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I do believe you are incorrect. he was knighted. reason i know is because i remember when died at his services he was noted as being "Sir Richard Burton". im not a known it all its just something that i remember.
It really does do both sides credit. The Zulus, despite being primarily armed with spears and cow hide shields, still manage to inflict a decent amount of casualties to the British, even though they have guns and are in a fortified position. A the British, despite overwhelming opposition, manage to hold back wave after wave of Zulu warriors with their decipline and defensive tactics. A rare gem for its time.
@@hisdudeness8328 it also goes out of its way to show respect to both sides. The Zulus aren’t just “mindless savages” in the film but brave soldiers fighting to defend their homeland and willing to give their lives to protect their freedom. Nor are the defenders depicted as evil colonial ravagers. They’re just men who joined an army for good pay they couldn’t get at home and now finding themselves having to fight to the last to protect their comrades. The true villain is war and the horror and brutality humanity can inflict on itself.
Well said. I had the great priviledge of visiting both Rorkes Drift and Isandlhwana a few years ago.. The guide at Isandhlwana was a very impressive and knowledgeable young Zulu chap. Beautifully spoken, with "military bearing".. and it was wonderful to hear the names of the Zulus pronounced properly... The memorial TO the fallen Zulu is very impressive too. And fascinating... given that its very design indicates the Kings displeasure with the (unauthorised) attack on Rorkes Drift....
I got a little mad when I bought the DVD of this film. Michael Caine is pictured on the front. Now that is ok but Stanley Baker isn't pictured. I know Caine is more well known and sells the DVD better. But it was disrespectful. Rod Steiger gets the same treatment on 2 different DVDs "In the Heat of the Night" and "A Fistful of Dynamite"!
That shot of Baker staring up at the mountains like he just faced down the continent itself, and then planting the shield in the ground, is incredible.
My late father was a Company Sergeant Major in the South Wales Borderers. I remember him and my mother attending the ROURKES DRIFT BALL, held annually in the Sgts Mess. I also remember the walls being decorated with trophy's of the battle. Us kids would dare not touch them. The Year this movie came out my dad took me too see it in the Garrison cinema. If you have never hear a cinema full of Welsh Soldiers standing on the seats and singing along with Men of Harlech, you have never heard anything. You can also guess the game us boys would play in the Garrison School at play time, no one wanted to be the Zulu! Happy memories of this movie. Rest in peace mum and dad.
Cy Enfiled, the director, was American. No British director of that time would have cast the working class actor with a London accent, Michael Caine, as an officer. Caine says so himself.
Speaking from someone who was born on the wrong side of Offa's Dyke, those strains of "Men Of Harlech" still send shivers down my spine. Truly fantastic movie.
@@QuietManUK The Regiment was not named the “Warwickshire Borderers.” It was the 24th Regiment of Foot, which had the subsidiary title of the Second Warwickshire Regiment. Two years after Rorke’s Drift they were re-named the South Wales Borderers. But you are correct in stating that there were more Englishmen serving with B Coy of the 24th Regt of Foot at Rorke’s Drift than Welshmen.
The ending was greatly enhanced by the narrative conducted by that great Welsh actor, Sir Richard Burton, who chronicles those fellow Welshmen who were awarded the Victoria Cross at Rourks Drift, Natal, South Africa, 22-23 January 1879.
Actually, at the time, less than half of them were actually welsh. They only became the South Wales Borderers on 1 July 1881. While the Regiment was based in Brecon in South Wales at the time of the Battle, its designation was the '24th (The 2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot' and accordingly, at the time, their song was not yet "Men of Harlech" but "The Warwickshire Lad". Of the soldiers present, 49 were English, 32 Welsh, 16 Irish and 22 others of indeterminate ethnicity.
Just think of this as an American. Out of 150 British Men at Rourkes Drift, 11 won what is the British version of our Congressional Medal of Honor. I have had the chance to meet several CMOH recipients. To have so many men in one battle out of so few receive it, is an incredible testament to the British soldier's bravery.
I believe the Congressional Medal of Honour is the American version of the Victoria Cross, as the VC medal was created and awarded around five years before the CMOH.
Not to take anything away from the Rorkes Drift defenders...but it was...convenient no doubt to be able to hold them up as the heros they undoubtedly were...after the absolute disaster of Isandhlwana. No battle since, no matter how desperate (Kohima anyone? Only 2 VC's there and it was a similar situation!) has produced anywhere near the number of awards as Rorkes Drift. It is NOT cynical to suggest other factors MAY have been involved..nor is it a slur on the brave men involved. It is notable however how much higher the bar became later for award of the VC......
@@myview5840 MORE difficult yes. 111 were awarded for the Crimea, yet only 182 in the whole of WW2 (to 181 recipients.. the other was a "Bar" which is of course amazing) And of course the VC originally could NOT be awarded posthumously either. That didn't officially change until 1907. There were 3 awarded in Afghanistan, 1 in Iraq, 2 in the Falklands and 4 (to Aussies) in Vietnam.
I was born in Brecon. Spent most of younger years in the museum, was brought up by my grandparents and great grandparents to respect people. I met Prof Ed Bromhead at Polytechnic, his grandson. Now I am giving myself away
Their memory lives on in that museum. I am proud to have visited. It was a sobering experience to be amongst the remnants of that day, and more importantly, the men who were there.
Not disputing their bravery, but actually many of the Zulus were armed with firearms. Cetshwayo had been buying (though not necessarily modern breech loaders) them for some time. In fact almost all the 24th casualties were gunshot wounds. One would have to check the book, but you are talking I think 5 -6 spear wounds. If memory serves me, it was only Sgt Maxfield and 2-3 others killed in the hospital, plus Hunter, stabbed in the dash from the Hospital, and Pte Beckett who dies subsequently of a stomach wound. Full details are in the book Like Wolves on the Fold by Col Mike Snook, Royal Regiment of Wales. The RRW being the successors of the 24th Warwicks. One of the reasons was the length advantage of the Martini Henry, and its long bayonet.
The British soldiers in rorkes drift battle only had rifles (Martini Henry's) which was in service & used there then !! Not machine guns & cannons !! & they showed their spirit & courage all only 139 against 4,000+ Zulus !! Many of the Zulus had rifles themselves weren't very good shots many were stolen from the British !!
@@meyrickgriffith-jones3908 Nine were killed that were involved in the hospital siege, seven patients plus Private Joseph Williams were stabbed and Private Cole (apparently claustrophobic) ran out and was shot through the head. Seven were killed on the ramparts, all shot, including only one fully fit member of B company plus Lance Sergeant Williams who died later.
Quote :Fearing British aggression, Cetshwayo had started to purchase guns before the war. The Zulus now had thousands of old-fashioned muskets and a few modern rifles at their disposal. But their warriors were not properly trained in their use.
Say what you want about empires overtaking nations. The best line in the movie is when, after a tough battle, a private asks his sergeant, “Why us?” His reply, “Because we are here. There is there is no one but us.” The soldier is not the empire.
The "sergeant" depicts the real Colour Sergeant Frank Bourne, who died as late as 1945, having risen to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. I often walk past his last home about 5 minutes from where I live.
The history of mankind is riddled with warfare. That's our nature. Who is the hero and who is not? My father was a bombardier in WWII. He enlisted at 18 as a product of a lower class Irish family with a dim future. The Army was a "way out". He turned into a violent, raging alcoholic, eventually became wet brained and was institutionalized by the VA when I was eight. Today, he'd have been left to the streets. Never spoke about the war. After he died, his sister gave me his medals - including two silver stars after being shot down twice. I asked her if he ever told his stories and she said, Patty, yes. He told me how he was in the battle of Berlin and was sent to bomb civilian targets housing Nazis because the insidious side of war is you cover yourself with innocent civilians. One was a grammar school. He said he knowingly aimed bombs and dropped them even though he could clearly see children in the playground. Now, you, since you know everything about who is at fault, tell me more about how the soldier is the f-ing empire. He was an 18 year old CHILD. He wasn't the f-ing Allied Force and was deeply conflicted by what he did. Too bad he didn't live long enough for you to tell him your opinion. @@formwiz7096
And Rick Rescorla was at the Battle of LZ X-Ray in Vietnam in November 1965 and was awarded the Silver Star for Heroism as a Platoon Leader and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Prior to becoming a United States Army Officer he served in the British Army as a Paratrooper. He Retired from The United States Army as a Colonel. Rick Rescorla also stated that the, "Real Heroes are Dead" from the battles he had been in, witnessed and survived. Rest In Peace Colonel.
@@jephrokimbo9050 If I remember correctly there is a You tube video somewhere where he was head of security at the Twin Towers and said the Greatest threat to the Twin Towers was from the Air.. So Profound. I believe his wife and children still patronize the Cornish school he attended. "We were soldiers once and young" was one of the best books I've read.
@@adriansams6066 yes, i vaguely recall that. would have to look it up and see if i could find it. he was prescient in his foresight since he was witness to the earlier terrorist incidents against the Twin Towers in the 1990s when THE clintonista in chief did NOTHING but get whacked off in the ORAL OFFICE.
When I joined THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE in 1974, this movie, 'ZULU' was shown to us recruits as what disciplined order can achieve ... Fucking Brilliant ...!!!
I was bought up in the 1950's near Brighton, in Sussex, UK where a series of curio and antique shops are located ("The Lanes"). By far the most common curio you would find back then were Zulu spears, picked up and returned to the UK by British soldiers. You could buy these for a kids pocket money. Would buy one on every trip, until my mother got alarmed that I was throwing it at my elder brother and that I might actually do some harm, one day.
Boys will be boys! My Dad and his brother got .410 shotguns for Christmas. They were shooting them at each other with birdshot from about 100 yards. Both of the shotguns got broken in half. My Grandfather still got mad when he told the story 40 years later.
I first saw this film around the age of 10....and then was so impressed with the portrayal of both the Zulu and the Brits--------I watch it about 5 times a year now Stanly Baker died in real life so young.....sad.
His role as an alcoholic clergyman is a rather thankless one. I first saw this at a re-release in 1973 or thereabouts. At the point where his character gets a bottle hidden in the rafters, I remember remarking, "A drunk priest!" I was a kid at the time... It was quite a film to watch on the big screen, even though it is regularly shown at Christmas time on TV.
@freebeerfordworkers Michael Caine readily panned the later "Jaws" movie he was in...but he equally readily said how much he "liked the house the movie paid for"...lol
@@catinthehat906 Why they couldn't simply create a fictional character for the roll of the brave malingerer is beyond me. Hookie should have been portrayed straight up, especially due to being a recipient of the VC and regarding his based testimony about the battle. I'm sure nothing negative was intended by the screenwriters on the set. They just didn't consider it.
Interesting fact, the senior enlisted was not awarded the VC with the reasoning his actions while heroic, were expected from someone of his position and experience. The story goes he was given the opportunity for a Commission to the rank of Warrant. From that he eventually retired but was called back to duty and I believe was Commission again and rose to the rank of Colonel and was Commandant of an Infantry School. Physically, he was rather short in height, and thin, but by all accounts a true warrior.
If you are thinking about Colour Sergeant Bourne he actually declined the Commission as he lacked the financial resources an officer needed to maintain himself at the time. He did get commissioned in 1890 and went on to serve until 1907 when he retired. He rejoined during World War 1 and retired in 1919 with the rank of lieutenant-colonel and an OBE. A remarkable career for one who started out as a private. By all accounts an excellent soldier.
@@Vonstab At the time of Rorke Drift, Colour Sgt. Frank Bourne was the youngest NCO in the British army nicknamed "The Kid" by troops and officers was only 25 years old.
Pte 612 Williams John was actually born John Fielding but enlisted under the assumed name of John Williams. There is a public house named for him in his home town of Abergavenny, The John Fielding.
What a Film, a true British classic. Stanley Baker was described by Chief Buthelezi , he played King Cetshwayo in the film and was the Kings Great Grandson I think as the most Decent White Man he had ever met. He also turned down the offer to play James Bond in Dr No in 1962 because they wanted to tie him to a 3 Film Contract.
The story is the South African Government refused to allow the English production team to pay the black actors decent money. Baker and crew purchased the cattle for the movie. Then, they gave the cattle to the Zulu chieftain as 'payment'. The South Africans could not do anything about it.
I'm a Canadian, 7 years light infantry and I can say with utmost sincerety that it is with great pride that I look upon being part of the British Commonwealth. Eleven VC's in one battle is astonishing.
I think that's implied, the way the camera sweeps past so many soldiers when it's doing the roll call, almost like they're being intentionally overlooked.
The British army has a way of making blunders, like any army, but what happened at Rourke's Drift is like the Spartans Defending the pass at the hot gates. A small contingency of 100 men against 4000+ Zulu warriors.
Till Reading some of the Comments Below. I was Completely UnAware that the Contingent of Troop's, at Rorke's Drift only Numbered One Hundred and Twenty Enlisted Men. That just Justifies that what they Did Over those Two Days. Was that much more Miraculous & Outstanding. Thank You for Sharing.
This movie says a lot about all of us black and white.... and thank you Zulus for saluting us... We don't deserve it....WE SALUTE YOU..................
@@rogueriderhood1862 dont be stupid. they would at best depict those in red as more villanous, and those of the zulus more kindly, though this film balances it out perfectly imo. a racist welsh hillbilly being told off by the wise native corpral. the racist "old boys" commander being transplanted by the intelegent lowborn. i do agree this film streches into territory that would mean that no studio would publish it today but the public reaction would be the same.
The reason why we don't see it televised anymore - including sat or cable networks. They just replay with sadistic redundancy, the same crap throughout the month.
It was called the Warwickshire regiment at the time of the battle, base at Brecon to encourage Welshmen to join the army but was still only 18% Welsh at the time of the battle, they changed the name to South Wales Borderers 2 years after the battle, check it out for yourself, this film cause a real problem at the time but once again historical fact was brow beaten down!
The conversation that precedes this scene always sticks with me between Bromhead and Charles when Bromhead admits he feels no glory, only shame. So true of every war ever fought
The daughter of Private Hook was invited to this movie’s premier- she was an old woman at the time. She walked out half way through, incensed at the false portrayal of her father. He was actually a solid soldier who didn’t drink; indeed he was a solid Christian - not the insubordinate man portrayed in the movie. This one of the few flaws in this other wise brilliant movie and it is a serious one. Besmirching the name and reputation of a fine man for the sake of artistic license is never right.
just heard today of the sad passing of david kernan ( private hitch ). to the best of my searching that leaves only peter gill ( private 612 john williams ) and of course michael caine ( lieutenant bromhead ) from the main cast still with us.
Fantastic film and story, but it's important to note they weren't the South Wales Borderers at the time. That designation came in army reforms two years after Rorke's Drift.
A very-very sad moment to see young soldiers bodies passing before your eyes and badly wounded soldiers all around you. Only a short time ago they were in great shape and in good health, but now they look hopeless and useless. This is one of the tragedies which wars all over the world can create to the participants and their beloved ones. It is very sad to say that no matter how tragic it looks, wars between the Nations and Human Powers must continue to refresh Life On Earth. Our financial establishments very heavily depend on it and sincere friendship and mutual cooperation in between our Human powerful establishments are impossible to achieve, which makes wars inevitable and demanding.
It's sadder when the organisations sworn to help those soldiers that fought sand survived have their funding deliberately cut by the politicians and can't/won't help the veterans... looking at you modern VA in USA.
I watch this film at least once each year since it was made. I'm 92 and I still think as did y late husband that this film was one of the finest ever made. The story line has been changed somewhat, but it still tills.❤❤❤
RobertJones VC is buried in my village cemetery, Peterchurch Hereford. His headstone is reversed because although buried in consecrated ground he had comitted suicide some years after leaving the army. He is still remembered each year by his regiment and locals.
Here's the deal; The only other two alternatives were to destroy the needed supplies and march out, to only be overwhelmed and annihilated in the open - or to leave the supplies unattended and be overwhelmed and annihilated in the open while patrolling for an enemy of unknown disposition - both contrary to standing orders and blatantly stupid. Lieutenant John Chard made the correct decision - to stand and hold at all costs. And they did it brilliantly.
0:28 Funfact: Not Frederik Schiess but Christian Ferdinand Schiess. He was a swiss mercenary who said that he was a south-african. So he is one of the few non-british people who received the VC.
Not to pick nits, but I believe you mean non-commonwealth people. (South Africa was part of the Commonwealth.) Commonwealth soldiers are eligible for the Victoria Cross, although most of those nations have now moved away from British military honours.
After Chard & Bromhead were awarded the VC there high officers who were opposed that they were so honored. The character of “Hitch”… his Grandchildren were appalled by his portrayal. They were so angry the left the Theater at the film’s debut. The Color Sergeant end up as a full Colonel & served in the British Army through World War I
@@gwine9087 A cynic would suggest that to have awarded ELEVEN to one small group (in what was, in reality, a small action on the fringe of a larger conflict.. ) just MIGHT have been influenced by the larger disaster the day before... as a distraction from that event. That is not to say the recipients did not deserve recognition...but when one notes that in the whole of Fighter Command there was only ONE VC awarded in the Battle of Britain... well. Makes you wonder. (It is of course true that award of the VC seemed to become less common as time went by... far more on a "per capita" basis awarded in Colonial conflicts than in the World Wars and beyond... )
One thing that always struck me about the ending of this film is that the British soldiers aren't depictied as triumphant and heroic, basking in the glory of their victory. Their wounded, tired, thirsty and exhausted. They all look a little dumbfounded that they're alive.
Private Robert Tongue, 24th Regiment of Foot, one of the defenders of the Mission Station at Rorkes Drift. A distant relative of mine, his body and the body of Caleb Jones are now buried back in Nottingham at the Ruddington Cemetery.
Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead is distant relative of mine, and one of the defenders of the Mission Station at Rorke's Drift He died, and is buried, in India. A coincidence of your relative, Private Robert Tongue, Caleb Jones, and me, is that we're in Nottingham, in some way
Agree that it is odd that he wasn't awarded a VC but he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM), second in seniority to the VC which granted him a lifetime annuity of £10 (equivilent to approx £960 or $1100 p.a.) and was offered a battlefield commission. Bourne declined the commission as he didn't have the funds to support the expenses required of an officer at that time. He was however commissioned in 1890, so clearly his circumstances improved!
@@mikeexton5761 In WW1, a £50 special grant to officers had to be made so they could purchase their uniforms. The war had made it necessary to commission far more officers but they were increasingly drawn from less prosperous backgrounds. Officers in 1879 were generally drawn from at least moderately wealthy circumstances.
The reasoning at the time was that as senior enlisted he was expected to behave above and beyond. That is to say, there was no above and beyond in his role. On the other hand they gave the two officers the VC, and you would think the same reasoning would apply. He was awarded the DCM with the same annuity as the VC - about $1500 in 2023 $s. You would not know it from the casting, but at the time of the battle he was not yet 24, and just 5' 6". He had enlisted at 17 and when promoted, was the youngest NCO in the British army. He served off and on until 1919 and was retired as a Lt. Col, though I believe his highest active duty rank was Major. He lived through WWII and died at age 90 one day after VE Day. A remarkable soldier's life. His wife was named Eliza Mary and from the family tombstone is appears they had a daughter Constance Ethel who died aged 29 in 1922.
Do remember that the military forces of the USA are MUCH larger than those of the UK, although the Commonwealth may balance the scales a little. Another issue is that, at its introduction, the Medal of Honor was the only decoration awarded to the soldiers and sailors of the USA. The criteria weren't fully tightened until after World War ll.
The Victoria Cross exhibit is on the top floor of the Imperial War Museum in London. I looked up the citations of every one of these men and some others I had written down. It's incomprehensible what those men did to earn those citations.
Britain badly needed to deflect a massive embarrassment/ error at Rorks drift and the best way was to award VC’s aplenty. Always turn a negative into a positive.MacArthur received a Medal of honour for bravely evacuating and abandoning HIS charge of loyal American troops in the Philippines.Washington recommended one for General Wainwright who stayed behind to handle a futile predicament but MacArthur vetoed it because he said Wainwright should not have surrendered to the Japanese.Hey who remembers that? Wainwright survived captivity after the war a very emaciated man.MacArthur went on to become the American Caesar.The world loves a winner.Rorks drift was another that deflected away from the really worthy British VC recipients.
this version was p.c. compared to the battle, it doesnt depic the zulus brutal and barbaric mutilations nor does it show the british burying the injured zulu alive after the battle, but its still a blinding film
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Anyone could have read that roll call, but Sir Richard Burton added an air of sophistication to it that is unmatched,
Unfortunately Richard Burton was never knighted, he received the CBE which is one step down from the knighthood.
I do believe you are incorrect. he was knighted. reason i know is because i remember when died at his services he was noted as being "Sir Richard Burton". im not a known it all its just something that i remember.
And a lifelong drunk. Died too early. Lay off the booze
……Burton was NEVER knighted. He was a CBE………Commander of the British Empire, which is NOT a Knighthood…………
@@stoveguy2133Mind your own business.
A rare film that pays respect to the bravery and discipline of both the Zulu army and the defenders of Rorks Drift. Stands the test of time
It really does do both sides credit. The Zulus, despite being primarily armed with spears and cow hide shields, still manage to inflict a decent amount of casualties to the British, even though they have guns and are in a fortified position.
A the British, despite overwhelming opposition, manage to hold back wave after wave of Zulu warriors with their decipline and defensive tactics.
A rare gem for its time.
@@hisdudeness8328 it also goes out of its way to show respect to both sides. The Zulus aren’t just “mindless savages” in the film but brave soldiers fighting to defend their homeland and willing to give their lives to protect their freedom. Nor are the defenders depicted as evil colonial ravagers. They’re just men who joined an army for good pay they couldn’t get at home and now finding themselves having to fight to the last to protect their comrades.
The true villain is war and the horror and brutality humanity can inflict on itself.
As does Zulu Dawn
Well said. I had the great priviledge of visiting both Rorkes Drift and Isandlhwana a few years ago.. The guide at Isandhlwana was a very impressive and knowledgeable young Zulu chap. Beautifully spoken, with "military bearing".. and it was wonderful to hear the names of the Zulus pronounced properly... The memorial TO the fallen Zulu is very impressive too. And fascinating... given that its very design indicates the Kings displeasure with the (unauthorised) attack on Rorkes Drift....
@@alternativebassist politicians start wars and young men die. As old as civilization
We should never forget what a great actor Stanley Baker was.
Good Director too...
Correct
I got a little mad when I bought the DVD of this film. Michael Caine is pictured on the front. Now that is ok but Stanley Baker isn't pictured. I know Caine is more well known and sells the DVD better. But it was disrespectful. Rod Steiger gets the same treatment on 2 different DVDs "In the Heat of the Night" and "A Fistful of Dynamite"!
That shot of Baker staring up at the mountains like he just faced down the continent itself, and then planting the shield in the ground, is incredible.
A Welsh legend
What a magnificent film! Yes I know there were some inaccuracies but it all holds together.
I just about tear up when Burton reads this speech.
My late father was a Company Sergeant Major in the South Wales Borderers. I remember him and my mother attending the ROURKES DRIFT BALL, held annually in the Sgts Mess. I also remember the walls being decorated with trophy's of the battle. Us kids would dare not touch them. The Year this movie came out my dad took me too see it in the Garrison cinema. If you have never hear a cinema full of Welsh Soldiers standing on the seats and singing along with Men of Harlech, you have never heard anything. You can also guess the game us boys would play in the Garrison School at play time, no one wanted to be the Zulu! Happy memories of this movie. Rest in peace mum and dad.
Wow. Blessings
What a great memory.
My great great uncle was the RSM South Wales Borderers roughly 1900
What a very special memory. Thanks for sharing it.
🫡
Richard Burton's voice adds a somber yet powerful tone here
An awards ceremony for 11 VCs is one I would actually listen to.
One of the few films I watch over and over again!
One of the greatest ever British films stands the test of time
Cy Enfiled, the director, was American. No British director of that time would have cast the working class actor with a London accent, Michael Caine, as an officer. Caine says so himself.
A lay in, dog walk, then a fat sunday lunch before a comfy chair and watching this while sipping whiskey. Bloody marvellous.
Sounds fantastic 👌
I'm eating Chinese and drinking Diet Coke!
This has been one of my top three favorite movies. I first saw Zulu! when I was 12 years old, and I’m still in awe each time I re-watch the movie.
Speaking from someone who was born on the wrong side of Offa's Dyke, those strains of "Men Of Harlech" still send shivers down my spine. Truly fantastic movie.
The first guy that starts singing had a fantastic voice.
Yes, it's too bad that the singing never actually happened.
It was never sung there, the 24th were the Warwickshire Borderers and a majority of them were English/Irish with only a third being Welsh.
@@QuietManUK
The Regiment was not named the “Warwickshire Borderers.” It was the 24th Regiment of Foot, which had the subsidiary title of the Second Warwickshire Regiment.
Two years after Rorke’s Drift they were re-named the South Wales Borderers.
But you are correct in stating that there were more Englishmen serving with B Coy of the 24th Regt of Foot at Rorke’s Drift than Welshmen.
By "the wrong side of Offa's Dyke" I assume you mean you were born in Wales.
The ending was greatly enhanced by the narrative conducted by that great Welsh actor, Sir Richard Burton, who chronicles those fellow Welshmen who were awarded the Victoria Cross at Rourks Drift, Natal, South Africa, 22-23 January 1879.
Actually, at the time, less than half of them were actually welsh. They only became the South Wales Borderers on 1 July 1881. While the Regiment was based in Brecon in South Wales at the time of the Battle, its designation was the '24th (The 2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot' and accordingly, at the time, their song was not yet "Men of Harlech" but "The Warwickshire Lad". Of the soldiers present, 49 were English, 32 Welsh, 16 Irish and 22 others of indeterminate ethnicity.
Correct
He wasn't knighted but ahhh that voice!
Yea, he was actually sober when he read it
@@wannabe4668 WHAT????
tell me it can't be true!
hic...
We are not capable of make such movies any more. There are stories out there but the world no longer has the heart to see greatness. Progress ....
One of the greatest films ever. Showing how brace the zulu and British army fought.
This will always be one of my all-time favorite movies!
I love this ending. Gets me everytime.
Me too. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster the first time I saw the ending 😭 🎢
Just think of this as an American. Out of 150 British Men at Rourkes Drift, 11 won what is the British version of our Congressional Medal of Honor. I have had the chance to meet several CMOH recipients. To have so many men in one battle out of so few receive it, is an incredible testament to the British soldier's bravery.
It was the first medal a private soldier could win, previous it was regiment that got the praise. Its almost impossible to be awarded one nowadays.
I believe the Congressional Medal of Honour is the American version of the Victoria Cross, as the VC medal was created and awarded around five years before the CMOH.
Not to take anything away from the Rorkes Drift defenders...but it was...convenient no doubt to be able to hold them up as the heros they undoubtedly were...after the absolute disaster of Isandhlwana. No battle since, no matter how desperate (Kohima anyone? Only 2 VC's there and it was a similar situation!) has produced anywhere near the number of awards as Rorkes Drift. It is NOT cynical to suggest other factors MAY have been involved..nor is it a slur on the brave men involved. It is notable however how much higher the bar became later for award of the VC......
@@myview5840 MORE difficult yes. 111 were awarded for the Crimea, yet only 182 in the whole of WW2 (to 181 recipients.. the other was a "Bar" which is of course amazing) And of course the VC originally could NOT be awarded posthumously either. That didn't officially change until 1907. There were 3 awarded in Afghanistan, 1 in Iraq, 2 in the Falklands and 4 (to Aussies) in Vietnam.
I was born in Brecon. Spent most of younger years in the museum, was brought up by my grandparents and great grandparents to respect people. I met Prof Ed Bromhead at Polytechnic, his grandson. Now I am giving myself away
If you joined the corps for their reason, that gave you away then.
Their memory lives on in that museum. I am proud to have visited.
It was a sobering experience to be amongst the remnants of that day, and more importantly, the men who were there.
Such bravery of Zulu warriors facing devastating fire power with only spears and shields that could not stop a bullet yet they just kept coming.
Not disputing their bravery, but actually many of the Zulus were armed with firearms. Cetshwayo had been buying (though not necessarily modern breech loaders) them for some time. In fact almost all the 24th casualties were gunshot wounds. One would have to check the book, but you are talking I think 5 -6 spear wounds. If memory serves me, it was only Sgt Maxfield and 2-3 others killed in the hospital, plus Hunter, stabbed in the dash from the Hospital, and Pte Beckett who dies subsequently of a stomach wound. Full details are in the book Like Wolves on the Fold by Col Mike Snook, Royal Regiment of Wales. The RRW being the successors of the 24th Warwicks.
One of the reasons was the length advantage of the Martini Henry, and its long bayonet.
The British soldiers in rorkes drift battle only had rifles (Martini Henry's) which was in service & used there then !! Not machine guns & cannons !! & they showed their spirit & courage all only 139 against 4,000+ Zulus !! Many of the Zulus had rifles themselves weren't very good shots many were stolen from the British !!
@@nigelpilgrim4232 They had a battery of RML horse artillery. That is rifled muzzle loading guns.
@@meyrickgriffith-jones3908 Nine were killed that were involved in the hospital siege, seven patients plus Private Joseph Williams were stabbed and Private Cole (apparently claustrophobic) ran out and was shot through the head. Seven were killed on the ramparts, all shot, including only one fully fit member of B company plus Lance Sergeant Williams who died later.
Quote :Fearing British aggression, Cetshwayo had started to purchase guns before the war. The Zulus now had thousands of old-fashioned muskets and a few modern rifles at their disposal. But their warriors were not properly trained in their use.
Say what you want about empires overtaking nations. The best line in the movie is when, after a tough battle, a private asks his sergeant, “Why us?” His reply, “Because we are here. There is there is no one but us.” The soldier is not the empire.
Ah, but he is.
If so, then you seek retribution. And that only repeats the history we are supposed to learn from.@@formwiz7096
The "sergeant" depicts the real Colour Sergeant Frank Bourne, who died as late as 1945, having risen to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. I often walk past his last home about 5 minutes from where I live.
The history of mankind is riddled with warfare. That's our nature. Who is the hero and who is not? My father was a bombardier in WWII. He enlisted at 18 as a product of a lower class Irish family with a dim future. The Army was a "way out". He turned into a violent, raging alcoholic, eventually became wet brained and was institutionalized by the VA when I was eight. Today, he'd have been left to the streets. Never spoke about the war. After he died, his sister gave me his medals - including two silver stars after being shot down twice. I asked her if he ever told his stories and she said, Patty, yes. He told me how he was in the battle of Berlin and was sent to bomb civilian targets housing Nazis because the insidious side of war is you cover yourself with innocent civilians. One was a grammar school. He said he knowingly aimed bombs and dropped them even though he could clearly see children in the playground. Now, you, since you know everything about who is at fault, tell me more about how the soldier is the f-ing empire. He was an 18 year old CHILD. He wasn't the f-ing Allied Force and was deeply conflicted by what he did. Too bad he didn't live long enough for you to tell him your opinion. @@formwiz7096
Hate to tell you, but any serviceman is a representative of the government. And there were a lot of guys who didn't turn out that way.@@annabodot962
Simon Pegg called Zulu 'Men Behaving Bravely.' Which fits perfectly.
Rick Rescorla was singing Men of Harlech on 9-11 while getting as many people out of the South Tower as he could. Balls of Steel. RIP.
And Rick Rescorla was at the Battle of LZ X-Ray in Vietnam in November 1965 and was awarded the Silver Star for Heroism as a Platoon Leader and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Prior to becoming a United States Army Officer he served in the British Army as a Paratrooper. He Retired from The United States Army as a Colonel. Rick Rescorla also stated that the, "Real Heroes are Dead" from the battles he had been in, witnessed and survived. Rest In Peace Colonel.
@@jephrokimbo9050 If I remember correctly there is a You tube video somewhere where he was head of security at the Twin Towers and said the Greatest threat to the Twin Towers was from the Air.. So Profound. I believe his wife and children still patronize the Cornish school he attended. "We were soldiers once and young" was one of the best books I've read.
@@adriansams6066 yes, i vaguely recall that. would have to look it up and see if i could find it. he was prescient in his foresight since he was witness to the earlier terrorist incidents against the Twin Towers in the 1990s when THE clintonista in chief did NOTHING but get whacked off in the ORAL OFFICE.
Never heard this information. I will read into this. Great stuff.
Rick Rescorla’s wife also wrote a book in tribute to him entitled “Touched by a Hero”. A more fitting title could never be given.
Respect to all lives lost in this battle. for both africa and england, You all faught like Lions
Welshmen Englishmen Irishmen and one Scot that we know of.
@MrVolvobloke They fought for each other that day. Their likeness will never be seen again.
Everyone at Rourkes Drift should have been awarded the VC
Because we’re here lad, nobody else, just us.
When I joined THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE in 1974, this movie, 'ZULU' was shown to us recruits as what disciplined order can achieve ... Fucking Brilliant ...!!!
My father took me to the cinema to see this as a child and it is still one of the best films ever made, in my opinion 👏
What a great movie,,,soundtrac,, stirring and heroic.
I was bought up in the 1950's near Brighton, in Sussex, UK where a series of curio and antique shops are located ("The Lanes"). By far the most common curio you would find back then were Zulu spears, picked up and returned to the UK by British soldiers. You could buy these for a kids pocket money. Would buy one on every trip, until my mother got alarmed that I was throwing it at my elder brother and that I might actually do some harm, one day.
That’s a brilliant tale, made me actually laugh out loud 👍🏻
DELIGHTFUL! Now they are worth a decent $-fortune!
Boys will be boys! My Dad and his brother got .410 shotguns for Christmas. They were shooting them at each other with birdshot from about 100 yards. Both of the shotguns got broken in half. My Grandfather still got mad when he told the story 40 years later.
Colour Sergeant Frank Bourne was actually born in Balcombe Sussex.
I first saw this film around the age of 10....and then was so impressed with the portrayal of both the Zulu and the Brits--------I watch it about 5 times a year now Stanly Baker died in real life so young.....sad.
Stanley Baker gave the role for Jack Hawkins as a way of thanks for giving him his breakthrough role in The Cruel Sea
"Snorkers!! Good oh!".
His role as an alcoholic clergyman is a rather thankless one. I first saw this at a re-release in 1973 or thereabouts. At the point where his character gets a bottle hidden in the rafters, I remember remarking, "A drunk priest!" I was a kid at the time... It was quite a film to watch on the big screen, even though it is regularly shown at Christmas time on TV.
@freebeerfordworkers And the queen replied, 'Oh, has the lesbian vampire film fallen through?'
@@rogueriderhood1862 "She (was) a good sheila bruce.and not at all stuck up"
@freebeerfordworkers Michael Caine readily panned the later "Jaws" movie he was in...but he equally readily said how much he "liked the house the movie paid for"...lol
Sir Richard Burton adds much to an already great film.
Shame that Hook was misrepresented in this film, if he'd actually behaved as he did in the film he wouldn't have won a VC.
@@catinthehat906 Why they couldn't simply create a fictional character for the roll of the brave malingerer is beyond me. Hookie should have been portrayed straight up, especially due to being a recipient of the VC and regarding his based testimony about the battle. I'm sure nothing negative was intended by the screenwriters on the set. They just didn't consider it.
His voice was beautiful. And a great actor too.
Interesting fact, the senior enlisted was not awarded the VC with the reasoning his actions while heroic, were expected from someone of his position and experience. The story goes he was given the opportunity for a Commission to the rank of Warrant. From that he eventually retired but was called back to duty and I believe was Commission again and rose to the rank of Colonel and was Commandant of an Infantry School. Physically, he was rather short in height, and thin, but by all accounts a true warrior.
If you are thinking about Colour Sergeant Bourne he actually declined the Commission as he lacked the financial resources an officer needed to maintain himself at the time. He did get commissioned in 1890 and went on to serve until 1907 when he retired. He rejoined during World War 1 and retired in 1919 with the rank of lieutenant-colonel and an OBE. A remarkable career for one who started out as a private. By all accounts an excellent soldier.
@@Vonstab At the time of Rorke Drift, Colour Sgt. Frank Bourne was the youngest NCO in the British army nicknamed "The Kid" by troops and officers was only 25 years old.
Pte 612 Williams John was actually born John Fielding but enlisted under the assumed name of John Williams. There is a public house named for him in his home town of Abergavenny, The John Fielding.
Cwmbran is where the John fielding pub is
@@Vonstab I often walk past his last home, about 5 minutes from where I live. It has a blue plaque.
What a Film, a true British classic. Stanley Baker was described by Chief Buthelezi , he played King Cetshwayo in the film and was the Kings Great Grandson I think as the most Decent White Man he had ever met. He also turned down the offer to play James Bond in Dr No in 1962 because they wanted to tie him to a 3 Film Contract.
The story is the South African Government refused to allow the English production team to pay the black actors decent money. Baker and crew purchased the cattle for the movie. Then, they gave the cattle to the Zulu chieftain as 'payment'. The South Africans could not do anything about it.
Balls bigger than the moon massive respect God bless them all then n now in conflict
I'm a Canadian, 7 years light infantry and I can say with utmost sincerety that it is with great pride that I look upon being part of the British Commonwealth. Eleven VC's in one battle is astonishing.
The pride is ours to have Canadians as our brothers and sisters.
11 out of a complement of 144 ish.
One of my very favourite movies.
They could not have made a better choice with Richard Burton for the narration. Also Michael Caine's best ever performance imo.
RIP Denys Graham the actor who played Robert Jones recently passed at age 98.
I never tire of watching this film ❤
A memorable cinematic enterprise that tells its story so well, almost documentary-like in its unfolding
narrative. Bears repeated viewing.
Stanley Baker was a hell of an actor. Would have made a great 007
These guys prevented the malicious, psychotic abuse of the natives for a significant amount of time. Heroes!
Every man should have got the highest medal they deserved it.
The British do not give out the VC readily. To date, only 1,353 have been awarded.
I think that's implied, the way the camera sweeps past so many soldiers when it's doing the roll call, almost like they're being intentionally overlooked.
There were other medals awarded, Colour Sergeant Bourne received the Distinguished Conduct Medal, as did others.
@@rogueriderhood1862 Bourne was offered the VC or a commission. He chose the commission.
@@gwine9087 Not correct; Bourne continued to serve as a non-commissioned officer, he wasn't commissioned until 1890.
The British army has a way of making blunders, like any army, but what happened at Rourke's Drift is like the Spartans Defending the pass at the hot gates. A small contingency of 100 men against 4000+ Zulu warriors.
You just don’t get voices like this anymore.
Correct. They're usually LF's
Till Reading some of the Comments Below. I was Completely UnAware that the Contingent of Troop's, at Rorke's Drift only Numbered One Hundred and Twenty Enlisted Men.
That just Justifies that what they Did Over those Two Days. Was that much more Miraculous & Outstanding.
Thank You for Sharing.
Zulu and Zulu dawn were great movies.
Still one of my favorite war films. Talk about the lobsided odds.
I am not even from Britain but this movie makes me feel patriotic as hell.
This movie says a lot about all of us black and white.... and thank you Zulus for saluting us...
We don't deserve it....WE SALUTE YOU..................
A classic for the archives. No way anyone could film it today without green screen and CGI
They would also try to shimmy in slavery
@@jamalwilburn228 And either Chard or Bromhead would be black!
@@rogueriderhood1862 dont be stupid. they would at best depict those in red as more villanous, and those of the zulus more kindly, though this film balances it out perfectly imo. a racist welsh hillbilly being told off by the wise native corpral. the racist "old boys" commander being transplanted by the intelegent lowborn.
i do agree this film streches into territory that would mean that no studio would publish it today but the public reaction would be the same.
The reason why we don't see it televised anymore - including sat or cable networks. They just replay with sadistic redundancy, the same crap throughout the month.
@@caijones156 it's paramount. They would take the risk
1:46 "South Wales borderers" must be one of the coolest names of a regiment ever!
It was called the Warwickshire regiment at the time of the battle, base at Brecon to encourage Welshmen to join the army but was still only 18% Welsh at the time of the battle, they changed the name to South Wales Borderers 2 years after the battle, check it out for yourself, this film cause a real problem at the time but once again historical fact was brow beaten down!
Masterpiece
I would like to thank this channel for having not used the channel's standard outro music at the end of this clip.
The conversation that precedes this scene always sticks with me between Bromhead and Charles when Bromhead admits he feels no glory, only shame.
So true of every war ever fought
The daughter of Private Hook was invited to this movie’s premier- she was an old woman at the time. She walked out half way through, incensed at the false portrayal of her father. He was actually a solid soldier who didn’t drink; indeed he was a solid Christian - not the insubordinate man portrayed in the movie.
This one of the few flaws in this other wise brilliant movie and it is a serious one. Besmirching the name and reputation of a fine man for the sake of artistic license is never right.
Totally agree.
just heard today of the sad passing of david kernan ( private hitch ). to the best of my searching that leaves only peter gill ( private 612 john williams ) and of course michael caine ( lieutenant bromhead ) from the main cast still with us.
Sad. At least there memories live on
Oh JHC... This movie.
Gets me every time.
Fantastic film and story, but it's important to note they weren't the South Wales Borderers at the time. That designation came in army reforms two years after Rorke's Drift.
Officially they were then the 2nd Warwickshires, and indeed quite a few recruits were from the English Midlands.
@@stevekaczynski3793 We they recruits, or conscripts? Curious.
@@stevekaczynski3793 But their depot was in Brecon even at that time
A very-very sad moment to see young soldiers bodies passing before your eyes and badly wounded soldiers all around you. Only a short time ago they were in great shape and in good health, but now they look hopeless and useless. This is one of the tragedies which wars all over the world can create to the participants and their beloved ones. It is very sad to say that no matter how tragic it looks, wars between the Nations and Human Powers must continue to refresh Life On Earth. Our financial establishments very heavily depend on it and sincere friendship and mutual cooperation in between our Human powerful establishments are impossible to achieve, which makes wars inevitable and demanding.
It's sadder when the organisations sworn to help those soldiers that fought sand survived have their funding deliberately cut by the politicians and can't/won't help the veterans...
looking at you modern VA in USA.
Yep no profit in peace .😡
I watch this film at least once each year since it was made. I'm 92 and I still think as did y late husband that this film was one of the finest ever made. The story line has been changed somewhat, but it still tills.❤❤❤
Zulu's to the south---thousands of 'em, what a line, what a film
Fantastic film. I am proud to be British.
i am proud to be British also and im not. this film makes me proud to be a human being.
Excellent movie
Brilliant defense and retreat. Funnel enemies into a bottleneck.
"Kill Zone" these days.
A movie that literally could not be made in 2022.
Some movies should never be remade, they're too damn good! Another is Cool Hand Luke!
you are so right. unfortunately they keep trying but somehow the remake is never as good as the original.
RobertJones VC is buried in my village cemetery, Peterchurch Hereford. His headstone is reversed because although buried in consecrated ground he had comitted suicide some years after leaving the army. He is still remembered each year by his regiment and locals.
Get his headstone turned around probably committed suiside through ptsd
Hook's family was pissed at the way he was portrayed in the movie.
Hook was a model soldier. I'd be pissed off too.
A powerful film that has, indeed, withstood the test of time.
Aloha 🙏🏼🇬🇧🇿🇦🙏🏼
One of the battles we studied in Officer formation.
there cant be be in any war that shows the true dedication to standing there ground than this god bless
their
Here's the deal; The only other two alternatives were to destroy the needed supplies and march out, to only be overwhelmed and annihilated in the open - or to leave the supplies unattended and be overwhelmed and annihilated in the open while patrolling for an enemy of unknown disposition - both contrary to standing orders and blatantly stupid. Lieutenant John Chard made the correct decision - to stand and hold at all costs. And they did it brilliantly.
REspect to all involved in the action and the film.
0:28 Funfact: Not Frederik Schiess but Christian Ferdinand Schiess. He was a swiss mercenary who said that he was a south-african. So he is one of the few non-british people who received the VC.
Not to pick nits, but I believe you mean non-commonwealth people. (South Africa was part of the Commonwealth.) Commonwealth soldiers are eligible for the Victoria Cross, although most of those nations have now moved away from British military honours.
@@CanadaMatt Yes, but I mean that he was in fact swiss. Not british and no member of the commonwealth or empire.
Was that Richard Burton narrating.?
It certainly is. 😃
After Chard & Bromhead were awarded the VC there high officers who were opposed that they were so honored. The character of “Hitch”… his Grandchildren were appalled by his portrayal. They were so angry the left the Theater at the film’s debut. The Color Sergeant end up as a full Colonel & served in the British Army through World War I
Oops…Hook
It still irritates me that Color Sergeant Bourn did not get a Victoria Cross.
@@williampaz2092 As I recall he did get a Medal
I believe that was Hook.
@@imlurking9103 That’s upon….made a correction as an addition…click upon “replies”
This isn't a movie...this is an epic.
It is said that of one of the Defending soldiers his hair tuned white a few days after the battle,from shear fright
They all deserved the VC not just a dozen of them
The British do not give out the VC easily. To date, only 1,353 have been awarded.
@@gwine9087 A cynic would suggest that to have awarded ELEVEN to one small group (in what was, in reality, a small action on the fringe of a larger conflict.. ) just MIGHT have been influenced by the larger disaster the day before... as a distraction from that event. That is not to say the recipients did not deserve recognition...but when one notes that in the whole of Fighter Command there was only ONE VC awarded in the Battle of Britain... well. Makes you wonder. (It is of course true that award of the VC seemed to become less common as time went by... far more on a "per capita" basis awarded in Colonial conflicts than in the World Wars and beyond... )
@@trooperdgb9722 And you are that cynic.
@@gwine9087 Only a little.....
Outstanding movie. Watch the whole thing!!!!
"Me ? I came here to build a bridge"
Just because the British had better technology doesn't mean they didn't have to go through hell to earn their victory.
a timeless classic.
One thing that always struck me about the ending of this film is that the British soldiers aren't depictied as triumphant and heroic, basking in the glory of their victory.
Their wounded, tired, thirsty and exhausted. They all look a little dumbfounded that they're alive.
Private Robert Tongue, 24th Regiment of Foot, one of the defenders of the Mission Station at Rorkes Drift.
A distant relative of mine, his body and the body of Caleb Jones are now buried back in Nottingham at the Ruddington Cemetery.
Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead is distant relative of mine, and one of the defenders of the Mission Station at Rorke's Drift
He died, and is buried, in India.
A coincidence of your relative, Private Robert Tongue, Caleb Jones, and me, is that we're in Nottingham, in some way
I just noticed the Color Sergeant did not get a cross. That seems odd considering his role.
Agree that it is odd that he wasn't awarded a VC but he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM), second in seniority to the VC which granted him a lifetime annuity of £10 (equivilent to approx £960 or $1100 p.a.) and was offered a battlefield commission. Bourne declined the commission as he didn't have the funds to support the expenses required of an officer at that time. He was however commissioned in 1890, so clearly his circumstances improved!
Have to totally agree-
Oddly enough he had the best military career of them all, arguably better than Chard or Bromhead.
@@mikeexton5761 In WW1, a £50 special grant to officers had to be made so they could purchase their uniforms. The war had made it necessary to commission far more officers but they were increasingly drawn from less prosperous backgrounds. Officers in 1879 were generally drawn from at least moderately wealthy circumstances.
The reasoning at the time was that as senior enlisted he was expected to behave above and beyond. That is to say, there was no above and beyond in his role. On the other hand they gave the two officers the VC, and you would think the same reasoning would apply. He was awarded the DCM with the same annuity as the VC - about $1500 in 2023 $s. You would not know it from the casting, but at the time of the battle he was not yet 24, and just 5' 6". He had enlisted at 17 and when promoted, was the youngest NCO in the British army. He served off and on until 1919 and was retired as a Lt. Col, though I believe his highest active duty rank was Major. He lived through WWII and died at age 90 one day after VE Day. A remarkable soldier's life. His wife was named Eliza Mary and from the family tombstone is appears they had a daughter Constance Ethel who died aged 29 in 1922.
The sergeant major was everywhere and didn't get the VC.
Sir Richard Burton was Welsh ..no wonder he jumped at the chance to narrate ..WELL DONE !! SIR RICHARD !!!🌍🇬🇧
And that ain’t just for British solider, includes those of the commonwealth also.
More rare than a Medal of Honour.
Do remember that the military forces of the USA are MUCH larger than those of the UK, although the Commonwealth may balance the scales a little. Another issue is that, at its introduction, the Medal of Honor was the only decoration awarded to the soldiers and sailors of the USA. The criteria weren't fully tightened until after World War ll.
And the VC was for some years ONLY awarded posthumously. When that changed several "backdated" awards were made. @@roberthudson1959
Love how William Jones is just talking away.
The Victoria Cross exhibit is on the top floor of the Imperial War Museum in London. I looked up the citations of every one of these men and some others I had written down. It's incomprehensible what those men did to earn those citations.
HD is very nice!
This my little brothers favorite movie to watch during summers in the middle of nowhere at my grandparents
Britain badly needed to deflect a massive embarrassment/ error at Rorks drift and the best way was to award VC’s aplenty.
Always turn a negative into a positive.MacArthur received a Medal of honour for bravely evacuating and abandoning HIS charge of loyal American troops in the Philippines.Washington recommended one for General Wainwright who stayed behind to handle a futile predicament but MacArthur vetoed it because he said Wainwright should not have surrendered to the Japanese.Hey who remembers that? Wainwright survived captivity after the war a very emaciated man.MacArthur went on to become the American Caesar.The world loves a winner.Rorks drift was another that deflected away from the really worthy British VC recipients.
When The most bad ass men meet on the battlefield.
Amazing. One of the best movies ever made . It would not be politically correct now
this version was p.c. compared to the battle, it doesnt depic the zulus brutal and barbaric mutilations nor does it show the british burying the injured zulu alive after the battle, but its still a blinding film
Who gives a f..k?
There WERE NOT the South Wales Borderers at that time...