental Colour", however since I only served for 34 years and only made it to OF6 unfortunately in a regiment which did not have a colour. My brother served in the RN and seems to think that the term Union Jack is correct when used at sea by either the RN or MN but then again he only made it to OF7, you did serve in the scalley backs?
@@williamtraynor-kean7214 yes, I have served... I have been involved with both infantry & corps in UK, & Infantry in Australia. Dad was Grenadier Guards from early '50s & then went RFA & MN, but others in the family were RN. I am guessing your comment about your service & Brigadier rank was to try & intimidate me.. if so, you failed, If I am wrong.. I apologise. All I was doing was correcting the actual details, as It matters not what "Term" they used when you visited, it was wrong.. If you disagree with what I am saying, check it out for yourself, that actual Colour is hanging in Brecon. As for the Union Jack/Flag, I said it could be addressed correctly in either term.. just that Jack doesn't SPECIFICALLY mean on a ship at sea.. again, check it out for yourself from the Flag institute.. or get your RN Brother to research a1902 Admiralty circular announcing that Their Lordships had decided that either name could be used officially, or the 1913 Admiralty note that 'A Jack is a Flag to be flown ONLY on the "Jack" Staff', & as the union flag is flown on more than a staff, or when on a ship or at sea, Both 'Union Jack' & 'Union Flag' are correct terms.
@@Hawkeye5723 Oh dear we are not up on our ranks are we? Me OF6 Colonel RA my brother OF7 Commodore RN more a appointment than a rank. Do not forget the Union Flag is used on HM Ships as a sign of courts martial being held aboard.
So...they didn't have a company choir? I'm f*cking devastated!
Another two inaccuracies, their rank is pronounced ‘Left-tenant’ not the American ‘Lou-tenant’, and it depot, not deepo.
depends on who's doing the pronouncing. Do Englishmen call "Paris" "Pah-ree"?
@@Hiraghm No We pronounce it Paris
@@davidfrost2819 ha ha
I'm glad that you recognised the inaccuracies pretty well, especially the Welsh bit. I took my then young sons to Rorke's Drift in the mid 70s when next to no one went there. Just a couple of madalas running a little post office, who both claimed their grandfathers fought there, but no tourist crap like today. Still a great movie.
The 1930s version was a more triumphalist praise to the British Empire... In 1963 the regiment is Welsh rather than English... 🤔
In the movie it gave the viewer the Impression that the Zulus started the war, they didn't ,Lord Chelmsford did when he invaded Zululand against the wishes of the British Government. The movie also gave the viewer the impression that the defenders of Rorke's Drift took on the whole Zulu army, they didn't it was a breakaway group of supposedly 4.000 men but then no one counted them. C.Sgt Bourne was given the rank of honoury L/t Colonel on his retirement from the British Army. If you look very closely at the battle scenes you will see that some of the rifles where Le Enfield' 303 bolt action because the producers could not get enough Martini Henry 's.
OMG reading some of the comments below it amazes me, it was a movie for god's sake and not a documentry you can pick faults in most movies but is this what you go to see the movie for? I have seen it about six times from when I first saw it in the 60's.
I first saw the movie in Amityville, NY when it came out. The marquis said "starring Richard Burton" who only shows as a narrator. And it was a predominantly Black theater. Everytime the Zulus came on the screen everyone cheered. Everytime a British/Welsh soldier was killed, everyone cheered. My brother slunk down in his seat so not to be see.
The Zulus had been several days without food or rest when they attacked.
Who ever the nationalities at the drift there was a number of Welsh men there . Theres a man buried in my local cemetery in treorchy , Rhondda valley who fought there .
Of course there were Welshmen in the unit. It's the line "we have a few Englishmen" that rankles......."a few", like 7 of the 11 VC winners.
Can't imagine Englishmen singing about Saxon foes.
@@adventussaxonum448 if you'd done your home work . They did not sing men of harlech , the film is highly enjoyable but not accurate. Don't lose no sleep over it buddy 😂
@@matthewevans3292
I know that the film isn't gospel..... that's my point. In real life, an English unit (with a few Welshmen in it) would never have sung MoH. The fact that Stanley Baker came from Ferndale has hugely influenced the tone of the movie. There are two generations of Welshmen who are convinced that the movie represents the truth, if not exact in every detail. My local pub has a display of the great "Welsh" victory.
I don't buy the "it's only a film" argument. That would be fine if the general public all read history books, but most get their vague notions of the past from films or TV... . it's so much easier than proper reading.
See Braveheart, U 571, etc.
To be fair, Zulu is far better than those.... at least the troops were British.😄
@@adventussaxonum448 I believe Stanley paid for the budget of the film if I'm not mistaken . I know Ferndale well it's only over the other side of the mountain from me .
@@matthewevans3292
Aberdare boy?
I think at the time the moustache was obligatory for all soldiers of the British Army. The film doesn't get that.
I think moustaches and beards were mandatory in the British army due to the risk of shaving cuts becoming infected. Most photos from the era of the Crimean war and late Victorian period show most British soldiers with the full set.
Interesting video, however the mistake i always spot is that during filming it looks like they didnt have enough Martini henry rifles , so next time you watch it look at the soldiers further back from the camera , they have lee enfields and mausers , ( would have made it a lot easier to defend if they had them there in reality )
The biggest mistake is at the very beginning which features Mr De Witt and his daughter at Cetschwayo's kraal at Ulundi over 70 miles away from Rorkes Drift. On hearing the news that Isandlwana has fallen, the De Witts get aboard their horse carriage and somehow overtake the Zulus at Isandlwana and arrive at Rorkes Drift a good hour before the Zulus do.Isandlwana is only about 8 miles from Rorkes Drift. In reality by the time the De Witts heard of the news of Isandlwana, the battle of Rorkes Drift would have been over.
I watched the film today and was amazed by the fact they actually survived as I was convinced for a long time they died at the end. Spectacular film!
I'd heard there were plenty of Warwickshire lads at the Drift on a visit to a museum in Warwick years ago. I also know Corporal Allen's family hail from the same Northumberland village as my great Grandfather. It is a fabulous movie and the Welsh lads who earned their VC's deserve to be remembered as true heros. There are few war films that "nail things" warts and all, let's be honest. Just facing an impi of Zulu was worthy of Greek epic and Enfield's film certainly captures that essence. I seem to remember reading the rum/beer ration was pretty high too. It would need to be! The stoicism of these guys was unbelievable. Thanks for posting.
Great video shedding some light on the inaccuracies. The casualty difference was staggering and i guess it proves discipline and a rifle wins the day. I like the line atvthe end of the battle when Bourne says is a miracle and Chard responds mentioning the henri martini rifle and calibre etc and bourne days 'with some guts behind it'.
In an interview from the 1930's, Bourne commented that the Zulu spear was highly ineffective and the British suffered hardly a scratch from it.
Bromhead was hard of hearing, but not deaf or stupid. He had a long and fine career. Chard was an experienced officer who was sent to the post to repair a bridge. He also had a fine career.
I agree with the inaccuracies in the movie, however for the time and still now, it's a highly respectful portrail of both sides, and actually shows the sadness and desperation of war, whi
Which weren't widely acknowledged at the time, and still aren't
Surprising fact, not only were there only 17 fatalities amongst the defenders at Rorkes Drift, all those deaths were as result of gun fire and none were killed by Zulu spears Many of the redcoats were wounded by spears but all the deaths were by gun shot.
in the back while running away do you think ? ?
actually i have to dispute this, as ive read in a book i think by zulu war expert saul david that during the hospital seige a soldier was overpowered and dragged outside where he was quickly surrounded and stabbed to death by the hoarde. hence at least one died by spear.
That's not true.
6 died of Zulu gunfire, with another 12 injured by Zulu gunfire.
Source, Like Wolves On The Fold by Lt Col Mike Snook.
@@lyndoncmp5751 is that replie for me ? if it is saul david is a famous historian on the zulu wars. hes written many books on it including a novel. he stated that a soldier at one point was dragged out of of the hospital and stabbed to death .
Excellent. Thanks for posting
Don't apologise Major, I too loved the movie but appreciate everything you've corrected. I ncidentally, an old friend of mine was on first name terms with the King of Zulus (who was in 1985 - 1999) and always took tea with him when he came to London and visited him in Africa.
Great video, this is the first I have watched from your channel, I think it’s a great idea to have these comparisons, and as I’m sure there are others doing these types of videos, you really have done a great job, so thank you. Also your dioramas are amazing, always something I’ve wanted to do. Cheers mate.
Station on correct side of river, not 'invaders'. Zulu 'kingling' that attacked was generally 'out of order' & being a bit naughty, bet he got smacked when he got home.
One more inaccuracy - the movie has the backdrop of the Amphitheater in the Drakensburg which is 200kms form Rourke's Drift,
When I was about 12, or 13, in the early 1960's, I read, in the Library of Guisborough Grammar School, a novel called "Zulu Royal Feather". This was based, apparently accurately, on the life of John Dunn, a historical South African, of English origin, who had become one of Cetewayo's Chiefs! By the time the film came out, I was aware that Zululand was a lot more intelligent place to be
The Zulus were from much further north and had murdered and enslaved all the way down into south Africa, they had no right to be there, there was a tribe already in situ but which did not inhabit all of the region, much of it was open land.
@@robshirewood5060 I think it’s a mistake to look into the past looking for “goodness”. The earliest accounts of the Zulus were from shipwreck survivors (!), who reported a good-natured law-abiding people. What would they have said about the Cornish (had there *been* any survivors!)?
Good call. Love historical accuracies. My Dad had those books too. He knew the real story. Just like you we love the film despite the reality.
Another inaccuracy not mentioned concerns the revolvers used by Chard and Bromhead. They are Webleys. In fact Adams revolvers were used. Webleys weren't introduced till the 1880s.
The 'Pistol, Webley' Mk I' was officially adopted on November 8, 1887 so this is an underrated comment. Webley's are more iconic and probably easier for the props department to procure for the movie. Definitely an inaccuracy for the Zulu war as the British army was about to switch to the Enfield Mk I revolver in 1880.
@@celston51 The Royal Engineers Museum have in their collection the pistol used by John Chard at Rouke's Drift. It is a Webley RIC (Royal Irish Constabulary) model 1450 C.F which they manufactured from 1868 onwards, quite a few British officers purchased them.
Very interesting video, I’ve always really enjoyed this movie from a cinematic and dramatic perspective. This is one classic film that I would love to see be remade today with all the improvements in CGI etc. I knew there were inaccuracies but I wonder if you could comment on what the film did get right?
Really? I'd be terrified of it being remade today - the liberties they took with the truth back then would be nothing compared to what outrageous PC rewrite would be required before a penny was raised to make it....
At the end of the day this is a movie. a great movie, with wonderful examples of talented lead and supporting actors. It was never intended to be a documentary. good grief.
As I can appreciate learning and knowing more about movies as these, this is one of my favorite and well I like it the way it is...I'm comfortable not knowing this one. thx
Like yourself,this film made me want to learn more...and hooks portrayal has always bugged me since reading about the man himself
Thanks for sharing. A very good video. Didn't the Zulus leave when British reinforcements showed up?
I've always had a serious interest in the battle of Isandlwana and Rorks drift because of the films, but mainly because my birthday is on the same day, 22nd January. The one hundredth anniversary was on my sixteenth birthday. I'm now fifty eight.
The Washing of the Spears is a great read on the history of the Zulu nation and Zulu wars btw.
The best part.....
The girl who walks by after they dump the soup...
Noticed that two days ago.
At the time of Rourke's Drift the order to fire consisted of, 'Present' then count of three beats, then the man would fire without any further orders. The order 'Fire' returned in about 1881. But then you wouldn't have the great 3 ranks scene at the end in quite the same way!
Find this fascinating as the film was a masterpiece but as someone said not a documentary.Also some of the extensive comments below just as interesting.
Also I dont get how that soldier suddenly like fall you missed that part and when the soldiers in the back firing like what are they firing at that's like wasting ammo
Thing is, you can put the 17 deaths of the British against the 500-800 deaths of the Zulu's down to superior weapons. UNTIL you remember that the day or so before, an entire British army had been wiped out by the Zulu's - a far bigger defeat than that suffered by Gen Custer at the Little Big Horn....the worst defat EVER by "native" troops against "imperial" troops, Thanks for pointing out the inaccuracies, though, but they don't take away from this incredible military event.
Has anyone ever claimed that the movie is historically accurate in every detail?
At the end of the day, it is more important that moviegoers are entertained, so that they might want to go back to see another historically inaccurate movie!
Well done for mentioning Hook. Pint owed.
Thank you, it is one of the biggest shames about the movie, they could easily have created a fake character to fill that role
Absolutely agree about Hook, great soldier and very decent man so poorly portrayed! I can fully understand the family disgust at such a portrayal of Thier ancestor! Literary license can be very poorly incorporated at times, and was also shamefully done in the movie "Titanic" when it showed the 1st officer shooting himself which was a huge inaccuracy with no good reason for it being filmed that way!
Imperial Britain should not have been in South Africa.
Great movie. Scared the crap out of me when I was a kid. So as you know the movie was filmed near the spectatucular amphitheatre nowhere near Rorkes Drift. My guide explained the attack was about retrieving cattle which were of great value and basically currency. The portrayal of Hook was contemptible and insulted his family but movie people and ethical behaviour are rarely bedfellows. Great.analysis.
Good points mentioned - well done. Another small point about the revolvers used by Lieutenants Chard and Bromhead (that's pronounced 'leftenant' in Britain, not 'lootenant' as in the U.S.) - They're using .455 cal. MKVI Wembley and Scott revolvers, which weren't in service until.1915. A picky point, but it illustrates the fact that film (or 'movie') companies have to make some compromises.
Really good extra point thank you for adding it.. I never thought to include that one.. Another good fashion point is that all those Helmets they wear would have in no way had the badge on the front, those would have been removed when on campaign (check out old photos)..
Major Sven It is really fascinating to find all these inaccuracies in this film. It adds an extra dimension never really envisaged by the production company, Diamond Films. I hadn't considered the helmet badge, though there would probably have been questions if they hadn't been displayed. Smart and shiny looks good on a steadfast Victorian British soldier! Keep up the good work, sir...
Smart and shiny with some nice recognisable pistols... that is what the audience wants :)
men of harlech was written some time later a century i think
A couple more inaccuracies for you. The command FIRE was not introduced for a few years after this action. You would need to be a foot soldier to understand this but at the time of the action the command was PRESENT then the soldier would count in his head 2 fast beats the rate he was taught to march then fire. This allowed him time to take aim knowing exactly the moment when to fire that was coming. Secondly the Zulu regiments were organised by date of birth all soldiers,in the Zulu regiments were the same age. The regiment in this action were actually in thier 40s . Still fierce soldiers though. This regiment had never been in action before and just missed action the previous day at Ishlandwana. King Cetshawayo had commanded that his armies were not to attack fortified and entrenched British positions . Deliberately to avoid this type of disaster for them. Thirdly you see the british soldiers being supplied ammunition loosely from a large box when at that date ammunition was supplied in small paper packs of ammunition. I assume 12 in a pack not 10. I have only read references to these packs and seen photos of them . So if anyone knows if they were in 12s or 10s I would appreciate a shout out. Please.
Zulu dawn shows the ammo box much more accurately with the inside tin liner and packs of ten. It even shows the lids being knocked off wit rifle butts which was done. Not sure but I think the ammo should be the rolled foil type rather than drawn brass cases which are shown a couple of times.(can't remember which of the movies-- probably both)
@@peterlazzari3950 dear sir. Yes indeed. I have never really ascertained for sure which cartridge was correct at the time. Although I have seen photos of the paper pack I'm not sure if they were in tens or dozens. The film was probably filmed using smokeless ammunition there doesn't seem to be half enough smoke that would of been present using black powder. Many thanks.
I can only find reference to ammo being in packs of 10. You are almost certainly correct about some smokeless powder being used in the movies. A lot of the scenes are shot without even having a round in the chamber as you can tell by the non existent recoil when the rifle is shown being fired.still great movies though.
Excellent job on your diorama sir. Have you played the wargame on Rorke's Drift by 3W wargames?? Also another inaccuracy in the film is the ammo boxes. They make it look like that there is a flimsy metallic covering when in fact under the wooden lid it was like a huge sardine can & the cartridges came in labeled paper type boxes. The boxes were also screwed down but was easy to open with rifle butts
They do show the tin liner being ripped back in Zulu dawn. I watched both movies last weekend and they also show the lid being opened by bashing with a rifle butt. The ammunition shown is drawn brass cased when in reality it was at that stage a wrapped brass foil type set up. Nit picking I know when they're using some Lee actions and at least one martini Enfield. 303