Glad to see some love being shown to the forgotten and neglected battles of the Zulu War. While it seems like every year someone is writing yet another book retreading Rorke's Drift, when I was writing my series of novels on the Anglo-Zulu War, I could only find two books which focused on the southern campaign. One is the fantastic, and criminally underrated, "Fearful Hard Times" by Ian Castle and Ian Knight. The other is "A Widow Making War," the diary and letters of Captain Warren Wynne, Royal Engineers. It is so thorough and well-written, I consider the most detailed first-hand account of the entire war. A few additional factors regarding Nyezane: Because of their numbers and terrain, Pearson was compelled to divide his column into two divisions while on the march. No. 2 Field Company, Royal Engineers, under Captain Wynne, were at the back of the lead division and had just crossed the Nyezane River. Godide's intent was for the Left Horn (which was the largest of his force) to come down Wombane near the river and get between the two divisions. This would cut the column in two, with the rear element, including the entire 99th Lanarkshire Regiment, unable to cross the river and deploy. Personally, I believe it was a tactical error that caused the Left Horn to pivot too soon. Instead of rolling up the rear of the engineers, they came down the slope (which is steeper than it looks) and ran straight into the Buffs and engineers. Only two of their companies were up ahead with Hart; the rest were still in column. This worked to the British advantage, as all they had to do was execute a quick right turn and deploy into firing lines. The Zulus ended up in a defilade, which the Buffs and sappers rushed to the top of and unleashed volleys at close range. Also, the Right Horn essentially did not engage at all, though it's uncertain why. They were later accused of cowardice, though I believe it was a breakdown in coordination, plus difficulty of terrain. Strangely enough, it's not just the lack of a film as to why Nyezane, and indeed the entire southern campaign, is forgotten. Neither the British nor the Zulus wanted to talk about it. The battles of Nyezane and Gingindlovu are the only ones where not a single VC or DCM was awarded, even though Chelmsford himself was at Gingindlovu. As an aside, Adendorf's description of the Horns of the Buffalo in the film, Zulu, is incorrect. The Chest and Horns are separate elements. The Loins are the Reserve. At Isandlwana, the Undi Corps, who later disobeyed the King's orders and crossed into Natal to attack Rorke's Drift, were their reserves, and therefore the Loins.
Captain Fitzroy Hart would later command the Irish Brigade at the Battle of Colenso(December 16th 1899) during the 2nd Anglo- Boer War where ir took heavy casualties.
Great video not many people have heard of this battle as with many of the others during the Anglo Zulu war great that you highlighted it have you covered sergeant booths gallant withdrawal and stand following the ntombi river
Like when they skinned and tortured men? When barbarians were unable to assimilate into a civilized world? It seems the barbarians are taking all of Africa that was built and maintained by another culture. Now those barbarians have destroyed what made South Africa Awsome and rich and are just destroying everything the “whites” built.
Great video; I didn't know about this battle so thank you for telling its story, and keeping history alive. Unusual question: when walking battlefields have you felt any ghosts about you? Looking forward to your next videos! Regards from Canada 🇨🇦
Thanks Keith. Glad you enjoyed it. Re. ghosts - not really to be honest, though if I was walking through Isandlwana at night I bet I'd have an accident in my pants!
Brilliant video thanks. I’m married to a Saffer and I’ve been past this spot twice and never knew it was there. Next time I might stop by if its safe. Cracking gem about a forgotten battle, looking forward to the Eshowe vid
In the beginning god said let there be mudpies. In the opening of Zulu Lt. Bromhead crosses the river as Lt. Chard builds the bridge. Lt. Bromhead asks Lt. Chard if he is making mudpies.
Chris, this year I’m going to Fugitives Drift via Durban and will drive via Eshowe. Where would you recommend to park for Fort Pierce and surrounding battle field sites.
Hi - well Fort pearson itself is a hassle because you need a key to get in so I would advise going to the ultimatum tree site and walking over the footbridge. Hope that helps.
First time I read about this battle was in the comic book series Zoulouland by Georges Ramaïoli - a brilliant series, it is such a shame that it hasn't been translated in English. I have build and painted miniature Zulu and British armies based on this battle. I chose this battle because I wanted a gatling in it.
Question for you. I am a big supporter of battlefield preservation in the US and have travelled across Europe and Asia and can thankfully say American does battlefield preservation and interpretation the best. What is the situation in S Africa at the 1879 battlefields? It is so far I fear I may never make it there do welcome an honest opinion as you have traversed almost every one.
Hi. There is an organisation that is meant to look after them. To be fair most are not too bad - the biggest issue is anything metal often gets stolen and sometimes graves are dug up with a view that they may contain valuable or possibly for withch craft.
2:30 "this was the place where in December 1878 there was a meeting with the ZuluChiefs and it was here that the British gave them a series of ultimatums that they had to fulfill, when the Zulus were incapable of fulfilling those that's what led to the outbreak of war" You make it sound like the British were passive and the Zulu forced them into invading. The British knew this was an ultimatum the Zulu would not accept and just provided pretext for invasion
Great seeing these places thank you for showing us. I didn't know about this battle, you'd of thought after Isandlwana they'd of trumpeted every victory we won and this battle being the same day as Isandlwana would've been famous like Rorfe's Drift, I guess the press at the time thought Rorfe's Drift was a better story. Looking forward to you and Marcus showing us the Peninsular Campaign battlefields.
Sounds like affectively the Zulu commander Had the equivalent of of the local militia. And a bit of bad luck, as well as running into troops onto the Gatlin gun. The British were lucky. But there is no doubt of the courage of both sides. Plus some British getting wise to the way the Zulus fought. Being hit by machine-gun fire from the Gatlin gun. Must’ve scared the living crap out of the Zulus. Even those with experience against colonial troops, you can’t blame them for retiring Out of range of that thing.
Can somebody please tell me WHY on earth did the Lulus ran on to Rorkes Drift . Surely they knew Chelmsford was making his way back to Isandlwana . What a pile of shit Chelmsford
It was the reserve regiments, they hadn't had a real chance to wet their spears or gather booty. They were keen for both. Couldn't let the youngsters have all the glory!
Gonville bromhead the hero of Zulu is buried in my country india but indians hate british so much that the graves of some fine british officers are in very poor condition i know colonisation was bad in many aspects but I respect the presidency and the british indian army both of which played a vital role in shaping the morale of the present indian army but right now a self proclaimed nationalist is the prime minister of our india and he is taking out the oldest traditions of indian army one by one many indian army officers are against this but the top officers are the dicklickers of the present rulling party. Just imagine how the raising commander of the hodson horse would feel if he sees the indian army now his own regiment might be renamed sooner.
Both worthy enemies, its a shame that those memories are not properly cared for, but it is what it is, great video mate, thanks for sharing.
Thanks mate - glad you enjoyed it.
I didn't know about this battle. Thanks Chris, excellent as always.
Thanks mate - Glad you enjoyed it. Got some follow ups coming soon also.
Was not previously aware of this battle. Great video Chris - thank you!!
Glad it was helpful!
Glad to see some love being shown to the forgotten and neglected battles of the Zulu War. While it seems like every year someone is writing yet another book retreading Rorke's Drift, when I was writing my series of novels on the Anglo-Zulu War, I could only find two books which focused on the southern campaign. One is the fantastic, and criminally underrated, "Fearful Hard Times" by Ian Castle and Ian Knight. The other is "A Widow Making War," the diary and letters of Captain Warren Wynne, Royal Engineers. It is so thorough and well-written, I consider the most detailed first-hand account of the entire war.
A few additional factors regarding Nyezane: Because of their numbers and terrain, Pearson was compelled to divide his column into two divisions while on the march. No. 2 Field Company, Royal Engineers, under Captain Wynne, were at the back of the lead division and had just crossed the Nyezane River. Godide's intent was for the Left Horn (which was the largest of his force) to come down Wombane near the river and get between the two divisions. This would cut the column in two, with the rear element, including the entire 99th Lanarkshire Regiment, unable to cross the river and deploy. Personally, I believe it was a tactical error that caused the Left Horn to pivot too soon. Instead of rolling up the rear of the engineers, they came down the slope (which is steeper than it looks) and ran straight into the Buffs and engineers. Only two of their companies were up ahead with Hart; the rest were still in column. This worked to the British advantage, as all they had to do was execute a quick right turn and deploy into firing lines. The Zulus ended up in a defilade, which the Buffs and sappers rushed to the top of and unleashed volleys at close range. Also, the Right Horn essentially did not engage at all, though it's uncertain why. They were later accused of cowardice, though I believe it was a breakdown in coordination, plus difficulty of terrain.
Strangely enough, it's not just the lack of a film as to why Nyezane, and indeed the entire southern campaign, is forgotten. Neither the British nor the Zulus wanted to talk about it. The battles of Nyezane and Gingindlovu are the only ones where not a single VC or DCM was awarded, even though Chelmsford himself was at Gingindlovu.
As an aside, Adendorf's description of the Horns of the Buffalo in the film, Zulu, is incorrect. The Chest and Horns are separate elements. The Loins are the Reserve. At Isandlwana, the Undi Corps, who later disobeyed the King's orders and crossed into Natal to attack Rorke's Drift, were their reserves, and therefore the Loins.
Goodness me. You've written another book here in the comments section. Will this also be made into a Movie to?
@brucegibbins3792 yeah, I do that sometimes. 😉 I wish one of my books got made into a film. Then Chris could do a video on it. 😁
With the Royal Navy present at many of these engagements, perhaps one day you can do an episode about the Naval contributions?
Agreed, that would make for an excellent topic. I think the concept of naval brigades is fascinating.
Great idea Crispian - will add to my list!
Thank you for covering Pearson's column 😊 cheers.
My country. Hope you enjoyed your visit.
I was confused at first, then I remembered this movie actually was shot in South Africa.
Thanks but I've lived here for many years tho.
@redcoathistory Ah interesting. Guess I presumed off the accent. Anyways keep up the content. I have British routes so really enjoy it.
We are all lonely visitors here trying to cause a stir.
We have one of your people here meddling in our affairs. Can you please come and get him.
Excellent mate
Looking forward to seeing more
Well done Chris, great episode , the battle of Nyezane is new one to me thanks a lot!
Thanks Nick!
Captain Fitzroy Hart would later command the Irish Brigade at the Battle of Colenso(December 16th 1899) during the 2nd Anglo- Boer War where ir took heavy casualties.
Great bit of battle history 👏🏻 didn't know about this one. Thanks for the post, I'm going to research it now.
Hope you enjoy it!
Bring winter clothing and a raincoat. February can have harsh weather conditions in those parts of Spain and Portugal.
Great video thanks
2:22 Hey, those cars are all on the wrong side of the road!
Always use to watch this movie
Growing up when it was on late night TV.
Respect
Late night?
This was an afternoon holiday special, never saw it on late night TV.
@fryertuck6496 In USA
New Jersey they ran that with
The westerns and war movies
On late night .
TBS , TNT ,
Great video not many people have heard of this battle as with many of the others during the Anglo Zulu war great that you highlighted it have you covered sergeant booths gallant withdrawal and stand following the ntombi river
Hi, thanks. Yes, I have covered Ntombe in a few different videos. Great story.
7:34 There seems to be a running theme of native people not knowing how to use sights. A lot of Afghan fighter's Kalshnikovs were found set to 900m
Haha. When I was training rangers in Vietnam one of their SF operators told me "The higher you set the sight the harder the bullet hits"!
@crispianbarlow5184 If it can reach 900m, it must turn the power up
Hoping you will cover the battle of Gingindlovu sometime, my great grandfather was a young red coat soldier there
Very soon - it's only down the road from Nyezane. . .
That's a very impressive defensive position.
Please can we hear more about the local/native troops more? I'm sure they have some great tales to tell!
Yes of course.
@@redcoathistory Great!
Like when they skinned and tortured men? When barbarians were unable to assimilate into a civilized world? It seems the barbarians are taking all of Africa that was built and maintained by another culture. Now those barbarians have destroyed what made South Africa Awsome and rich and are just destroying everything the “whites” built.
Great video; I didn't know about this battle so thank you for telling its story, and keeping history alive. Unusual question: when walking battlefields have you felt any ghosts about you? Looking forward to your next videos! Regards from Canada 🇨🇦
Thanks Keith. Glad you enjoyed it. Re. ghosts - not really to be honest, though if I was walking through Isandlwana at night I bet I'd have an accident in my pants!
Brilliant video thanks. I’m married to a Saffer and I’ve been past this spot twice and never knew it was there. Next time I might stop by if its safe. Cracking gem about a forgotten battle, looking forward to the Eshowe vid
Great stuff mate - it's fairly safe. I've stopped there a few times and never had a problem.
Good to know, thank you
Excellent
In the beginning god said let there be mudpies. In the opening of Zulu Lt. Bromhead crosses the river as Lt. Chard builds the bridge. Lt. Bromhead asks Lt. Chard if he is making mudpies.
Chris, this year I’m going to Fugitives Drift via Durban and will drive via Eshowe. Where would you recommend to park for Fort Pierce and surrounding battle field sites.
Hi - well Fort pearson itself is a hassle because you need a key to get in so I would advise going to the ultimatum tree site and walking over the footbridge. Hope that helps.
@ that’s perfect, I want to go there anyway.
Awesome like always
First time I read about this battle was in the comic book series Zoulouland by Georges Ramaïoli - a brilliant series, it is such a shame that it hasn't been translated in English. I have build and painted miniature Zulu and British armies based on this battle. I chose this battle because I wanted a gatling in it.
Question for you. I am a big supporter of battlefield preservation in the US and have travelled across Europe and Asia and can thankfully say American does battlefield preservation and interpretation the best. What is the situation in S Africa at the 1879 battlefields? It is so far I fear I may never make it there do welcome an honest opinion as you have traversed almost every one.
Hi. There is an organisation that is meant to look after them. To be fair most are not too bad - the biggest issue is anything metal often gets stolen and sometimes graves are dug up with a view that they may contain valuable or possibly for withch craft.
2:30 "this was the place where in December 1878 there was a meeting with the ZuluChiefs and it was here that the British gave them a series of ultimatums that they had to fulfill, when the Zulus were incapable of fulfilling those that's what led to the outbreak of war"
You make it sound like the British were passive and the Zulu forced them into invading. The British knew this was an ultimatum the Zulu would not accept and just provided pretext for invasion
Or you could just watch my video on the causes of war.
👍
Are they bayonets with hand guards (8.45 -8.48)?
Were the Zulus not an invading expansionist kungdom themselves? Not exactly kind to their neighbours either...
Not in 1879 they weren't.
Great seeing these places thank you for showing us. I didn't know about this battle, you'd of thought after Isandlwana they'd of trumpeted every victory we won and this battle being the same day as Isandlwana would've been famous like Rorfe's Drift, I guess the press at the time thought Rorfe's Drift was a better story. Looking forward to you and Marcus showing us the Peninsular Campaign battlefields.
Busy few days for the British 🤔
Sounds like affectively the Zulu commander Had the equivalent of of the local militia. And a bit of bad luck, as well as running into troops onto the Gatlin gun. The British were lucky. But there is no doubt of the courage of both sides. Plus some British getting wise to the way the Zulus fought. Being hit by machine-gun fire from the Gatlin gun. Must’ve scared the living crap out of the Zulus. Even those with experience against colonial troops, you can’t blame them for retiring Out of range of that thing.
I thought this was a video bout makin midpies
I don't get the joke to be honest
Can somebody please tell me WHY on earth did the Lulus ran on to Rorkes Drift . Surely they knew Chelmsford was making his way back to Isandlwana . What a pile of shit Chelmsford
It was the reserve regiments, they hadn't had a real chance to wet their spears or gather booty. They were keen for both. Couldn't let the youngsters have all the glory!
Nice history
Last vision
Eshowe ?…
As looks now ?..
Shame
Eshowe video out soon.
Gonville bromhead the hero of Zulu is buried in my country india but indians hate british so much that the graves of some fine british officers are in very poor condition i know colonisation was bad in many aspects but I respect the presidency and the british indian army both of which played a vital role in shaping the morale of the present indian army but right now a self proclaimed nationalist is the prime minister of our india and he is taking out the oldest traditions of indian army one by one many indian army officers are against this but the top officers are the dicklickers of the present rulling party. Just imagine how the raising commander of the hodson horse would feel if he sees the indian army now his own regiment might be renamed sooner.
Y’all killed when you needed to kill. The bad parts are when a formation starts killing without good reason
If a horde of water meets a brick it will immediately envelop... what.