The Battle of Intombe 1879 - Zulu War

In a little known battle during the Zulu War (Anglo Zulu War) in 1879, 60 British redcoats were wiped out at the Battle of Intombe.
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On the 12th March a force of Zulus led by Swazi renegade, Mbilini, stormed a British encampment on the banks of the Intombe river in South Africa.
Amazingly, the lessons from the defeat at Isandlwana (and also from the defence of Rorke's Drift) had not be learned. The officer in command, Captain David Moriarty, had failed to adequately laager his wagons.
Just before dawn, the Zulus attacked, sweeping into the camp and killing 62 British soldiers of the 80th Regiment of Foot (later the South Staffordshires) along with two dozen civilian wagon drivers.
A small force of 30 men on the opposite bank tried to give covering fire to the soldiers trying to swim to safety across the Intombe.
The Zulus now crossed the river to deal with this tiny command.
The officer, Lt. Harward rode off leaving his sergeant, Anthony Booth, to organise a fighting retreat.
Alerted by Harward, the garrison at nearby Luneberg came to Booth's rescue.
Harward was subsequently court martialed, whilst Sergeant Booth was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Chapters
0:00 Isandlwana
1:18 Mbilini
1:54 80th Regiment of Foot
3:32 Meyer's Drift
5:29 Captain Moriarty
9:00 Battle of Intombe
11:11 Sgt. Booth
13:00 Harward Court Martial
14:35 Anthony Booth VC
15:15 Comparison with Rorke's Drift
16:44 The History Chap
#thebattleofintombe #britisharmy #zuluwar
Sources:
"Washing of the Spears" Morris
"The Tribe that washed it's spears" Greaves
The Anglo Zulu War Society
National Army Museum
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My name is Chris Green ("The History Chap") and I am on a mission to share the amazing history of Britain so that we can appreciate where we have come from and why we are here.
History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
So rather than lectures or KZbin animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life.
My aim is to be chat as if I were having a coffee or meal with you. Jean in Maryland, USA recently wrote: "Chris, is the history teacher I wish I had at school!"
Just for the record, I do have a history degree and continue to have a passion for the subject I studied.
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

[@platonicincubi1679]

I live within 20 minute walking distance of Colour Sergeant Anthony Booth's grave. In fact, I visited his grave in January (2023). I had never heard of this gentleman until a few months ago. Can't believe he seems to be a forgotten local hero. I took some photos of his grave and intend to go back and put some flowers on his grave on the anniversary of the battle. Thank you for this video detailing the action.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. And well done for visiting his grave

[@ludwigderzanker9767]

Got myself a teenager book printed 1898 about this times. It suggested thousands of rifled Zulu to make the victory bigger. Latent anglophob of course at this time. Thank you for the skirmish I had forgotten! God's Blessings from Northern Germany Ludwig.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment

[@gerardhogan3]

Again a great story Chris. I could well imagine Booths fighting retreat from your description. A professional soldier with steely courage. Good on him.

[@TheHistoryChap]

It’s my pleasure. Glad that you enjoyed it.

[@johnjames945]

U don't believe all that shit do u ? The Zulus were fearsome and only needed more updated weapons to not only be on par but to kick the Brits butts. The British along with the yanks recorded history in their favour telling lies after lies All this talk of valour and honourable conduct was bullshit they lied to the Africans just like the yanks did the indigenous natives breaking treaties along with promises forcing the natives to be the men and women of valour and die in their thousands protecting Thier families and way of life...

[@jamesmaybrick2985]

Hi Gerard, I wonder if you're a descendant r.s.m William e Hogan , of the South Wales borderers ?

[@robharding5133]

11111111

[@kbs5150]

And 8 children

[@StutleyConstable]

Very well done video. I had never heard of this battle. I would say, though, that the Zulu denying the British those 90K cartridges was fairly significant. Also, if Lt. Harwood wanted to get help, he should have put one of his men on his horse and sent him off while the lieutenant remained with his men. As for suggestions; how about a video detailing the siege of the Foreign Legations during the Boxer Rebellion? '55 Days at Peking' is one of my all-time favorite movies and I would enjoy hearing what the real siege was like.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Like your idea of the Boxer Rebellion. Thanks.

[@keithhallam1155]

Too many officers in this war rode away on their horses and deserted the men they had led into danger.

[@outlet6989]

So he left the battlefield with a "Horse between his tail."

[@emperorpalpatine4681]

Great video as always. Really enjoying this series of the Zulu war. When I was a young kid, I found a VHS copy of Zulu Dawn in my dads house and we watched it together and I loved it. Then he showed me Zulu as well. We’d watch both together lot’s of times because I really enjoyed them. He died in 2015, but I have lots of happy memories of sitting with him watching those films, and I still usually will watch them both once a year or so. Then when I got a bit older, I became interested in the war as a whole and love videos like this.

[@TheHistoryChap]

What wonderful memories with your father. Isandlwana (Zulu Dawn) fascinates me.

[@lkgreenwell]

You’d love a book called “Zulu Royal Feather”, by Oliver Walker. It’s about one of Cetewayo’s chiefs - a white man! (I’d read it before the film Zulu came out, and had already decided that Natal seemed a rational destination lol)

[@pinchevulpes]

What is thy bidding my master…

[@philiprufus4427]

I am a lot older, and went with my late dad to see zulu in 1964. Like you though have many good memories of doing things with my late dad, my younger brother and I still miss him. Although, he;s been gone since 1987, so we we well understand

[@raycooke312]

likewise I still watch Zulu every year in fact that my Christmas film.

[@harryshriver6223]

I am amazed at the complexity of all the factors which can influence war, rain, politics and even cowardice. An excellent job, I love this channel and all of the history of the British Empire.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks.

[@johnlustig4322]

A natural and outstanding presenter.

[@TheHistoryChap]

That’s very kind of you. Thanks for watching.

[@BUSTER.BRATAMUS]

Another excellent presentation. Thank You.

[@davidwoods7720]

Many thanks as always

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching and your comments.

[@thomasfennell7838]

Another great presentation History Chap! Thank you for posting. Such soldiers as Sgt Booth make these lesser known battles worthy of being told and in my opinion, measure up to those battles of Rork's Drift and are deserving of their own film.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks, Thomas. Glad you enjoyed it. Rather like you, I enjoy the lesser known stories too.

[@knzjvmatc-366]

Loved it -- would like to hear your version of the career of Lord Cochrane, R.N., the fightingest sea captain. Cheers!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks. You are the third person to ask for Cochrane in the last 24 hours so I will promote him up my list. Please subscribe (if you haven't already) so you don't mss.

[@stonemarten1400]

@@TheHistoryChap yes, Cochrane please, as he was born just a few miles down the road from me in West Fife, but is not as well known as he should be here in Scotland; I’m sure your entertaining style would do him justice

[@knzjvmatc-366]

Great!

[@YARROWS9]

Totally agree. Admiral Cochrane was as successful as Nelson, and actually lead from the front. The French nicknamed him the Seawolf.

[@jakemocci3953]

Cochrane’s life could be four videos

[@petersmyth6604]

Another great account..thanks Chris...so interesting and easy to follow!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Peter, thank you for those kind words.

[@bikes02]

Loving all these Zulu War uploads, keep up the good work 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching.

[@stigg333]

Another great story of the Zulu War, Booth was a very brave man and definitely deserved his VC as did all the recipeirates of the VC. Thank's for this and stay well.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment as well. Loads more stories coming your way.

[@bobspence2440]

Fabulous presentation, thank you!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Bob, it is my pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@robg5958]

Excellent video Chris. Thank you for your great work. I always look forward to seeing your presentations.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@steveelsholz5297]

You do a great job sir! Thanks!

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure.

[@jamesbishop4635]

Superb video,again. Recently discovered your channel and love your work. Keep going. James

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your kind words of support. Glad you are enjoying.

[@nicktanner7523]

Again an excellent account....of a battle I knew little of...thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@kiwifruit27]

Loving the channel, really interesting content, well researched and enthusiastically presented

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks. Glad you are enjoying.

[@patrickbarrett5650]

Superb content as usual, brilliantly done. 👏🏻

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks.

[@melmoore6885]

Yet another fantastic presentation Chris, whatever you decide to do next, will be eagerly waited for, congratulations again on your KZbin triumph.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Mel, thanks for your support. I am glad you enjoyed this video.

[@jerryc3093]

Another great video. Quite well done as usual.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks.

[@paulgarland3140]

Absolutely fabulous! Brilliant presentation! Many thanks!

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure.

[@andrewsteele7663]

Thanks Chris, brilliant telling of a bit of Zulu war history which I had only read briefly about recently. Great stuff, cheers

[@TheHistoryChap]

Andrew, thanks for your support.

[@georgebrown6540]

Fantastic video and content, thanks for sharing

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure

[@the5thmusketeer215]

Thanks again, Chris, for another fascinating account, very well researched & narrated - as ever… The amount of detail that you include in these lesser engagements, really does bring them to life & makes them every bit as interesting to watch & listen to, as the far more significant & better known battles that receive much more attention from Historians & Military enthusiasts alike. More of the same, please. 😊👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your kind words.

[@nigelhamilton815]

Good content and great presentation. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure.

[@grzzz2287]

Thanks for another informative presentation on a little known episode of the Zulu war. Great work as always Chris!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@leedsleedsleeds1747]

Another great video and always watch them as soon as I can so keep them coming lol

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed. Many thanks. Plenty more on the way!

[@nigeldeforrest-pearce8084]

Brilliant!! Thank You!!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching.

[@jasonbromhead5257]

Thank you. Another informative video.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching.

[@MrBaton74]

Great video, really enjoying your channel. One of my favourite films was The Yangtze Incident, would love to hear you talk about that.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Great suggestion. Will put it on my list. Watch this space!

[@mitchellmcdowell8546]

Tremendous channel! Please keep up the great work, sir!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks you for your support.

[@andreww9252]

Another great history story, always interesting, always told with enthusiasm, well done Chris I really enjoy your vids

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you, thanks

[@polmick]

Excellent thanks 🙏A battle that I had heard nothing about 👏👏

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching.

[@PaulThorpeOfficial]

Brilliant story telling. Thoroughly enjoyed that. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching.

[@generaladvance5812]

Hadn't heard this one. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure.

[@michaelwhite8031]

These video are super. It's great to be able to get an overview of the history of the time along with detailed study of the battle and characters. I am interested in warming this era and the information is invaluable. Thank you so much.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Really glad that you enjoy the videos and how I try to put them into historical context.

[@seanjones3489]

Well done, great detail and splendid story.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for taking the time to comment

[@larrygarrett724]

Another fine history lesson. I have always been interested in the Zulu and Boer wars. History that deserves retelling and remembered. Thank you!

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching.

[@alastairtopham5939]

Well done Chris. Another great re-telling of what happened in the Battle of Intombe. I had never heard of this battle before, so it was fascinating to see your report.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks, Alastair. Glad you enjoyed it. Plenty more coming your way!

[@johnroche7541]

Check out the Battle of Hlobane where the British lost 70-80 men. Sir Reevers Buller won the VC at this battle and would later be criticised for his slow progress in the Boer War. Also check out the Battle Khambula where the Zulu regiments that were so devastating at the Battle of Isandlawana would take horrific heavy casualties. The Zulu war cry at Khambula was "We are the boys from Isandlawana".

[@jfh9219]

This was really good. I have read a lot of books on the war, but this is something I must have missed or wasn't mentioned. I felt I was watching the a movie or watching the actual events unfolding before me in real life. Very well presented and informative. Great work as usual!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Those are very kind words, thank you. I'm glad that you enjoyed. Compared to the big "film" battles of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift it is a very small event (although not for the 100+ men from both sides who lost their lives).

[@josephphoenix1376]

Excellent Episode 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you liked it.

[@cameronbrown9080]

Great video today thanks for what you do and keep them coming 👍 😀 😉

[@TheHistoryChap]

Will do. Thanks for your support.

[@justinreilly6619]

Very interesting story, very well told (as usual!) with excellent visuals- thank-you! I'm enjoying your stories relating to S. Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the Indian peninsula and honestly, I have no particular preference. Thanks once again.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I'm glad that you are enjoying. So many stories to tell (and not always glorious ones but that is history). Will be doing some stories from India very soon.

[@edwinmodu3178]

very worthwhile subscribing to your channel great research, fascinating !

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks and welcome

[@silasrocco]

Absolutely fantastic History Chap, and a man of your word as you said you'd cover this battle! There's definitely something about the defeats and the lesser known engagements that captivates me. My preference to add to your list would be Hlobane (2nd battle); so many personal acts of bravery, and of course the usual mix of over-confidence and down right incompetence! Keep em comin 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Hlobane is on my list. Watch this space!

[@anselmdanker9519]

Thank you for another great story.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@vincentlavery2568]

Brilliant as usual Chap

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching.

[@shingerz]

Great video I love this subject even after reading lots of books on this campaign its nice to watch a good account of how things happened good stuff

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching.

[@philipbyfield8814]

You tell a great story...bringing history alive

[@TheHistoryChap]

That's very kind of you, thanks.

[@williamashbless7904]

Completely unaware of this part of the Zulu Wars. Nicely done!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching.

[@peterfeltham5612]

Wonderful story and very well narrated.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@toenhev17]

Wow! What a great story, what a man, Booth? I'd never heard of this battle before & I enjoyed your telling of it. You never fail to make it interesting 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

That's very kind. Glad you enjoyed.

[@barrywebber100]

Thanks for another great historical story.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@silentwitness247]

Fascinating stuff, expertly told. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment.

[@11buster1000]

These small battles are only small to those not there, those that take part it is something else. I really like these lessor known battles and I hope there are more of them.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you are enjoying.

[@gertvanniekerk46]

Thank you -very interesting and informative-Gert-South Africa

[@TheHistoryChap]

Hi Gert, thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed.

[@expatexpat6531]

Another well-told nugget. Thanks for that.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@KernowekTim]

Excellent. Liked. Subscribed with pleasure. A very fine channel. Top man.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support Tim.

[@robertgraham1088]

I just love your channel. I have been watching a new video every night and I am about half way through your library. I very much enjoy your character profiles on the various military figures in the Victorian armies and would love to see profiles on Sir James Ronald Leslie Macdonald & Francis Younghusband who had an acrimonious dispute during the British expedition to Tibet in 1903 and 4 and a history of the said expedition. Thank you for the trouble you go to in making these videos.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support. Tibet expedition is on my list. Want to get some earlier Indian campaigns out of the way first.

[@mongoose858]

Excellent!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you. I’m glad that you enjoyed it.

[@ianlang4522]

First class Chris !

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks. Glad you enjoyed.

[@dukeleto7787]

bro! brilliant the US is loving you history chap keep it up my daughter convinced her us history teacher to use one of your videos during study of 1812

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you very much. I love your support on my membership channel if possible.

[@angelachouinard4581]

I am binging on this Zulu wars series and loving it. I'm so glad to have found you. I see you have covered the Boer War and the Crimean. As with getting interested in the Zulu wars from the movie, I got interested in these by going to a double feature of Breaker Morant and Gallipoli, so I look forward to more good content.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you are enjoying. Loads more on the way. If you haven’t already please subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss new videos.

[@angelachouinard4581]

@@TheHistoryChap I did right after the first viewing. Would love to see you hot 100.000.

[@tonynapoli5549]

Thanks 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

No, thank you for watching.

[@johnfrancis2215]

Excellent documentary, thank you, very interested in the first battle of Mons, I thought the military music at the end of you're documentary was very atmospheric

[@TheHistoryChap]

Mons will be coming up pretty soon so watch this space!

[@barrymead8414]

Enjoyable, I think a lot of the Peninsular War battles are very interesting and the way Wellington turned things around and outsmarted the French are worth hearing about, plenty of different battles and tactics

[@TheHistoryChap]

Napoleonic Wars will get covered in the future.

[@chezburger1781]

@@TheHistoryChap cant wait!

[@oc2phish07]

A really interesting story, one I was not previously aware of, and told in a very engaging manner.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching.

[@hazza_1978]

Hi Chris you are on the youtube trending front page on the creator on the rise part. I love your history and your british accent, I think it is fabulous I can see you put a lot of work into your videos. I hope you have a nice day.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Hi, that's great news! Delighted that you are enjoying my history stories. Plenty more on the way so please make sure that you've subscribed to my channel.

[@annamosier1950]

very good info that we need

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks.

[@johnnybeer3770]

I've read the story of Ntombe , but your telling of it was fascinating . 🇬🇧

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you, thanks.

[@mickuljatheseagull]

Great story, keep them coming. 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Will do. Thanks for watching.

[@charlesarmstrong5292]

Wonderfully narrated and put together as always thanks once more. A singular observation on my part. It`s quite amazing how the British Army consistently managed to shoot itself in the foot in South Africa during the reign of Queen Victoria.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Charles, thanks for your support & I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

But never lost any of the wars there. No army in history has ever won every battle or skirmish it ever fought.

[@peterbarker3433]

Excellent.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks!

[@paulfisher3181]

Thanks Chris. Forgot about Wolsley taking over from Chelmsford. From one end of the military skills range to the other there.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@timgodderis1918]

Thank you for another great explanation. Did you ever do an episode about the battle on the Medway 1667(?)

[@TheHistoryChap]

Tim, I haven't told that story yet, but I will add it to my list.

[@MrBook123456]

good video

[@TheHistoryChap]

Blimey, you were binge watching

[@1tcramp]

Many thanks for that. As always, a great story very well told. You have asked for suggestions for future topics. May I request your analysis of the role of the Black and Tans in Ireland?.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Terry, thanks for your kind words. An interesting topic that you have chosen. I have many Irish friends and will have to determine how to treat this subject sensitively as well as being challenging.

[@user-ri9es4sx1u]

Great story telling.ive been 2 this battle field crossed the river.only bout 6 ins at time.still the same as it was then.been 2 all the other b f.I .as well as boer war sites.great series.well told.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed.

[@fojaak]

You tell great stories about great men. Well done! The Battle of Culloden is a question.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Battle of Culloden is on my list. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss it.

[@georgeamanor-boadu6771]

Another excellent presentation. Still hoping to hear something on Sir Garnet Wolsey and the Ashanti wars. Regards

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank for your support. Ashanti campaign is on the list. Stay tuned.

[@mch12311969]

I have seen the photo of color sergeant Booth, thank you for highlighting his story as well as that of the Battle of Intombe, of which I was unaware.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed.

[@tomrowe6432]

Really interesting and informative video. The mention of the 80th Regiment of Foot particularly peeked my attention. I have only recently become aware, through family history research, of the Perak War (1874-76) in which I believe the 80th served. I wonder if that little known conflict might be a suitable subject for one of your videos.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Oooh, the Perak War would be a good one!

[@josephpercente8377]

I like the rest of the story parts in this and other videos.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you are enjoying.

[@heathfairbairn2460]

Can we have a story detailing the career of General Thomas Picton please, this war hero is being cancelled by the Welsh labour government, we need his story to be told impartially

[@TheHistoryChap]

Will add him to my ever-growing list.

[@heathfairbairn2460]

@@TheHistoryChap oh thank you, much appreciated, I live not far from where he was born,we can't let the wokies cancel this war hero as they are trying to do and you can help with your wonderful story telling, thanks

[@billybeads3328]

heathfairbairn2460 Do everyone a favour and detail WHY that happened

[@heathfairbairn2460]

@@billybeads3328 don't rewrite history silly billy

[@heathfairbairn2460]

@@billybeads3328 do everyone a favour and keep your twisted view of history to yourself

[@itsnotalwaysblackandwhite8624]

Having just come across this site I’m totally enthralled with the subject matter and the professionalism of the presenter. Given the incredible level of detail just adds to the fascination of this period in History. Lest we forget 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for your kind words. Plenty more videos planned for 2023.

[@tonyhitchcock5353]

I have watched many of your videos and injoy every one of em, like most of the people who watch your videos I am very much interested in the Zulu wars, every battle lost or won, there's great heroism from the British soldier,stand out individuals be it booth,wood bullet hooky colour Sargent Bourne etc etc,I have always said I am proud English man even prouder when you read it,god bless ya

[@TheHistoryChap]

Tony, thank you for your support and I'm glad you are enjoying them.

[@stephenmundane]

Great story of bravery (and, it has to said, some stupidity) very well told, as usual -- thanks. Lots of Brummies in the South Staffs, plus men from Wolverhampton, Walsall, and the Black Country like Anthony Booth VC. Both my grandfather and his father (Brummies born and bred) served with them in the two world wars, and both were volunteers in the Territorial Force. I think my grandad (who had been transferred to the Royal Warwicks at the time) would've rather faced Zulus than the tanks of the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler he encountered at the battle for the Escaut river in 1940 any day of the week. At least he escaped after being captured by them, before being evacuated from the mole by the Royal Navy on June 4th, unlike some of his compatriots who were massacred by that SS unit at Wormhoudt. The fortunes of war eh...

[@TheHistoryChap]

Stephen, I'm glad you enjoyed. Loved hearing about your grandad and the Brummie / Black Country connections to the South Staffs.

[@liverpoolscottish6430]

The Royal Warwicks knocked seven shades out of the SS Leibstandarte before they were compelled to surrender. The SS, who had never encountered such stiff resistance before were furious, hence they embarked on a senseless massacre at the barn in Wormhout. As per usual, a few individuals survived the incident, 3 I believe and they lived to tell the tale.

[@john-xo9mg]

Black country lad here most my uncles severed but out of 5 brothers only one went to the staffs the rest went to the worcesters thats from 1945 onwards.

[@jon9021]

Excellent…as usual. Huzzah!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching.

[@donlee7028]

Thank you once again for enlightenment of this period of bravery by the men of the British Army. Soldiers of the Queen one and all.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@eamonnclabby7067]

Thank you for sharing this with us all ,sir,best wishes from the wirral peninsula....E

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed. Only down the road in Cheshire (Nantwich).

[@AgentGB1]

That was great, "small decisions, coupled with incredible courage can swing defeats into victory, and victories into defeat, the human story"

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching.

[@jonnyj4827]

Would you ever do any videos regarding the American War of Independence? Great videos by the way

[@TheHistoryChap]

Will add to my list as I think it will be very popular, especially in Britian where we don't really cover it in school.

[@phann860]

Another excellent story. You will never run out of material. Maybe James Brooke, the first Rajah of Sarawak would be good for an interesting history, otherwise you have so much to choose from.

[@TheHistoryChap]

oooh, I like that suggestion. Will add to my list.

[@donaldhoult7713]

Thanks - fascinating and castigating the quality of many of those who ' led ' such steely lower ranks as Booth. The same were those who initially ' led ' the soldiers of Britain and France at the beginning of WW1 and. in the highest ranks ( Haig, Petain ), throughout that horrendous conflict. It was only after WW1 that the British got rid of such ' quality ' officers completely.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching and commenting too.

[@fredazcarate4818]

As usual senior commanders failing their troops, and non commission officer taking direct command. Brilliant video and once again a true tale of bravery. Sir thank you for sharing this great video. If I may bold to ask fo more.o

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks.

[@ianknight2053]

Thank you. (The other Ian Knight)

[@TheHistoryChap]

Just having an Ian Knight liking my video is good enough! Thanks for watching.

[@mitch40aw]

Chris would you be able to do a story about Piper George Findlater VC ?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Would be delighted it. Not just a hero but his story encompasses the forgotten campaigns fought in India, which are well worth telling. I will add to my ever-growing list. Please subscribe to my channel so you don't miss it.

[@mitch40aw]

@@TheHistoryChap I subscribed a while ago. Also recommend your channel to some of my friends that share interests in military history. Only found out about 15 years ago that Piper Findlater was a relative of our family. As I stay near Aberdeen we took a trip to the Gordon Highlanders museum a few years ago, was worth the trip.