I especially respect the effort you put into pronouncing the names and Zulu regiments correctly. That was extremely well done and added a poignant touch. Thank you!
@Coll Maxwell Coll Maxwell They fight like real men under command off fools. True commanders fight to win not to look manly or heroic. Real commanders use wagon lagers and terrain to equalize the playing field with estimated 15 000 Zulus against approximately 340 Boors. Go and get educated about the battle at Blood river before making snide remarks joining the ranks off FOOLS:
If there are any positives of the Zulu war (And i can think of just this one) Its the fact that the Zulu fought so hard and so well that ignorant and racist attitudes were challenged arguably for the first time The British soldiers soon found they had to respect their enemy I also feel this respect was also given back based on some of the accounts of the Zulu from the battle
I think the terrain would actually have benefited the defence if the firing line was pulled in much closer, and with attention also paid the rear at the 'saddle' area.
Well done on the pronunciations to correct terminology. I'm from SA and your wording is excellent. That battle always fascinated me growing up and learning it in my history class. I have utmost respect for all who fought there. The Zulu nation was amazing with their fighting and spirit.
Wow m so amazed very accurate, detailed 🇿🇦🇿🇦 I hav learnt this history both from European authors and South African authors and heard history from my elders. Well said.. M from the Zulu Tribe my great great grandfathers both maternal and partenal fought on the British side
Always been interested in the Zulu wars . Especially Rorkes Drift. One of the Defenders was from my town. And is buried here. Private John Williams VC .
One story that's always intrigued me is that of the last remaining redcoat (possibly one of Younghusband's men) who retreated up a spur of the mountain, found a small cave and proceeded to hold out single-handedly until eventually felled by a lucky shot from below (had it been me I would simply have gotten my head down and tried to lie low) - some years ago when the Royal Welsh attended an anniversary memorial out there a friend of ours climbed up the mountain in search of the cave and reckons he did indeed find the spot where the last of the 24th fell....
Hi mate - there are many versions of the story but you are right - there is a cave which I've also climbed up to before...Worth exploring if you ever come back
@@redcoathistory Cheers - no, never made it out there it was a soldier mate of ours who climbed up there - no doubt you've seen the famous painting The Last Of The 24th at Isandhlwana? Congrats on a great video, btw...
@@redcoathistory Sounds like a worthwile basis for a video. The lone soldier up in that cave was surely the last brit soldier to survive and I've always wondered why more "fugitives" didn't retreat up there.
The last time I was there, they had posted signs up forbidding people from climbing up the mountain. We were not even allowed to go up the gentle slope before it goes up steeply..
Excellent Christian - another great Zulu Wars video! A very clear overview of Isandlwana. I have become very interested in the battles and intend to take a tour as part of a holiday as soon as things have settled down again.
@@lyndoncmp5751 Cheers mate. You could be a guest speaker! If you are keen then maybe you could register for the newsletter over at redcoathistory.com (you'll also get a free book for your trouble!)...I'm still learning and practising on friends and other guides but I'm hoping to run a few tours in 2023 and kick off the business.
To hear details of Zulu tactics, their leaders, and regiments is fascinating. So many of these colonial battles are remembered only from the European perspective. Great video. Thanks
There are several well researched books about Zulu history, including Isandlwana, but I think the best by far is "Washing of the Spears," by Donald R. Morris.
Great video, I was lucky enough to go there 5 years ago.I'd have appreciated it even more if I'd seen this video first! It's a moving place with the cairns and memorials but also a bleak, windswept ruggedness that gives it an eerie quality when you know something of what happened there. There is virtually nowhere to hide so it seems quite extraordinary that the British had no prepared defences but then again they were already certain that Chelmsford was on the trail of the main Zulu force. Throw in a handful of hubris and it's not so surprising. Hopefully visiting the area will be possible again for those who take an interest in this period of history.
excellent work Christian, so well put together and scripted. in every battle ive ever studied - underestimating an enemy comes out as one of the key factors - on things that went wrong....
While there are some definite parallels, perhaps particularly between Durnford and Custer, there are some definite differences between the Zulu and the Sioux/Cheyenne. The Zulu had military formations and command structures, the Sioux/Cheyenne fought essentially as individuals. Although they would follow a leader if they respected him, they weren't bound by any structure or discipline. The biggest difference at the Little Big Horn was that absolutely no one, from Sheridan on down, expected the warriors to stand and fight against an organized Army force. Their tactic had always been to break up into family groups and melt away into the wilderness when faced with a battle at a time and place not of their choosing. The Army's experience with them was that the most difficult part of fighting them was *finding them*! Hancock had chased them all over creation a few years before and never caught up to them; his troops managed to kill a grand total of four men, and two of them were friendlies. Crook nearly starved his men to death trying to find them after the Little Big Horn debacle, finally finding one village to attack at Slim Buttes. What Custer ran into was the largest gathering of Native Americans ever seen before or since; agents had underreported the unusually large number of "summer roamers" who had left the reservations because they wanted to continue receiving money for supplies for their peak number of reservation residents. The size of the gathering, the omens and visions promising success from Sitting Bull, the presence of many renowned warriors, combined with the element of "I've had all I can stand and I can't stand no more!" felt by the Natives, together put Custer in the center of the "perfect storm." His tactics, in light of the information he possessed at the time, were sound; he just didn't possess some very important facts about the situation.
The courage to stand and fight when outnumbered like this is inconceivable, also the courage to charge with melee weapons into a firing line. Brave men indeed
As a historian for 57 years, I'd like to congratulate u on this fine presentation. The useage of aerial and topographical depictions gives the listener the visuals of being there at battle time. I would recommend actually more displays of combatant positions and movements/directions...... it'll greatly enhance the presentation for the audience.
I first saw this 5 months ago, and have horoughly enjoyed a re-watch. ...... Redcoat has a first class narrator style, which is amplified still further by the authentic pronounciation of Zulu names and words. ...... Given the global interest in wars in South Africa, I would like to think that a lucrative deal with a TV company may soon arrive!
Many thanks - but I think sadly a deal with a TV company is very unlikely...I think TH-cam is probably the only place we can keep stories of British military history alive these days. Appreciate your commnets.
@@redcoathistory You are welcome. ...... I will cross my fingers for you. ...... Though as you say, anything respecting British military history is under attack from the Marxists.
Thank you so much for this overview. I live in South Africa and some years ago took my British friends to see the battlefield at Isandlwana. It is eerie to stand among the white cairns which are repainted and cared for by the local history society in Dundee. Sadly very few modern Zulus know this history and upon enquiry what they learn at school I was told they mostly do ANC history. When you stand there the overwhelming feeling is one of admiration for the bravery of the troops on both sides. I found it moving.
If you've never been to Isandlwana and actually hiked up the Mountain you're totally missing out. It's Breathtaking and beautiful. I recommend everyone should visit it once in their life time
Visited here in 2016. It was a beautiful, hot day, but there was no wind, no bird sound, totally silent. I just sat and let my mind run riot, thinking of what it must have been like on that awful day. Also went to Rorkes Drift, another sobering experience.
Very good presentation 👍👍👍 I was at Isandlwhana and actually stayed at a backpackers - Inyezane - on another Anglo Zulu battlefield at Gingindhlovu. My first impression was why it took them so long to discover the small matter of 20,000 zulus in the area. A dog with a mallet up it's arse would have scouted the Nyoni heights asap
The best book I've read on this subject is the late David Rattray's The day of the dead moon. And if you listen to the audio version, read by him, it's nothing short of brilliant.
Dave Rattray was the best. I was privileged to be able to hear him on the battlefield bringing the events of that day alive. Subsequently I went to Wales to Brecon to visit the museum of the 24th Foot. I also went to Rattray's place a few years later and walked the path the Fugitives took. I think his son is running tours there now and I think his father would be proud of him.
Hi Christian, as always excellent rendition. I have been to the battlefield countless times, always grips me with awe. I will be there again on Saturday. Keep up the good work, rgds andy west, durban.
Very good video and overview. This was an epic battle. As an extension to this battle, there was obviously the battle of Rorke's drift where a part of the Zulu force attacked the mission station. It's been discussed that because of the magnitude of this defeat, they handed out 11 VC's at Roukes Drift which was the largest number in any battle. Whilst the Zulu's won this battle, this defeat probably hastened their ultimate defeat because of the British response to this brutal defeat.
Hello Christian, great video mate, I am always fascinated with Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift and I have learnt a lot more about the Zulu War from your videos, keep up the great work I love it, all the best and stay safe, Lee.
Have read several books on the Zulu War This footage explaines more any book,albeit written by accomplished respected authors,Puts everything in proportion visually .
Well done, a compliment to the Zulu's who were no rag tag opponent. They had strategy and leaders with a plan that was bravely carried out. British leaders, underestimating their enemies, much like Custer in the U.S., paid dearly with the lives of their brave soldiers.
No, the Zulu commanders failed in restraining their army from attacking. Their religion stictly forbid it, attacking on Jan 22nd was analogous to a Christian offensive bloodbath on Christmas, which shows you how important religion is when human survival comes first. THC, psychedelics, and the collective intelligence of the Zulu to form into the horns upon discovery is admirable more than anything the old Zulu commander controlled directly.
@@patrickcooper7629 Don´t ride so high. Flank assaults were used without THC, psychedelics, and the collective intelligence of anybody from the dawn of warfare.
For as long as I can remember, I had been taught that the name means "little Horse" and from certain angles the mountain does resemble a little horse..
The problem with laagering the Central Column was it's size, the number of oxen, the number of wagons, and the time it would take to laager and unlaager, which has been estimated to have taken nearly a day each. The boer had it easy, comparatively, with each family having one, or at best two, wagons. Even with laagering, the number of oxen wouldn't fit inside the laager, and they had to have over eight hours per day grazing time to maintain fitness.
Great video 👍 To be fair to Chelmsford and Pulleine, the ground was too rocky to dig in and making a wagon laager would cost an extraordinary amount of time and effort (especially since it was only a temporary supply camp where the wagons were expected to be travelling in and out). Pulleine should have formed a square with Isandlwana being used as a defensive position but that’s only with the power of hindsight. Pulleine was probably reminded of the battle of Nyumaga where his current commander, colonel Glyn, had won a stunning victory against a far larger force of amaXhosa warriors, by extending his infantry into skirmish lines, only a year before (something that would lead Pulleine’s men to be far too overstretched).
But also, to be fair, the Boers who had spent several decades successfully fighting the Zulus had a pretty clear blueprint for how to do it, a blue print that was entirely ignored.
therealmrfishpaste Totally different with the Boers. Boer wagons were far smaller and lighter. They could be formed into a tight laager quite quickly. British army wagons were huge heavy things that took dozens of men to manhandle onto position. Also, the camp at Isandlwana was a kilometre in extent. Very very difficult to do. Can't do it as a battle is happening.
@@lyndoncmp5751 ...I've never heard that. Boer wagons often required 12-20 oxen to pull them...those are not small wagons...also the camp at Isandlawana was only a km across precisely because they didn't laager up...or to put it another way...they didn't take the Boer advice of always forming camp into a defensive position of some sort no matter how short your intended stay would be - because the Boers knew how quickly the Zulu could move across country and how vulnerable you'd be if not in some sort of laager.
Yes the British Army wagons were very different to the much smaller and lighter Boer wagons. Apples and oranges. Also, the wagons were required to perform shuttle missions, bringing supplies up from Rorkes Drift. The NEXT camp was supposed to be the first fortified camp. Ten miles further east at Isiphezi Hill at the other end of the Isandlwana plain. The camp at Isandlwana was 1km in extent because it had to house nearly 5,000 people. It could not be akin to a usual Boer laager. The Boer laggers numbered in the hundreds of personnel not 5,000 personnel. Remember, there were two battalions of the 24th, there were the NNC, the colonial forces, Royal Artillery plus all the civilians. Then the room needed for horses and the oxen catttle. 5,000 personnel and huge numbers of horses and cattle cannot be put in a small Boer sized laager.
The really simple answer is what happened only a few hours later at Rorke's Drift. With an even smaller ratio of defenders/attackers they managed a victory. The very fact they didn't encamp in a defensible position speaks volumes of the arrogance of the command structure and their failure to heed experienced advice. BTW my gr-uncle died there; a trooper in the Natal Carbineers and the youngest member of the colonial force at 16yrs and 28days.
Just came across your channel, enjoyed the video and story very much. Great information and well presented. I will subscribe to your channel due to this video. Cheers from Australia.
Nicely done. The aerial dissection gives a clarity I never had before. I've guided quite a few WW1 tours, and always try to find something up top to hand out or refer to. Otherwise people tend to stand on these great battlefields looking a bit baffled. Can't blame them really; it's hard to imagine a heroic encounter in a car park just outside Ypres (I exaggerate, but it's always VERY hard to get a feeling for something that has endured great change. At least you have a head-start there...that site looks pristine. I'd love to go, and I think this video now becomes required watching for any prospective visitor. Subscribed, baby! All power to you. Ngijabulela ukukwazi!
Very nice, thanks. As a South African I have visited this battleground, its well worth it. Along with Spion Kop, and Magersfontein, the 3 really must visits in SA battlefields. Interestingly all British defeats.
22 years ago I stayed at Isandlwana lodge which was fantastic. Back then the landscape was untouched. Seems to be a lot of houses and other buildings encroaching on the site now. Very unfortunate.
Excellent video! As an amateur military historian I visited Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift in August 1985. A little ol’ Black woman brought her visitor log to me and had me sign it. Only a Canadian and I (a “Yank”) visited the entire day. I am now a subscriber.
It is amazing, what I learned about the Battle of Isandlwana and Lord Chelmsford is how the pride and arrogance of one man caused the loss of many men.
My favorite related story to this Zulu War involves Charles (Chinese) Gordon. The Brits in South Africa asked the War Department to send them Gordon to manage their planned war against the Zulu. The war Department wired back to tell then that 'no, you don't Gordon. If we send him, the first thing he will do is get on his horse, ride up into Zulu country on his own and work out a peace deal with the Zulu." So, the War Department sent someone else. However, Gordon heard that a war was brewing, so he got down to South Africa on his own, took a horse and rode out into Zulu country, found the chief and successfully made a peace deal with him. When Gordon got back to South Africa, they had to tell him no one wanted a peace deal because what they really wanted was a war. Gordon left.
Great video. The drone footage of the landscape, and the way events unfolded, struck me as very similar to the Battle of the Little Bighorn in Montana. There's many similarities to Custer's Last Stand and The Last Stand of Isandlwana, where the old saying "Never underestimate your enemy" has never had greater impact.
The Battle of Islandlwana occurred three years after the Battle of Little Bighorn but the British did not learn from Custer's mistake. Both Custer, Chelmsford were afraid that they could not entice the enemy into battle. Each divided his troops. underestimated the indigenous enemy and failed to conduct sufficient scouting.
Another fantastic post with yet more awesome views of the battlefield. I don't think I'd get such clear views if I actually visited myself. It's such an impressive site, in many respects looking much as it did in 1879. You always give a very balanced and thoughtful account of the events. Thank you.
Wow, really enjoyed this video. I would really like to hear more about the men who shook hands with each other and charged down the mountain. That takes a certain level of testicular fortitude.
Yes, Captain Younghusband's company - I guess you reach that stage where you realise there is no way out except death...It must be a sobering moment to say the least.
Thank you for sharing the view of the battlefield. This goes well with your podcast on Isandlwana. It's been awhile since I read a book on the battle, the last was Lt. Colonel Mike Snooks, "How Can Man Die Better." Thanks again. Hope you are well, and good luck with your future projects!
I wanted to say thank you for your time and dedication to history. I have been interested in this period since I was a child. I am a student of my country's origins and birth and visit battlefields and museums when I can. I salute you especially your 9.3 mile hike from Isandlwana to Rorkes drift. Would love to share several pints and talk about history. Cheers mate, from a Yankee in NY USA
Funny how I live very close to this area but know very little , our history has become about ANC even in school historical we're taught is Mandela this Mandela that, really nothing as interesting as this yet this is the one best effort from black community in defense of the land ,,, thank you for thorough work done!
Thanks a lot. Glad you enjoyed it. The Zulu history is fascinating - I have quite a few videos on my channel you may enjoy. Lindizwe Ngobese is a guide who lives in your area 👍🏼
Im part of the 3rd Infantry Battalion of the Irish Defence Forces and Lion, the unit mascot of the 24 Regiment of Foot is buried inside of the main gate of our barracks.
Great video , it really brings the action to life and makes it so much more understandable to “ see “ the action on the actual terrain, superb presentation.
At the time of the battle the letters patent for the Victoria Cross contained no provision for posthumous awards to be made. In 1907 King Edward the 7th amended the letters patient to allow for such awards. Among the first to be awarded a posthumous VC were Lt's Goghill and Melville, both of the 24th, who died attempting to save the Queens Colors of the 1st Battalion of the regiment. The regimental colors of the 1st and 2nd battalions along with the Queens colors of the 2nd battalion were lost and never recovered. The colors that Melville and Coghill died attempting to save were recovered 10 days after the battle on the bank of the Buffalo river, downstream from the battle area. While it cant be verified, its claimed that both men were wounded and knowing death was imminent they threw the colors into the river to avoid them being taken.
The claim of worst defeat is totally false here. Isandlwana amounts for around 1300 losses, compare this to the retreat from Kabul 1842 which according to British sources amounted to around 4500 military personnel and 14000 to 25000 civilians.
It’s not false - most of the Afghans had muskets, jezails etc and were highly trained in how to use them…they also had cavalry and artillery. The Zulus were largely armed with spears, knobkerries and shields (any firearms were obsolete with very little proper ammo and hardly any training). Even when the Zulus captured Martini-Henry’s as here or at Ntombe they could not use them effectively - they believed the sights made the bullets go further rather than improving accuracy).
Brilliant explanation. I was in the band that played a part in the movie Zulu Dawn which sparked my interest in this battle (and many others). I have a small collection of "souvenirs" which were found at Isandlwana.
I especially respect the effort you put into pronouncing the names and Zulu regiments correctly. That was extremely well done and added a poignant touch. Thank you!
How do you know that it is correct? I mean it probably is... but that was my first fear.
if you want the correct pronunciation, listen to the late David Rattray' "Day Of The Dean Moon"
I am Zulu, just want to salute the two sides, to all the man that lost their lives, may your souls rest in peace. We are purposefully one now.
I can’t imagine how scary it must have been for both sides to face each other, I salute them too. Brave men.
@Coll Maxwell Coll Maxwell They fight like real men under command off fools. True commanders fight to win not to look manly or heroic. Real commanders use wagon lagers and terrain to equalize the playing field with estimated 15 000 Zulus against approximately 340 Boors. Go and get educated about the battle at Blood river before making snide remarks joining the ranks off FOOLS:
@@hermanleeuwner5295 Cough "Holkrans,Dimawe,Italeni,Sekhukhune wars,Senekal war" cough.
@@hermanleeuwner5295 Also spaniards had a similar battle against incas and mapuches who like zulus had neither firepower nor cavalry.
If there are any positives of the Zulu war
(And i can think of just this one)
Its the fact that the Zulu fought so hard and so well that ignorant and racist attitudes were challenged arguably for the first time
The British soldiers soon found they had to respect their enemy
I also feel this respect was also given back based on some of the accounts of the Zulu from the battle
Just wanted to add that your correct pronunciation @ 7mins of the Zulu regiments using your tongue was spot on 👍
Great stuff, as always. As well as the opposing armies, the terrain was definitely a major factor in that day's events.
Yep was my exact first thought when I saw how the battle was unfolding. Always know your ground
I think the terrain would actually have benefited the defence if the firing line was pulled in much closer, and with attention also paid the rear at the 'saddle' area.
Well done on the pronunciations to correct terminology. I'm from SA and your wording is excellent. That battle always fascinated me growing up and learning it in my history class. I have utmost respect for all who fought there. The Zulu nation was amazing with their fighting and spirit.
I'll second that. bantu names have always eluded me but5 you were very good.
Wow m so amazed very accurate, detailed 🇿🇦🇿🇦 I hav learnt this history both from European authors and South African authors and heard history from my elders. Well said.. M from the Zulu Tribe my great great grandfathers both maternal and partenal fought on the British side
Thanks Sakhe - that feedback means a lot - would love to hear more about your great grandfathers one day.
Always been interested in the Zulu wars . Especially Rorkes Drift. One of the Defenders was from my town. And is buried here. Private John Williams VC .
One story that's always intrigued me is that of the last remaining redcoat (possibly one of Younghusband's men) who retreated up a spur of the mountain, found a small cave and proceeded to hold out single-handedly until eventually felled by a lucky shot from below (had it been me I would simply have gotten my head down and tried to lie low) - some years ago when the Royal Welsh attended an anniversary memorial out there a friend of ours climbed up the mountain in search of the cave and reckons he did indeed find the spot where the last of the 24th fell....
You have just answered a question i asked minutes ago. Thank you.
Hi mate - there are many versions of the story but you are right - there is a cave which I've also climbed up to before...Worth exploring if you ever come back
@@redcoathistory Cheers - no, never made it out there it was a soldier mate of ours who climbed up there - no doubt you've seen the famous painting The Last Of The 24th at Isandhlwana? Congrats on a great video, btw...
@@redcoathistory Sounds like a worthwile basis for a video. The lone soldier up in that cave was surely the last brit soldier to survive and I've always wondered why more "fugitives" didn't retreat up there.
The last time I was there, they had posted signs up forbidding people from climbing up the mountain. We were not even allowed to go up the gentle slope before it goes up steeply..
Nice job Chris. Really helped me visualize the movement of both armies.
This was brilliant, congrats on putting it all together
Another fantastic video. Thank you for all your time and effort in putting them together Christian.
Thanks, Wilko - this one was a beast to edit but I enjoyed it.
Thank you for this fantastic video. In any battle the terrain is important yet so few who do these kind of video capture this as well as you have.
Excellent Christian - another great Zulu Wars video! A very clear overview of Isandlwana. I have become very interested in the battles and intend to take a tour as part of a holiday as soon as things have settled down again.
That's great thanks so much. I am now qualified as a tour guide and by 2023 hope to be running regular tours so maybe we can meet!
Redcoat.
Oh really. That's great. I would love to do one of your tours.
@@lyndoncmp5751 Cheers mate. You could be a guest speaker! If you are keen then maybe you could register for the newsletter over at redcoathistory.com (you'll also get a free book for your trouble!)...I'm still learning and practising on friends and other guides but I'm hoping to run a few tours in 2023 and kick off the business.
I really enjoyed hearing the African names pronounced properly.
To hear details of Zulu tactics, their leaders, and regiments is fascinating. So many of these colonial battles are remembered only from the European perspective. Great video. Thanks
There are several well researched books about Zulu history, including Isandlwana, but I think the best by far is "Washing of the Spears," by Donald R. Morris.
Great video, I was lucky enough to go there 5 years ago.I'd have appreciated it even more if I'd seen this video first! It's a moving place with the cairns and memorials but also a bleak, windswept ruggedness that gives it an eerie quality when you know something of what happened there. There is virtually nowhere to hide so it seems quite extraordinary that the British had no prepared defences but then again they were already certain that Chelmsford was on the trail of the main Zulu force. Throw in a handful of hubris and it's not so surprising. Hopefully visiting the area will be possible again for those who take an interest in this period of history.
I was there in 1989, well before TH-cam. There was no one else there so we had the entire battlefield to ourselves. Unforgettable.
excellent work Christian, so well put together and scripted. in every battle ive ever studied - underestimating an enemy comes out as one of the key factors - on things that went wrong....
Thanks, Andy. Yes, I think it was a major factor and as you say, it often is. Hope you are well and I look forward to catching up soon.
Like the 7th Cavalry three years prior at Little Bighorn the British drastically underestimated their opponents
While there are some definite parallels, perhaps particularly between Durnford and Custer, there are some definite differences between the Zulu and the Sioux/Cheyenne. The Zulu had military formations and command structures, the Sioux/Cheyenne fought essentially as individuals. Although they would follow a leader if they respected him, they weren't bound by any structure or discipline.
The biggest difference at the Little Big Horn was that absolutely no one, from Sheridan on down, expected the warriors to stand and fight against an organized Army force. Their tactic had always been to break up into family groups and melt away into the wilderness when faced with a battle at a time and place not of their choosing. The Army's experience with them was that the most difficult part of fighting them was *finding them*! Hancock had chased them all over creation a few years before and never caught up to them; his troops managed to kill a grand total of four men, and two of them were friendlies. Crook nearly starved his men to death trying to find them after the Little Big Horn debacle, finally finding one village to attack at Slim Buttes. What Custer ran into was the largest gathering of Native Americans ever seen before or since; agents had underreported the unusually large number of "summer roamers" who had left the reservations because they wanted to continue receiving money for supplies for their peak number of reservation residents. The size of the gathering, the omens and visions promising success from Sitting Bull, the presence of many renowned warriors, combined with the element of "I've had all I can stand and I can't stand no more!" felt by the Natives, together put Custer in the center of the "perfect storm." His tactics, in light of the information he possessed at the time, were sound; he just didn't possess some very important facts about the situation.
The courage to stand and fight when outnumbered like this is inconceivable, also the courage to charge with melee weapons into a firing line. Brave men indeed
Beautiful countryside. Having come from England that must of really been something to see.
Very good and informative video! Thanks.
Great stuff, good to see it still being remembered ... even spotted myself in the footage from the 125th Re-enactment of the Last Stand :D
As a historian for 57 years, I'd like to congratulate u on this fine presentation. The useage of aerial and topographical depictions gives the listener the visuals of being there at battle time. I would recommend actually more displays of combatant positions and movements/directions...... it'll greatly enhance the presentation for the audience.
Many thanks and much appreciated.
I agree with this. Was the only thing not quite there.
Otherwise it’s a fantastic presentation of an intriguing battle.
I first saw this 5 months ago, and have horoughly enjoyed a re-watch. ...... Redcoat has a first class narrator style, which is amplified still further by the authentic pronounciation of Zulu names and words. ...... Given the global interest in wars in South Africa, I would like to think that a lucrative deal with a TV company may soon arrive!
Many thanks - but I think sadly a deal with a TV company is very unlikely...I think TH-cam is probably the only place we can keep stories of British military history alive these days. Appreciate your commnets.
@@redcoathistory You are welcome. ...... I will cross my fingers for you. ...... Though as you say, anything respecting British military history is under attack from the Marxists.
Thank you so much for this overview. I live in South Africa and some years ago took my British friends to see the battlefield at Isandlwana. It is eerie to stand among the white cairns which are repainted and cared for by the local history society in Dundee. Sadly very few modern Zulus know this history and upon enquiry what they learn at school I was told they mostly do ANC history. When you stand there the overwhelming feeling is one of admiration for the bravery of the troops on both sides. I found it moving.
Thanks, Denise.
Their's were not to reason why. Their's were but to do or die!
If you've never been to Isandlwana and actually hiked up the Mountain you're totally missing out. It's Breathtaking and beautiful.
I recommend everyone should visit it once in their life time
Visited here in 2016. It was a beautiful, hot day, but there was no wind, no bird sound, totally silent. I just sat and let
my mind run riot, thinking of what it must have been like on that awful day. Also went to Rorkes Drift, another
sobering experience.
Marvellous narrative accent and interesting subject. Thanks for posting
Many thanks!
Another great video of yours. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Hebe! Usuthu!. I must say I’m impressed with the commentators Zulu pronunciation. The clicks are spot on
Siyabonga mfwethu!
Very good presentation 👍👍👍 I was at Isandlwhana and actually stayed at a backpackers - Inyezane - on another Anglo Zulu battlefield at Gingindhlovu. My first impression was why it took them so long to discover the small matter of 20,000 zulus in the area. A dog with a mallet up it's arse would have scouted the Nyoni heights asap
Excellent, really professional narration
It was excellent & very thorough
Perfect historical movie. Awesome!
The best book I've read on this subject is the late David Rattray's The day of the dead moon. And if you listen to the audio version, read by him, it's nothing short of brilliant.
He is sadly missed.
Dave Rattray was the best. I was privileged to be able to hear him on the battlefield bringing the events of that day alive. Subsequently I went to Wales to Brecon to visit the museum of the 24th Foot. I also went to Rattray's place a few years later and walked the path the Fugitives took. I think his son is running tours there now and I think his father would be proud of him.
Brilliant analogy.
Fascinating, thank you 👍🏾 🖤
Hi Christian, as always excellent rendition. I have been to the battlefield countless times, always grips me with awe. I will be there again on Saturday. Keep up the good work, rgds andy west, durban.
Cheers, Andy - hopefully we'll get to meet eventually. Shame I can't get down from Joburg this week.
I hope so too pal. All the best. Keep safe. Andy
I just read Ian Knight's book, a really good book, and your video made it all 3D, and very, very real. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Very good video and overview. This was an epic battle. As an extension to this battle, there was obviously the battle of Rorke's drift where a part of the Zulu force attacked the mission station. It's been discussed that because of the magnitude of this defeat, they handed out 11 VC's at Roukes Drift which was the largest number in any battle. Whilst the Zulu's won this battle, this defeat probably hastened their ultimate defeat because of the British response to this brutal defeat.
Excellent presentation. Thankyou!. Subbed from Australia.
Hello Christian, great video mate, I am always fascinated with Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift and I have learnt a lot more about the Zulu War from your videos, keep up the great work I love it, all the best and stay safe, Lee.
Thanks a lot Lee. Appreciate that.
How does one 'learnt' exactly?...
Have read several books on the Zulu War This footage explaines more any book,albeit written by accomplished respected authors,Puts everything in proportion visually .
Thanks Steven - that’s great to know.
Well done, a compliment to the Zulu's who were no rag tag opponent. They had strategy and leaders with a plan that was bravely carried out. British leaders, underestimating their enemies, much like Custer in the U.S., paid dearly with the lives of their brave soldiers.
Thanks, Rick. You are spot on.
No, the Zulu commanders failed in restraining their army from attacking. Their religion stictly forbid it, attacking on Jan 22nd was analogous to a Christian offensive bloodbath on Christmas, which shows you how important religion is when human survival comes first.
THC, psychedelics, and the collective intelligence of the Zulu to form into the horns upon discovery is admirable more than anything the old Zulu commander controlled directly.
@@patrickcooper7629 Don´t ride so high. Flank assaults were used without THC, psychedelics, and the collective intelligence of anybody from the dawn of warfare.
@@morriganmhor5078 I can't think of such a military victory where the senior commanders tried or allegedly tried to call off the attack.
You are trying to compare apples to oranges, not fair...
For as long as I can remember, I had been taught that the name means "little Horse" and from certain angles the mountain does resemble a little horse..
The problem with laagering the Central Column was it's size, the number of oxen, the number of wagons, and the time it would take to laager and unlaager, which has been estimated to have taken nearly a day each. The boer had it easy, comparatively, with each family having one, or at best two, wagons. Even with laagering, the number of oxen wouldn't fit inside the laager, and they had to have over eight hours per day grazing time to maintain fitness.
I would have gotten my ass up on Isandlwana mountain with as many men as possible and defended the heights.
A well presented video! Very professional.
Great video 👍
To be fair to Chelmsford and Pulleine, the ground was too rocky to dig in and making a wagon laager would cost an extraordinary amount of time and effort (especially since it was only a temporary supply camp where the wagons were expected to be travelling in and out). Pulleine should have formed a square with Isandlwana being used as a defensive position but that’s only with the power of hindsight. Pulleine was probably reminded of the battle of Nyumaga where his current commander, colonel Glyn, had won a stunning victory against a far larger force of amaXhosa warriors, by extending his infantry into skirmish lines, only a year before (something that would lead Pulleine’s men to be far too overstretched).
But also, to be fair, the Boers who had spent several decades successfully fighting the Zulus had a pretty clear blueprint for how to do it, a blue print that was entirely ignored.
therealmrfishpaste
Totally different with the Boers. Boer wagons were far smaller and lighter. They could be formed into a tight laager quite quickly. British army wagons were huge heavy things that took dozens of men to manhandle onto position. Also, the camp at Isandlwana was a kilometre in extent. Very very difficult to do. Can't do it as a battle is happening.
@@lyndoncmp5751 ...I've never heard that. Boer wagons often required 12-20 oxen to pull them...those are not small wagons...also the camp at Isandlawana was only a km across precisely because they didn't laager up...or to put it another way...they didn't take the Boer advice of always forming camp into a defensive position of some sort no matter how short your intended stay would be - because the Boers knew how quickly the Zulu could move across country and how vulnerable you'd be if not in some sort of laager.
Yes the British Army wagons were very different to the much smaller and lighter Boer wagons. Apples and oranges.
Also, the wagons were required to perform shuttle missions, bringing supplies up from Rorkes Drift.
The NEXT camp was supposed to be the first fortified camp. Ten miles further east at Isiphezi Hill at the other end of the Isandlwana plain.
The camp at Isandlwana was 1km in extent because it had to house nearly 5,000 people. It could not be akin to a usual Boer laager. The Boer laggers numbered in the hundreds of personnel not 5,000 personnel.
Remember, there were two battalions of the 24th, there were the NNC, the colonial forces, Royal Artillery plus all the civilians. Then the room needed for horses and the oxen catttle.
5,000 personnel and huge numbers of horses and cattle cannot be put in a small Boer sized laager.
The really simple answer is what happened only a few hours later at Rorke's Drift. With an even smaller ratio of defenders/attackers they managed a victory.
The very fact they didn't encamp in a defensible position speaks volumes of the arrogance of the command structure and their failure to heed experienced advice.
BTW my gr-uncle died there; a trooper in the Natal Carbineers and the youngest member of the colonial force at 16yrs and 28days.
Just came across your channel, enjoyed the video and story very much. Great information and well presented. I will subscribe to your channel due to this video. Cheers from Australia.
Very well done Sir
Nicely done. The aerial dissection gives a clarity I never had before. I've guided quite a few WW1 tours, and always try to find something up top to hand out or refer to. Otherwise people tend to stand on these great battlefields looking a bit baffled. Can't blame them really; it's hard to imagine a heroic encounter in a car park just outside Ypres (I exaggerate, but it's always VERY hard to get a feeling for something that has endured great change. At least you have a head-start there...that site looks pristine. I'd love to go, and I think this video now becomes required watching for any prospective visitor. Subscribed, baby! All power to you. Ngijabulela ukukwazi!
Siyabonga Alexander - appreciate your comments. Keep in touch.
Awsome. Thank you for your time putting this together
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@redcoathistory mind if I share it about to a historical table top Wargaming Facebook group I'm part of?
Very nice presentation !
Cheers
Great video again, Christian! I love everything you're producing on the Anglo-Zulu war. 😃👍
Thank you Christian. Great video. So many documentaries and videos only show maps and ground level topography. Thanks again.
uCetshwayo and uShaka before him were brilliant strategists given the lack of technology they possessed.
When your enemy has bigger weapons or the high ground then flank and envelop them.
It's remarkable to see the actual location of this great battle! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!
I've been there also to roukes drift very sooky you can almost hear the battle the cairns go on for kilometers
Excellent video!
two brave groups of people ...
Excellent video Chris 👍🏽
Thanks 👍
Very nice, thanks. As a South African I have visited this battleground, its well worth it. Along with Spion Kop, and Magersfontein, the 3 really must visits in SA battlefields. Interestingly all British defeats.
22 years ago I stayed at Isandlwana lodge which was fantastic. Back then the landscape was untouched. Seems to be a lot of houses and other buildings encroaching on the site now. Very unfortunate.
Yes, it is a shame that parts of the battlefield are beiung built on.
Excellent thanks
Thanks Clive
Excellent presentation!
Excellent video! As an amateur military historian I visited Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift in August 1985. A little ol’ Black woman brought her visitor log to me and had me sign it. Only a Canadian and I (a “Yank”) visited the entire day. I am now a subscriber.
It is amazing, what I learned about the Battle of Isandlwana and Lord Chelmsford is how the pride and arrogance of one man caused the loss of many men.
I'd like to commend your pronunciation. Fabulous work.
Brilliant. Thanks
Cheers mate
My favorite related story to this Zulu War involves Charles (Chinese) Gordon. The Brits in South Africa asked the War Department to send them Gordon to manage their planned war against the Zulu. The war Department wired back to tell then that 'no, you don't Gordon. If we send him, the first thing he will do is get on his horse, ride up into Zulu country on his own and work out a peace deal with the Zulu." So, the War Department sent someone else. However, Gordon heard that a war was brewing, so he got down to South Africa on his own, took a horse and rode out into Zulu country, found the chief and successfully made a peace deal with him. When Gordon got back to South Africa, they had to tell him no one wanted a peace deal because what they really wanted was a war. Gordon left.
Great video. The drone footage of the landscape, and the way events unfolded, struck me as very similar to the Battle of the Little Bighorn in Montana. There's many similarities to Custer's Last Stand and The Last Stand of Isandlwana, where the old saying "Never underestimate your enemy" has never had greater impact.
The Battle of Islandlwana occurred three years after the Battle of Little Bighorn but the British did not learn from Custer's mistake. Both Custer, Chelmsford were afraid that they could not entice the enemy into battle. Each divided his troops. underestimated the indigenous enemy and failed to conduct sufficient scouting.
What a great video and channel!
Subbed! ✊👑
loved it thank you
loved it!! even went to see these battle grounds years ago. Is very hard to imagine fighting a battle in that heat!!
That was awesome thanks.
Another fantastic post with yet more awesome views of the battlefield. I don't think I'd get such clear views if I actually visited myself. It's such an impressive site, in many respects looking much as it did in 1879. You always give a very balanced and thoughtful account of the events. Thank you.
I’d love to as well! Better start saving to get there haha
Very cool video. Well done!
Saw the title, in my sleep deprived fugue I was like, who the hell had air recon?
😂👍🏻
Wow, really enjoyed this video. I would really like to hear more about the men who shook hands with each other and charged down the mountain. That takes a certain level of testicular fortitude.
Yes, Captain Younghusband's company - I guess you reach that stage where you realise there is no way out except death...It must be a sobering moment to say the least.
@@redcoathistory and an act worthy of researching and turning their life stories into a video on your channel I daresay?
@@redcoathistory do I feel a 5minute Friday approaching?
Thank you for sharing the view of the battlefield. This goes well with your podcast on Isandlwana. It's been awhile since I read a book on the battle, the last was Lt. Colonel Mike Snooks, "How Can Man Die Better." Thanks again. Hope you are well, and good luck with your future projects!
Thanks, Vass.
I wanted to say thank you for your time and dedication to history. I have been interested in this period since I was a child.
I am a student of my country's origins and birth and visit battlefields and museums when I can. I salute you especially your 9.3 mile hike from Isandlwana to Rorkes drift.
Would love to share several pints and talk about history.
Cheers mate,
from a Yankee in NY USA
Many thanks - I really appreciate your feedback. Maybe we will meet one day (I have just qualified as a tour guide for KZN in South Afrtica)...
Just stumble across your channel. These videos are good, will sub this.
Funny how I live very close to this area but know very little , our history has become about ANC even in school historical we're taught is Mandela this Mandela that, really nothing as interesting as this yet this is the one best effort from black community in defense of the land ,,, thank you for thorough work done!
Thanks a lot. Glad you enjoyed it. The Zulu history is fascinating - I have quite a few videos on my channel you may enjoy. Lindizwe Ngobese is a guide who lives in your area 👍🏼
Im part of the 3rd Infantry Battalion of the Irish Defence Forces and Lion, the unit mascot of the 24 Regiment of Foot is buried inside of the main gate of our barracks.
Very nicely done!
Thank you very much!
An overwhelming but Pyrrhic victory for the Zulu. Thank you for this insight.
Great video , it really brings the action to life and makes it so much more understandable to “ see “ the action on the actual terrain, superb presentation.
At the time of the battle the letters patent for the Victoria Cross contained no provision for posthumous awards to be made. In 1907 King Edward the 7th amended the letters patient to allow for such awards. Among the first to be awarded a posthumous VC were Lt's Goghill and Melville, both of the 24th, who died attempting to save the Queens Colors of the 1st Battalion of the regiment. The regimental colors of the 1st and 2nd battalions along with the Queens colors of the 2nd battalion were lost and never recovered. The colors that Melville and Coghill died attempting to save were recovered 10 days after the battle on the bank of the Buffalo river, downstream from the battle area. While it cant be verified, its claimed that both men were wounded and knowing death was imminent they threw the colors into the river to avoid them being taken.
Thanks a lot - I've actually made a video on this and walked the Fugitives trail - I think you'll really enjoy it. Keep in touch!
I am British I have a lot of respect for the Zulu nation we were invading their country
excellent job!
The claim of worst defeat is totally false here. Isandlwana amounts for around 1300 losses, compare this to the retreat from Kabul 1842 which according to British sources amounted to around 4500 military personnel and 14000 to 25000 civilians.
It’s not false - most of the Afghans had muskets, jezails etc and were highly trained in how to use them…they also had cavalry and artillery. The Zulus were largely armed with spears, knobkerries and shields (any firearms were obsolete with very little proper ammo and hardly any training). Even when the Zulus captured Martini-Henry’s as here or at Ntombe they could not use them effectively - they believed the sights made the bullets go further rather than improving accuracy).
Much appreciated , this is a great idea really helps to see how the battle unfolded.
Zulus were underestimated. White confidence can be deadly.
Great video. From a Boer.
Thanks, Oom. Keep in touch!
Did no fugitives from the battle make a defense from the top of the mountain? It seems an obvious place to head for safety.
Brilliant explanation. I was in the band that played a part in the movie Zulu Dawn which sparked my interest in this battle (and many others). I have a small collection of "souvenirs" which were found at Isandlwana.
Great story, it bring us a different perspective what it is like to conquer a new land. Much obliged for sharing it, greetings from Brazil.
Have my subscription good sir. Cheers from Richards Bay, Zululand.
Gee, this is brilliant! Well done