Sudanese Dervish Orphan Who Became the British Army's First Black Soldier in 1899

[@Thomo2461]

What a fantastic story. Having served for along time in the army I had heard of this lad but note the story of his life. The loyalty and compassion shown to this lad is mazing and I think , in best tradition of the British Army. A sad ending for a promising soldier come officer. Thanks Chris for another part of the puzzle.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching and I'm pleased that it has helped put another piece in your jigsaw of knowledge.

[@greenjack1959l]

Brilliant Story. Respect to Jimmy and to those who adopted him.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@grantchalk1605]

Absolutely!

[@stigg333]

What a great story and it shows that even the most hardened soldiers have a soft heart. Stay well and thanks.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Yes it does show that. Thanks for good wishes.

[@tomsenior7405]

This was an excellent summary. Thank you. I am especially interested in the lives of individuals in history. This passion was sparked when I was a small child. My Grandmother would share stories of her youngest brother, who died of wounds near Epernay in 1917. I subsequently learned much more about my Great Uncle and included some of this research in my final Thesis. Thank you History Chap for focussing on this fine gentleman.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Tom, thank you for watching and I'm glad that you enjoyed.

[@chadromanowski2408]

These are the stories that make what you produce so very special. I've said it before so I apologize for being repetitive, but when you write about history you make it breath. You bring it to life and I could almost believe I know these people you write about. This is what I've always loved about history, the human element to it, not just a list of facts.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Chad, thank you for those very kind words

[@rickyb5499]

What a fantastic story, very sad to know Jimmy only got 25 years, but what a life. May he never be forgotten and forever R.I.P 🙏

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment

[@richardsawyer5428]

25 years of life but what an amazing 25 years. Rest in Peace Jimmy.

[@Aramis419]

Fantastic story! My father, a veteran of Vietnam, often tells me - usually when he's in his cups - about how they did their best to rescue orphans, even though they themselves were likely responsible for creating the orphans. Goes to show that, even in the jaws of Hell, there is still some good in the human heart.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I like your story and especially your comment about the human heart.

[@kenmattson4291]

Wow, there was a story! It speaks well of the Durham light infantry,it speaks well of James Francis Durham, and it even speaks well of Queen Victoria. Thanks for sharing

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching

[@richardstoker4963]

Good lad's from the Light Infantry, many happy memories during the 5 year's I was with them.

[@trooperdgb9722]

Speaks well of the men and women of the area and time too, where he was able to marry apparently without difficulty. Great episode... but I think someone was chopping onions here while I was watching it!

[@saxonstacker7269]

What a great story. He had 25 years on Earth, 23 of them with the Durhams. What a 25 years he had!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Good way of looking at it

[@thedisabledwelshman9266]

@@TheHistoryChap brilliant as usual chris.

[@rolandskilton7410]

That’s an amazing factual storey and tremendously relevant and interesting for for lots of good and bad reasons. I for one am incredibly proud of James Durham and can never forget him.I will never forget this happy and equally sad storey. It must have been up hill for this chap all of his short but powerful life.Lucky Jim never forgotten x Thank You History Chap ! This well narrated presentation stays proudly with me for life. Humanity at its most beautiful natural and at its Best . Bloody Marvellous.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you. Thanks for your support

[@TheMartymar1976]

I love these episodes, please keep these stories coming!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Will do. I want to mix the big events and personalities with lesser known stories.

[@Oldcbl]

Thank you for sharing such a compelling and beautiful story of humanity trumping the tragedy of war. A reminder that we can all learn from.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Indeed it is. Thanks for sharing those thoughtful words.

[@larsfinlay7325]

history is about humans, this is a wonderful example of British compassion and gentleness that makes human history so compelling. thank you for telling this story it is food for compassionate and genuine hearts.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed this story from Britain’s past.

[@christopping5876]

Nobody does it better! Great story and, as usual, even better storytelling.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you. Thanks for watching

[@colinraine8245]

So glad l found this post .I'm from Bishop Auckland Co Durham and know quite a lot about Jimmy Durham especially as I'm also ex Light Infantry. I was talking a few years ago to a district nurse who looked after Jimmy's daughter who was then a elderly lady .. the nurse said his daughter had a lovely skin complexion and now knowing about who her father was she said that explained it .

[@TheHistoryChap]

Wow, thanks for sharing. Suddenly makes the story very real.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

My workmate from Durham has a horrible black and white splotchy complexion. And I was wondering for a while. Guess my friend is just a Durham native or a black Viking. His nose is Anglo though.

[@colinraine8245]

@@redtobertshateshandles most town and village names in Co Durham are Anglo Saxon so there's more chance your friend being Saxon than Viking

[@Ewen6177]

Brilliant. Utterly brilliant story of our past. Love it.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@nda7000]

What a story!!! History is truly a beautiful thing; for from all of it's wars, peace arises. From all of it's death, life flourishes. From all of it's hatred, love blossoms and blooms. As a native Sudanese who had great grandparents who fought both on the Dervish army and the Sudanese brigade of the British army, I am touched, proud and humbled all at once

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@AlbionChieftain]

I'm glad people can still hear about Jimmy Durham. I only knew about him from visits to the Durham Light Infantry museum, which is sadly closed. I believe that the battle of Ginnis was the last time the British army fought in red tunics.

[@TheHistoryChap]

It was. Check out my video on the Battle of Ginnis.

[@rodeastell3615]

What an excellent and emotive video. Thank you so much for posting. Here's to Jimmy Durham.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Have a great weekend

[@ak9989]

I live in California and I've been fascinated with British Victorian campaigns since 1985. That's why I collect the medals. Time for another mutiny medal

[@TheHistoryChap]

Good on you! :)

[@hamadalkahly9219]

I'm sudanaise thanks for your good work what an story keep on

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@eliottsantos2654]

Another magnificent video on a totally unknown story. Thank you sir for your invaluable work. Long may it continue.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for those kind words of support.

[@elainethomson7146]

A fascinating story and, what a lovely light it shines on those good hearted men from the North East of England. Personally I've always found these footnotes from history to be just as interesting as the 'Great' events which are more widely known. Thank you so much.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching glad you enjoyed my video

[@Unmasking_Viandalisme]

Brilliant story! Jimmy Durham.. formed by the Durham Light Infantry.. a great man!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@harryshriver6223]

A wonderful story ❤️ I appreciate that you shared it with everyone. I have learned never to underestimate the power of the love of children and soldiers who care for them. You were right on the mark, history is made by ordinary people.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to comment

[@potato8780]

Fantastic history lesson. Thank you 😊

[@TheHistoryChap]

It's my pleasure. Really pleased you are enjoying.

[@phillipdavies6548]

If young black men needed a man to look up to they wouldn't wrong trying to live up to this gentleman. Far better than some gangsta rapper by a country mile.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment

[@stevemartin8003]

Awww man. That was a fab story that choked me up a bit. Thanks. Really enjoy your stories.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@husker0415]

Am so happy I found your site, sir. Love it! Very well done with information, illustrations and subject matter. Please keep them coming. Regards,

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for your support. Lots of exciting talks planned for the coming year

[@Jonathan-tz7ss]

Incredible story, and very well told This type of gold keeps me (and I’m sure many others) coming back to your channel Bravo

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support

[@edanvirata3382]

One of the best military stores Ive ever heard, Well done!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you very much

[@paultanker5606]

G'Day to you Chris ,well done ,great story,very thought provoking , thanks again!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Paul, thanks for taking the time to comment. Glad you enjoyed it

[@basharabdelkarim9548]

Please keep up those amazing stories that I've never knew before... Amazing job

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you are enjoying them

[@kiwifruit27]

What an amazing story. Congrats on another excellent video about a topic I was unaware of

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks

[@colinjames1920]

Excellent summary. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure

[@barryalexander2909]

The kindness and love shown to Jimmy by the Serjeants Mess of the DLI is in keeping with the best attributes of the Army. A moving story and saddening that he died so young.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for commenting

[@ChicagoDB]

Great story and piece of history! Thank you for bringing it to us.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure

[@baklivak]

Ok..i stumbled across your channel today...u can bet ill be listening to all your episodes while driving my semi. Great stuff....

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you are enjoying.

[@chrisloomis1489]

What a wonderful story , how life has twists and blessings , and the hearts of men , to look after a little lad , love protect and support him and his dreams .... and a fine lad indeed James Francis Durham. Thank you for sharing this good tale uplifting , Chris.

[@lindaplatts7064]

What a fascinating story , loved it , thank Chris, 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure

[@mickmc5807]

What a great story and so well told.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for taking the time to watch it.

[@janlindtner305]

Side speeches to the main story are often the most exciting. Thanks for this one.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed

[@gerardhogan3]

What a great story and what a great bloke. Thanks Chris...see you soon

[@TheHistoryChap]

Gerard, thanks for watching.

[@georgeedwards4807]

What a story Chris. Thanks for sharing, brilliant as usual.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure

[@charleswilson9885]

Hi H.C YOUR VIDEOS are so interesting you have got a real talent I've learnt so much from watching your channel thank you so much.

[@TheHistoryChap]

it's my pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@Michael-ws7rc]

What a nice tribute. Thanks for what you do.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jeningle8288]

What a lovely but sad tale. Thanks Chris.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thank you for taking the time to write

[@cameronbrown9080]

What a fantastic story thanks for telling us about this great man and his short life

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure

[@ewaldsteyn469]

Thanks for a wonderful and beautiful story - even though ending sadly.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching.

[@alecgraham8752]

What a great story - I have learned a lot, thank you!

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching

[@japhfo]

It might be of interest to note the career of George Rose, who was born in slavery on the island of Jamaica, escaped to England, enlisted in the 73rd Regiment of Foot circa 1809, was wounded at Waterloo, then in 1817 transferred to the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment and retired a Sergeant, granted his pension in 1837.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@kickstartedwards6916]

What a fabulous story and very well told

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@andrewsteele7663]

Thanks Chris, another brilliant story, Cheers

[@jmc7034]

Thank you for an excellent bit of history

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you. Glad you enjoyed.

[@paulcrowley8587]

A heart warming story of the compassion of the Victorian British regular army. Only in the UK. Compare with USA black soldiers in WW2. Thank you for this story, and God bless Jimmy and his daughter

[@TheHistoryChap]

Paul, that is a good comparison. Maybe I need to tell the story of the "Battle" of Bamber Bridge from WW2

[@ogukuo97]

@SalNova15 You can't knock the whole people because of one incident. What about Operation Blue Star, then?

[@ogukuo97]

@SalNova15 Typical.

[@ogukuo97]

@SalNova15 Whatever.

[@ogukuo97]

@SalNova15 Todstend.

[@jb6027]

A most excellent video. Thank you!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you liked it!

[@beachboy0505]

Excellent video 📹 A beautiful story. His daughter had a long beautiful life.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to comment

[@andrewince8824]

James Francis Durham is without doubt one of the most important people in the British civil rights movement. To move and rally so many in Victorian and Edwardian society to his side was an incredible feat.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@andrewince8824]

@@TheHistoryChap thank you for ensuring the life and achievements of James Francis Durham can be remembered for decades to come.

[@resnonverba137]

Very interesting. Thanks for upload.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure

[@tordlarsson9423]

A fantastic story, thanks! Regards from Sweden.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching.

[@grzzz2287]

What a moving story! Thank you for sharing this Chris.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed. Have a great weekend

[@redtobertshateshandles]

My grandfather and his brother were British Army orphans around this time. Super interested in this video. Thanks from Australia.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Hello Australia! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching

[@davidgreenidge7593]

Beautiful story wonderfully told

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you

[@AndrewCastlemaine]

A very special story. Thank you for sharing it

[@TheHistoryChap]

It’s my pleasure. Thank you for watching

[@herewardradio8613]

Mark Felton used to be my go to historian. But no longer. We have a new King of the Historians now......

[@manindisgiuze7780]

I feel the same way, I use to watch him religiously but unfortunately, he has kind of run out of the content he covers.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Wow, that is praise indeed. Thank you very much.

[@herewardradio8613]

@@manindisgiuze7780 plus his videos are now so short they lack any kind of depth.

[@alisonhilll4317]

@@TheHistoryChap You're just better mate, get over it lol 😏

[@chadst0r]

for 1700 -1900 history this is the best channel i have seen i have watched some of Mark Felton, i find alot of people dont cover this period or if they do not from the british perspective?

[@DarrenMarsh-kx8hd]

Remarkable story, thanks for sharing.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your support. Don't forget live chat on Friday 1pm (UK)

[@DarrenMarsh-kx8hd]

@TheHistoryChap I'll try & stay awake....or get up early. The lecture on the Stuart's was fantastic.

[@vincentlavery2568]

Fascinating. Thanks as always.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@richardstoker4963]

I began my military life in the Light Infantry " Durhams." As a reservist before joining the regular armed force's. This puts the Durham lad's in a very good light because where we come from everyone is welcome. To a certain extent that is.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing.

[@neilpage901]

Wonderful Chris. I never knew any of this. Thank you!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you found it interesting

[@stevelovering9774]

Excellent thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@jameswhittingham8027]

Fascinating. Thank you. Xx

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure.

[@martinhogg5337]

Great and heartwarming story!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed the story.

[@garysmith2983]

Wonderful and uplifting video.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@unicornseller4225]

Great video bro. Alot of great info 👍🏾👍🏾👊🏽👊🏽

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@funnycreature2331]

African Musicians were in English (not yet British pre 1707) Regiments as far as early documented as the Monmouth Rebellion and the Great Revolution. "During the eighteenth century, there were also Africans serving in various roles in the Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, 7th Royal Fusiliers, 14th Regiment, 38th Regiment, possibly the 45th Light Company, the Life Guards, 4th Dragoons, and 3rd Hussars." see Peter Fryer, Staying Power, it's a very good reference. Please see the Regimental Muster roles for the Regiments C. 1760-1790, Only a few survive and are accessible. I have seen copies of a few, and some are listed as Private Soliders, not just musicians. British provincial regiments and Malitia prominently feature Black British/American irregular soldiers. It comes up frequently in American primary sources. I know it's a bit semantic, but the Title is a bit spurious and wrong. That being said i love your channel and don't wish to come off as just hating, i just think the title isn't an accurate description of Francis as being the first Regular.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@rob6642]

Lovely tale, well told. Really enjoy your videos, keep them coming please!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Will do. Thanks for watching

[@nickmorales8146]

This is a very interesting and enjoyable story just goes to show you it doesn't matter the color of your skin it's what's in your heart and in your mind it makes a great soldier and thank you for this great story

[@TheHistoryChap]

Nick, that is a thought provoking comment. Thanks for taking the time to post.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Here in Australia, we have suntans. My workmate is from Durham, and he's got black splotches all over him. His brother visited Southern USA and a car load of racists yelled out " Get on the right footpath n......". Agree 100%.

[@acadianr2leger]

I luv British empire history ,you have a great channel…cheers from 🇨🇦

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your kind words

[@peterunderdown4374]

Fantastic episode.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching.

[@johnvanstone5336]

Excellent and a superbly told story

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you.

[@chriswarburtonbrown1566]

Adopted at Ginnis, died in the land of Guinness. A great story, and I'm wondering if he's commemorated in Bishop Auckland? I'll have a look next time I'm down there.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your comment.

[@philslaton7302]

Great historical review of a noteworthy achievement of the Briish Army.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching & I am glad that you enjoyed it.

[@haydenrussell8764]

That was an awesome story Chris. I love your channel and can"t wait for your new Zulu War and Boer War stories. Thanks

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for your support

[@craigelliott7286]

Wonderful tale, to have a Battalion embrace this orphan is truly heartwarming.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you liked it

[@garybrockwell2031]

A tear in my eye again Chris, 🗣️💯🇬🇧 Jimmy sounds a little like the Kipling story of Kim, the movie ERROL Flynn, and Dean Stockwell😍💯🇬🇧🗣️🧐💪 THANKS WE WILL REMEMBER 🇬🇧🙏😇

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching

[@adunreathcooper]

Fascinating story, great story, and as usual great story telling.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed

[@FHIPrincePeter]

A Very interesting piece of history. The Regiment is one Family.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment

[@jon9021]

Amazing story. Looking forward to the Indian Mutiny episodes.

[@TheHistoryChap]

So am I. Please subscribe to my channel so you don't miss them.

[@jon9021]

@@TheHistoryChap oh, I am!

[@AxelPoliti]

Very instructive. Love is invincible.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@FranciscoPreira]

A great story indeed thanks for sharing.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure

[@tomtaylor6163]

I’d love to see your take about the Ghurkas in the British Army. I’m American and a Veteran here. But they amaze me . Best soldiers in the World

[@TheHistoryChap]

That’s for the suggestion. Will add to my list. I bet a lot of people will be interested

[@delbertstringbreaker7686]

What about Africanus Horton (1835-1883)? Also known as James Beale, was a Krio African nationalist writer and an esteemed medical surgeon in the British Army from Freetown, Sierra Leone. Upon completion of his studies at Edinburgh, he was commissioned as an officer in the British Army and was made a Staff Assistant Surgeon becoming one of the earliest Africans in the officer cadre of the British Army.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My understanding is that he was commissioned as a staff assistant surgeon in West Africa, which would make him part of Britain’s colonial army not part of the regular British Army. As I say that is just my understanding from the research I have done.

[@spikeyflo]

Absolutely loved that story!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching

[@davidcunningham2074]

Another wonderful story of short but well lived life.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank a for watching

[@beverlyhills7883]

Upvoted. Subscribed. Great content. Keep it up.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support.

[@manindisgiuze7780]

History class has never gotten better! Thanks for teaching me more and more about all the wars I know nothing about!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you are enjoying my videos. Thanks for watching & commenting.

[@chadst0r]

love the story, i love my military history but stories like this seem to bring soldiers to life, my great grandfather Served with the british army, i remember reading some his journal, the thing that surprised me most was how easy it was to read it would be like reading my diary just slightly different words.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for sharing about your great grandfather

[@j3v167]

Hi. I have just recently stumbled across your channel and have watched quite a few of your videos about the battles in South Africa since then. As I reside in South Africa, this is of particular interest to me. I have a small suggestion to make. Some of the Afrikaans names are pronounced differently from how they are spelt. May I suggest that you go to Google Translate and then type in the Afrikaans name and thereafter click on the "listen" icon to hear an accurate pronunciation. ie. The "h" in Botha is silent and the "o" is pronounced at a lower level than in the English "both" for example. Schalk is pronounced as if you say Skalk. Koos is also pronounced quite differently. On the other hand, many of your other pronunciations are spot on. Well done on presenting very interesting videos.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for for advice. Glad you are enjoying my videos.

[@auldflyer]

Yet another fabulous account of a long lost episode in UK army history.......

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you

[@seanokeeffe3838]

I live in Fermoy and occasionally visit Jimmy Durham's grave in the military cemetery. BTW Fermoy is also famous (in a military sense) as being the largest training centre for those deployed in the Crimean war, the location of the 1st British soldier killed in Ireland since 1916, the only town in Ireland sacked twice by the British. And Alfred Hitchcock was stationed there in 1919.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your very interesting feedback.