Did this Victoria Cross Hero Fake His Own Death? Captain Cecil D’Arcy VC -Zulu War

Many VC winners have struggled to cope with their sudden fame and our hero today is one of them.
He rose through the ranks to command one of the most famous units of the South African Frontier.
He won a VC fighting the Zulus, served with distinction against the Basothos and then mysteriously disappeared.
Today’s story is about an incredible man - but one who remains an enigma.
A special thanks to my friend Cam Simpson who researched and co-wrote this epsiode. His books can be found here - amzn.to/3TmTXGt
If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: redcoathistory...
You may also wish to get early access to my videos, without ads. Therefore you can join my Patreon page / redcoathistory

[@paulross8418]

When I was 12 I was paperboy to Lewisham Hospital wards SE London. There was a patient who had a VC next to his bed, never asked him his name or what he did, should have but I was young. Went in one day and he'd passed away, I'm now 60. That man has stayed with me knowing he'd done something extraordinary to merit a VC. At the age of 12 I was in awe of him and still am.

[@robert-trading-as-Bob69]

I wish I'd had the confidence I have now to have talked and listened to the WWII veterans I met as a kid in the 1970s and '80s. Like you, I was in awe of these men. After serving in the SADF, I have an inkling of their life and struggles.

[@Graham-jo5ri]

@@robert-trading-as-Bob69 I did, all my friends had dads who fought in WW2 including my own dad. Some including my dad fought in Europe and a few in Asia. Some of the weapons they bought back were great. We had a history teacher as well as the deputy head who had fought in the war and one day in a lesson he asked us to bring in any weapons that our dads had bought home. The whole class including the girls bought something in 33 items on display from just one class. Mine was a luger that my dad had taken off a young German boy soldier who had tried to kill him as they pushed into Germany at 14 years of age. My friend Peter Williams brought in his dad's Samurai sword. You have to remember that this was in the early 60s so the war was so raw in people's minds, everyone had stories to tell and I decided many years later to write about what my dad had told me and my brother

[@robert-trading-as-Bob69]

I have hiked most of the Drakensberg, including Mohaleshoek, and I wish I'd known there had been a battle in the area. The Basuto ponies were renowned for their hardiness and endurance. The Boers, like Denys Reitz, liked them immensely. Denys Reitz mentions them in his book, Commando.

[@redcoathistory]

I'd also love to hike that area. Thanks for the message.

[@thomaseley8386]

I remember watching a documentary on the Rorke's Drift. It ended describing how some of the survivors exhibited what is now termed ptsd. Maybe it was the failure to save Raubenheim(?) coupled with people questioning whether he deserved a VC for it.

[@quirkygreece]

Cecil D’Arcy VC . . . your very good health Sir. Cheers!

[@redcoathistory]

Thankyou, Sir. He was a true warrior and deserves to be remembered.

[@evilstorm5954]

🥃🍺😊

[@GriffinParke]

My compliments, a great video. Edward St John Daniel was another VC winner who went missing. He has a fascinating, if sad story.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate, I will look him up.

[@dondouglass6415]

Impressed by the Khoisan 'click'... Huzzah!! 😊

[@keithagn]

What Captain D'Arcy did took guts, and not just the rescue attempt, but all of the actions in his battles. I have read that in the 19th century what we know as PTSD today was called "Soldiers Heart". That may have been his end. Excellent story, and very well presented. Thank you! Regards from Canada 🇨🇦

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Keith. I hadn't heard the term "Soldiers heart" before so thanks for sharing. All the best.

[@keithagn]

@@redcoathistory yes, you're welcome Chris. I believe I read it with regards to the American Civil War, and it's aftermath. Once again, great video!

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

​@@keithagn You're correct, "soldier's heart" was mostly used in the US to describe the condition among veterans of the Civil War. Not sure if it ever made its way overseas. Unfortunately, I'm unfamiliar with whether it was seen as a general malady to be treated, or a personal failing to keep up one's courage.

[@andygeorgeparkinson2515]

The content and production are superb …..so is the telling …keep it up

[@redcoathistory]

Many thanks. Glad you enjoyed the film.

[@cavoneant]

Fascinating story. Love how you find these obscure stories that you just don't get from most history books. Good work!

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you like them! many thnaks

[@davidelliott6995]

You really do not need the inserted film clips. Your storytelling is perfect without the distraction.

[@redcoathistory]

Fair enough - it was an experiment and I'll go easy on the clips next time mate.

[@susandarcy1320]

Thank you for the video. Cecil D'Arcy was my late husband s relative. My great Aunt, by marriage, Patricia D'Arcy,married to the late, retired Attorney General of the Orange Free State, wrote a book called: What Happened To A V.C. I had the book, lent it out and never returned to me. If you can get hold of the book, it makes very interesting reading. Regards. Susan D"Arcy.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks for sharing, Susan. I will certainly look for that book. I really apprecaite the input.

[@cameronsimpson-ld8nk]

It's a great and handy book

[@evilstorm5954]

Great channel mate, salute from Australia 👍🥃🍺

[@redcoathistory]

Cheers mate.

[@CrispianBarlow]

I am reading Cam Simpson's book "The Frontier Light Infantry" at the moment. Enjoying the details

[@redcoathistory]

Nice one mate - all Cam's books are brilliant.

[@donaldkroth2579]

I agree, I think he had ptsd. I know a few over here that have it. If he did leave, hopefully, for another country. One can only hope he found peace. It's nice to learn about history from other countries. Sad that some never try to learn it in their own countries. If they did, maybe we'd bring an end to a vicious cycle worldwide. Thank you for this informative show

[@demonorse]

Lol nice pronunciations of what I thought to be impossible Zulu and Xhosa place names!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. It took a long time to get me tongue around the clicks.

[@Roberto-tu5re]

Great video you should be really proud of your work

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, I appreciate that.

[@Roberto-tu5re]

@@redcoathistory Every night while my wife watches the soaps I watch one of your videos while eating my dinner. And everytime my food goes cold becuase I am enthralled by your video ............ might be eaiser by eating sandwiches.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Fascinating episode, Christian. I didn't know a great deal about D'Arcy before. I doubt he faked his own death. Not unless he moved to South America or somewhere totally different. Geez, were there any Anglo-Zulu War VC recipients that Wolseley DIDN'T bitch about? I do think an element of jealously was there. Great stuff!!!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate. Yep, I agree - I don't think he faked his death either. You're right about Wolseley - I seemed to hate everyone who wasn't in his inner circle!

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@@redcoathistory Yeah the more I hear about Wolseley the less I like him. The part about Raubenheim being tortured before killed piqued my interest too. There are some revisionists who like to argue that the Zulus never tortured any British troops, but we know that wasn't true. Cheers Christian. ✌

[@patrickbarrett5650]

Just the right amount of tension and urgency in your narrative, perfect. You could make ‘me marrying a redhead’ sound worthy of a promotion.👏🏻

[@redcoathistory]

Ha ha nice one thanks mate! You do deserve a promotion!

[@cl0udbr3ak]

Mossob's book "Running The Gaunlet" is a great read.

[@FranciscoPreira]

Zulu Wars continues to be a fascinating theme regardaless of how many videos and books I see or read, thanks for sharing mate.

[@redcoathistory]

Brilliant - glad to hear it mate as lots more in the pipeline for the future. Hope to chat soon and thanks a gain for the email.

[@FranciscoPreira]

@@redcoathistory glad it serves, got a few more stuff regarding brit military history in Portugal I will see if I can find them and will sent it via same way.

[@johntee2353]

Hi Chris, love the channel, good content and i like the way you present it, keep up the good work. I too don't like inserted clips. I understand the commendable wish to involve the younger generation. But surely this is done by your passion and enthusiasm for the subject, as you do well. Not dumbing it down a level to suit youngsters, they should be encouraged to step uo a level. That said, its good to try out new things, see what works and what don't. Use the words you wish to use. Don't be dictated to by the Gender police Ps. Thoroughly enjoyed the Zulu exhibition. Any events planned for the future.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate - I appreciate your feedback and thoughts and your understanding. Re Zulu events...are you in the UK? Im not aware of anything though the Victorian Military Society have a couple of things coming up soon if you check their website.

[@johntee2353]

Thanks Chris, yes live in London, I will look up Victoria military society. Dam sharpish response. Have a fine day, sir.

[@peterrooke5336]

Happy to hear you mention chops mossop you obviously have his book running the gauntlet 👍

[@redcoathistory]

Cheers Peter - yes a cracking book! One of my favourites

[@peterrooke5336]

I regret to say I no longer have my copy all my books went to the charity shop

[@welshwarrior5263]

Another excellent video, crammed with great information. 👍

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate - Glad you enjoyed it. How's things with you? Still super busy with work?

[@welshwarrior5263]

@redcoathistory I am good thanks mate. I have quit working away now, so spending lots of quality time with my family. I hope all is OK with you.

[@alanredmond88]

Hello. For what its worth New Zealand Maori (the native inhabitants) place names use different vowel sounds, so wanganui would sound more like w-ah-nganui, rather than wang (rhymes with sang)

[@redcoathistory]

OK mate, thanks

[@davidmccullough1913]

Good video mate.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks 👍

[@thatcouncilestatekid1832]

Great content Chris 👌🏻

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. I'm Glad you enjoyed it.

[@peterrooke5336]

Chris I have in my possession a complete set of cassels magazines " with the flag to pretoria" I was wondering if you would like to have them as I have no one to leave them to. Let me know . Ps excelent video as always 👍pps my mistake , they are not cassels they where published by Harmsworth bros of London

[@redcoathistory]

Hi Peter, what a wonderful gesture. If we can make the logistics work and if you really don't mind then I would love to. Please drop me an email when you get time and we can work out a plan. redcoathistory at gmail dot com

[@peterrooke5336]

@@redcoathistory it has been a very long time since I used my email so if it goes tits up don't blame me lol .

[@redcoathistory]

@@peterrooke5336 Ha ha no problem - I would pass my number here but Im afraid there is plenty of lunatics on KZbin who may call me up and abuse me lol.

[@peterrooke5336]

@@redcoathistory you should have got my email by now , did you get it ?

[@LeeBrasher]

Native African cavalry. Who knew?

[@redcoathistory]

If you are interested I have a couple of other films on the Basotho. Excellent mounted warriors.

[@marvwatkins7029]

Compare this with the History Chap's version.

[@redcoathistory]

I am a big fan of Chris's work so I'm sure his is excellent.

[@garyevans5605]

Both are very good

[@turbografx16]

​@@redcoathistory Class 😎

[@clivesimpson-wells5952]

Both great in their own right ,

[@williammoorhead3767]

Good video, have you got any Merchandise of Sgt Masterson

[@redcoathistory]

Hi mate - funnily enough yes I do! Hope you like it... www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/OI-VE-GOT-THE-CUCKOO-by-RedcoatHistory/147797682.WFLAH

[@danforbes4513]

so how did he die in land that he knows? he would of know to live off the land?

[@danforbes4513]

its like sea fishing the it food water?

[@danforbes4513]

as i hunter used to be the is water food every were if you look for itt

[@redcoathistory]

Hi mate... I think that is the point we are making Dan. It seems unlikely...

[@danforbes4513]

@@redcoathistory yes it does not add up does it

[@MikeHarland-m2g]

The English Channel should get a VC. Without it the Germans would have overrun Britain like it did the rest of Europe. The Americans would not have been able to come save us, again, there would have been no Dday. And with out fighting in the west, Germany might have beat the Russians. So give the Chanel a VC.

[@redcoathistory]

erm OK mate...

[@danforbes4513]

soo ttthe guy ttryed to save him then ran off on horse back and gott a VC??? most vc are dead?

[@redcoathistory]

Actually Dan, at the time the VC wasn't awarded posthumously so all VCs were awarded to living men. That only changed in the Boer war.

[@kenattwood8060]

Factually, a well produced video about a valorous soldier... spoiled by the small "humerous" film clips that were dotted throughout the presentation and somehow seemed a little disrespectful.

[@redcoathistory]

Appreciate your feedback...Certainly wasn't any disrespect though.

[@kenattwood8060]

@@redcoathistory Okay, sorry, I think I over reacted.

[@peregrinemccauley5010]

Sorry, got distracted and confused with the modern Hollywood tripe.

[@redcoathistory]

Focus, dear boy. A good warrior should never be distracted.

[@bricktopmedic]

What the hell is ASU(i am Yank, or as the 7th Cav, UK Force called us, Yanker!)???

[@redcoathistory]

Sorry mate - I don't understand the question. Can you rephrase?

[@marmadukegrimwig]

Mate, drop the silly ‘comedic’ cutaways…

[@jameswebb4593]

The childish interruptions with clips of nothingness , may appeal to 5 y.o's but not to adults .Why spoil a good program with tripe.

[@redcoathistory]

That's exactly why I put them in James- you and I are old as are most of the audience...I am looking for ways to inject energy and make military history interesting for the younger generation. Some of my ideas will work, some won't but I wont stop trying just because one or two people are upset by it. The study of British military history will die with us if we can't make it interesting.

[@nathanielcooke6122]

That's not how you pronounce Whanganui.

[@redcoathistory]

Dear boy - I have never been there and I don't think the crux of the story revolves around my pronunciation. I hope you enjoyed the film otherwise.

[@martinheskins496]

Maybe I am not "the man you think I am" but do you really think only men are interested in history and or military history. I love the content of your videos, but please keep the gender bias out of it. This is the 21st century not the 19th century.

[@redcoathistory]

Dear Martin, literally 99% of my audience is male...I know that as I see the analytics.

[@keithagn]

We are all history nerds here, Martin 😅

[@martinheskins496]

@@redcoathistory Maybe those analytics should cause you to question why 50% of the population does not watch your videos rather than you using them as a reason for why your gender bias language is reasonable. Just think a few tweaks to your narrative and you could have many more viewers. I know my history nerd daughter would watch, she refuses to watch any more of your video's at the moment.

[@redcoathistory]

@@martinheskins496 Hi Martin. You seem like a good dude so I don't want to argue. I am interested - which country are you in and what is your interest in British military history?

[@martinheskins496]

@@redcoathistory I am in Australia. I emigrated here as an adult in 1983 from London where I was born. I lived near and around many of the historical sites and museums in the late 70's living in Bayswater. I have always had an interest in history of all eras and all types from military to social and from family history to history of cultures worldwide. My wife is a published author of history about the War of the Roses. We have 5 daughters so you can see where I get my interest in gender issues from. As I said in my original comment I love your work and content but your comment in this and a couple of other videos flicked a switch for me and one of my daughters commented on it to me when she saw one of your video's. I hope you take the comment as constructive criticism and not made with any nasty intention. I simply wish to point out that you are missing out on an audience by their lack of inclusion.

[@ChingChangWallah.]

Brave man but even if he had saved his life, I still don't see how it would be worthy of a VC.

[@redcoathistory]

That's harsh mate. Running forward to drag your mate away from a charging enemy under fire and the point of the spear/bayonet is surely an incredible deed? Sadly he failed in his attempt tho...So Wolseley himself wasn't impressed with the VC award...

[@ChingChangWallah.]

@@redcoathistory A brave deed indeed, as I said...and something expected from any brother in arms. But let's put it into perspective, this was the confetti period for VC's.