The battle of Isandlwana: The full story

The battle of Isandlwana is one of the most famous defeats that the British army has ever suffered. In this episode of the podcast, I go deep and examine the primary sources. We discuss the lead-up to the battle and the aftermath.
If you prefer your podcast listening on an app just search for Redcoat History Podcast and you'll find it.
If you are on Instagram and like looking at photos of the world's battlefields then check me out
- / redcoathistory
I am also on Twitter - / redcoathistory
And I have a website where you can find the show notes for this episode - redcoathistory...

[@peterrooke5336]

I was at Isandlwana in 91 with a friend and we walked the battle ground with awe and reverence until a young lad approached us and held out his hand asking for six Rand . We immediately recognised what he was holding , it was a spent round from a martini henry rifle and I purchased it of course and still have it . The boy's name was zenzed . I went back several years later to find him to give him more money as six Rand really wasn't enough but he had left to find work in igoldi ,joburg . I wanted to walk the fugitives trail but my fitness wasn't up to it . I will never forget being there though

[@redcoathistory]

A great experience and a wonderful find.

[@darrengilmore8220]

I never get tired of this great battle.... I close my eyes and imagine the fear of the soldiers as they were surrounded by a proud Zulu impi.... I simply say thank you for this great podcast and other videos... regards Darren 🇦🇺

[@lindanjapha4037]

The word impi in the Zulu language doesn't mean a warrior, but a battle itself. The word for a warrior would be ibutho

[@gooner72]

I bet most people only know about this battle from the opening scenes of one of my favourite films of all time........ even though some of it was, errremmmmmm, shall we say a bit factually incorrect?? Well done Christian, yet another absolute gem of a video!!! I've gone for starting at the oldest video and going through your entire back catalogue right up to your latest one........... AND I'M LOVING THEM ALL!!!! 🇬🇧✌️

[@oldhippiejon]

Until Zulu hit the cinema I doubt there were many who had even heard about the regiment let alone the battle, it opened many eyes

[@raymondpilarczyk2773]

I would love to see an episode of 'what if' in retrospective. What if Lord Chelmsford had reacted with urgency sending his main force when the messenger informed him that the camp was under attack at Isandlwana, understanding they had indeed located the main Zulu impi. Did he have enough time to muster his force and get there in time? How would he had handled entering the fray strategically against an opposing force estimated to be about 20k... interesting to contemplate, and I think you would do a great job with your military and historical understanding of the Anglo-Zulu war

[@davepangolin4996]

No the Infantry were nearly 10 miles away … don’t think the Zulus didn’t know it ,,, that is more of a possibility. Chelmsford was completely outmanoeuvred in every way

[@Sharps.50]

I once read that the night before the Battle , the officers at Isandlwana were discussing how Custer had been defeated at the Little Big Horn & how it could not happen to them , I have visited The Little Big Horn & the way the battle field is strewn with the white grave markers very similar indeed to Isandlwana & even the last stands have an eerie similarity , they do say it’s by mistakes we learn , perhaps the biggest similarity is the underestimation of the foe .

[@redcoathistory]

Hi. I'll be honest I've never heard of British officers discussing Little Big Horn, I'd be keen to know your source for that as it sounds interesting and I'd be keen to know more. You are certainly right about underestimation of the foe being a big reason for their defeat.

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

I highly doubt it but it would have been interesting anecdote.

[@PennyBluebottle]

Listening? I was riveted! Thank you.

[@joshuagoering2048]

Really well told! I'm enjoying the series. You should consider doing an episode on the burial parties and people who visited after the battle was done.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Joshua - I've moved on from the Zulu war for now but I'm sure I will revisit it, so this is a great idea.

[@taramilton8695]

Brilliant, a bedtime story and a historical lecture neatly told in one.Thank you!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, Tara!

[@philgriffiths5514]

Good job- brought insight and clarity to such historic battle. You can imagine the feeling of doom the troops must have had in such an isolated spot.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Phil 👍🏼

[@wyworri2984]

you add authenticity to the telling of this moment in military history and as others have commented you bring the common touch which is totally relatable . I have heard other accounts but yours neither glorifies war nor destroys the reputation of those in charge on the day as you quite rightly state its easy to have twenty twenty vision in hindsight. Most informative many thanks Redcoat

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. That feedback means a lot.

[@duncanselvester1045]

Thank you Chris, for sharing your passion and expertise. I stumbled upon your KZbin films originally and have just listened to this podcast. I can assure you, it won’t be the last of your series that I enjoy! Well done, and keep ‘em commin ‘! REALLY enjoyable, thank you.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, Duncan!

[@rayh7264]

Great thing about these podcasts is I can put on headphones and go for a walk and be educated. Thanks.

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you like them! Thanks a lot.

[@ralphyznaga1761]

Thanks so much for your fabulous video. You are a masterful storyteller and bring the story to life in an endlessly captivating way. Cheers from Austin, Texas.

[@redcoathistory]

Wow, thank you!

[@jackmaroone4511]

Fantastic narration. Really in depth

[@marklongman6882]

An excellent episode 2 well done, certainly gave me a better insight into what is more likely to have taken place. Looking forward to the next installment.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, Mark.

[@goblinoidfilms7119]

Fantastic work, thank you! Enjoyed the other in this series very much as well.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot.

[@lorenrogers9269]

Very well done Chris. You are an excellent story teller. I wish you had a Patreon option because I would become one. You have caused me to watch Zulu Dawn and Zulu again with my old Webley on the coffee table! I know what I’m doing today. Blessings to you and your family.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Loren, appreciate your kind words. - I don't have a patreon but the best way of supporting is to join the mailing list via redcoathistory.com/newsletter/ - that way I can let you know about future projects and updates etc.

[@colinbiggs244sniper]

Enjoyed listening, thanks 👍

[@johannleuckx1625]

Well done! You give a vivid report of the historical facts. You're a talented storyteller!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Johann, I really appreciate that.

[@jonnylatham3470]

Such a good Podcast series. You genuinely deserve more views/Subs. Hope you have continued success into the future :)

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Jonny - it would be great to spread the word amongst fellow military history enthusiasts.

[@petedavies74]

Bloody brilliant...Thank You...

[@chriscookesuffolk]

Really enjoyed this well put together pod.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, Chris

[@catholicmilitantUSA]

Well done! Finished it all. Keep it up!

[@lonewulf44]

Nice work, enjoyed the entire series, I truly hope one day I'm able to walk the field as you were able to. There's something about this battle, along with the little bighorn, that just kind of haunts those who are interested in it. The last stand, with confusing and gaps due to the fact that participants were killed just makes it mysterious.

[@redcoathistory]

Fantastic, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I've actually just qualified as a tour guide for the Zulu War battles so if you ever come this side you might want to keep in touch via www.redcoathistory.com - maybe see you one day!

[@lonewulf44]

@@redcoathistory consider it on my list, South Africa in general has my wife spooked from watching the news, but I'm determined to make it over. Appreciate the offer and congratulations on the status as guide, very cool.

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

What isn't really discussed is that the British were holding their own for most of the battle. They were just simply depleted and overwhelmed by numbers late in the day.

[@martynpope8218]

Totally true. The firing line held for quite a time, especially when the imperial Co.s maintained their terrible, destructive fire from their new Martini-Henris. At 1st it was said that the Zulus were very dismayed at seeing so many of their comrades lying dead & broken on the field. The controversial issue is that Anthony Durnford ruined things by appearing on the field c.10:00 & pressuring Pulliene to help his men with the imperial 24th Regiment. Pulliene had really to acquiesce. Durnford was very much a heroic rogue of an officer & was well known to be vainglorious.

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

​@@martynpope8218The Zulus were willing to take seriously heavy casualties that day.

[@mjpope1012]

Just as well as the Imperial Infantry w/the mounted men inflicted c.3,000+ casualties before they were overrun. King Cetchwayo himself professed astonishment saying "An Assegai has struck the belly of the nation" which goes against your claim. Some Zulu Indunas thought they had overcome the entire central column due to the incredible resistance.

[@Viktors633]

This was bloomin marvellous. Discovered you today so glad i did.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks!

[@historiamilitaris5161]

Thank You very much. I love British history

[@peterbeard4639]

Really Enjoyed this Well Done And Thank you

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, Peter.

[@matthewbaca3900]

Greatly appreciate this highly informative and gripping account.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot - I'm glad you found it gripping.

[@peterrooke5336]

I recommend the late David Rattray's "day of the dead moon" . This guy's good but Rattray was master

[@catholicmilitantUSA]

Hey Chris watching this podcast meticulously (I normally study rather than merely watch your videos 😅) and I arrived in the part where Commandant Hamilton-Brown's NNC locked arms and plunged into the Buffalo River. I had previously watched in a video of yours this (frankly shocking) way of fording rivers by Zulu armies but had no idea the NNC used it too!! Amazing stuff.

[@redcoathistory]

Great. I’m glad you are finding it interesting. Yes it’s a strange but also very practical way to fording a river. 👍🏼

[@iainsanders4775]

Well, a (corrected!) calculation of the weight of Zulus descending on the camp would be around 1400 Imperial tons. Quite a stampede.

[@andrewgreenham5784]

I discovered your podcast and KZbin channel today. Thanks for putting together such a brilliant overview of each of the major engagements of the Zulu war. Fascinating and looking forward to listening/watching to more of your content.

[@redcoathistory]

Cheers Andrew - that's great to hear and I'm really glad you like it. If you are interested in the Peninsular war I am also covering that now.

[@dawoodwilliams3652]

Fantastic podcast. Will you be covering Rorke's drift and the other lesser known battles?

[@redcoathistory]

Hi Dawood - yes I've already released them on the podcast and will post them here on KZbin soon. If you want to hear them as soon as possible just search for "Redcoat History Podcast" on your app. Thanks mate.

[@stephenwill4852]

excellent thank you, well made gripping tale

[@hammerqos]

Can't put into words how good this podcast is. Brilliant stuff

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks - I am glad you are enjoying it.

[@hammerqos]

@@redcoathistory I've been fascinated by Zulu wars since I watched Zulu with my dad as a young boy .A lot to do with the undoubted bravery of both opposing armies. Maybe one day I will get to visit Islandwanha and Rorkes Drift. Your attention to detail is on another level entirely.

[@redcoathistory]

@@hammerqos You would love it if you came to SA to visit the battlefields - hopefully by the end of the year things will all be back to normal.

[@robharris5317]

Brilliant Podcast buddy wonderfully told, and the voiceovers, awesome!!!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Rob!

[@peterkerruish8136]

M8,no need to apologise "for your accent ". I really appreciate that you are sharing your knowledge with us. Thankyou.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Peter, I really appreciate that.

[@jensg367]

Great channel, thank you very much for your research and the interesting presentation.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. Feedback like this keeps me going.

[@live4lifeeeeee975]

I laughed when you mentioned reverting to your “generic officer voice”… the accent and voice changes definitely make the stories more enjoyable. Love historical accounts told in this manner….especially about great battles and skirmishes from history. Subscribing…

[@SokaMthembu]

Fascinating! Beautifully told!

[@redcoathistory]

Ngiyabonga Soka. I'm sorry I don't know more about the Zulu culture and military to go into more detail (though I'm trying to learn) but I really appreciate your comment. Thanks.

[@o-sosa7910]

Damn go job I love history and the Zulu conflict is one of my favorites you sir have gotten a new subscriber 👍 exactly work

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, Omar

[@AlRedsoxFan]

Excellent

[@ronmccarville256]

You have done such an excellent job telling the story of the battle! Thank you!! Just want you to know that I've subscribed and am now tracking down all your posts. Can't wait to see/hear more of your work!!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot, Ron - that is great to hear. There are also a lot of battlefield walk videos around the actual sites of the Anglo-Zulu war that you may enjoy.

[@oldhippiejon]

The best I have heard on the battle.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, John

[@andrewfarquhar5290]

Good story telling, but there are No pictures that would have told and shown the story much better. A lot of information was lost. The battle field detectives uncovered information showing that the report first presented, had quite a lot of discrepencies.

[@redcoathistory]

Please feel free to watch my other videos

[@petergibson39]

Only just found your channel and its fantastic 👏 well done all the way from Leicester England 🇬🇧.

[@redcoathistory]

Small world Peter - I am from Syston!

[@vincentbergman4451]

Epic History makes me want to play more Total War. You make me want to watch Zulu and Zulu Dawn. Love your channel and your work. Much appreciated

[@richardjones8699]

Really excellent stuff 👍

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Richard

[@richardmccowat8233]

The rate of fire was most likely 10 per minute which meant they would have exhausted there supply in about 10 minutes and that was the problem resupply .

[@tristinsway4217]

Of the 20,000 zulu warrior army,how many were killed by the British all up.Also what did Queen Victoria do to Zulu land afterwards I heard it was smitten with poverty & neglect for years as punishment for the Zulu reprisals .

[@rafflesexcal6227]

Just discovered you today - many thanks. Great podcast - am a huge fan of "Zulu" and "Zulu Dawn" films. This has helped flesh the latter out quite nicely and make it more comprehensible. On now to listen to the next one! :)

[@redcoathistory]

Raffles Excal that’s great - I’m really glad you are enjoying it and thanks for letting me know.

[@peterrooke5336]

I would love it if they remade these films but with an expert to tell the true story . Zulu was ok but lots of facts where wrong ,such as bromhead being deaf . Zulu dawn was quite amateurishly done .

[@redcoathistory]

@@peterrooke5336 It would certainly be great to have more films that cover the conflict. Sadly I'm not sure it will ever happen.

[@peterrooke5336]

@@redcoathistory firstly I would like to know your name . I can't seem to find it and I can't call you Mr redcoat can I ? Lol secondly I intend viewing all of your videos and thirdly I think you maybe right considering the present climate concerning BLM . Maybe if they made a film from the Zulu perspective spoken in Zulu with English subtitles . I for one would be most interested in seeing it . And finally may I commend you one such excellent coverage of what I have seen so far .bravo !

[@redcoathistory]

@@peterrooke5336 Thanks Peter, my name is Chris. Yes I think a Zulu version would probably be the most likely to happen. My concern is that these days any film about the era would be highly politicised.

[@nickgermany99]

Really enjoyed this. But just one small quibble. When you discuss the deployment of Pulleine's companies, you leave one out. There were 5 companies of the 1/24, and you only mention 4. I believe it was Lt. Porteous who commanded a company just to the left of the 2 7lb guns, and he isn't mentioned. Also, do you have any thoughts on Mike Snook's book "How Can Men Die Better?" I really enjoyed his construction of the battle, which relies more on investigation than commentaries from people like Smith-Dorrien, who fled the battlefield before the retreat back to the camp and the various last stands, and who can't really know what the final moments of the companies of the 24th were like.

[@redcoathistory]

Hi Nick, yes you are spot on - I messed that section up. Will rectify in a future video when I go back to Isandlwana. I haven't read Snook yet but will do soon - you are the second person to make the same comment to me about his book.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@@redcoathistory I would also recommend Snook. Cheers.

[@redcoathistory]

@@lyndoncmp5751 Have now read it and great;y enjoyed it - though of course my only criticism is sometimes he relies on what he assumes would have been done based on his experience of modern soldiering.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@@redcoathistory Glad to hear. Yes he does make assumptions. However they do seem based on on military logic and at least he's tried to figure out the jigsaws puzzle. Other authors tend to skim over and rush the battle, particularly the later stages which did not end as quickly as many think. Cheers.

[@SeanRCope]

Well done Sir.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Sean!

[@raindog8684]

Sir, I am a convert! I have subscribed here and down loaded all your podcasts on iTunes.

[@redcoathistory]

That's to great to hear - enjoy and please spread the word.

[@brianford8493]

Brilliant as per usual!

[@redcoathistory]

Thank you! Cheers Brian

[@SeanRCope]

Is there a good report on line about the description of the battlefield when they went to recover equipment and bury the dead?

[@redcoathistory]

Hi Sean, yes there are - from the top of my head it was fellow soldiers from the 1/24th who had the honour of burying the dead - I'm sure there are accounts but I would have to refer to my notes to be able to tell you exactly where to find them.

[@AJM-timecop]

No problem on the different voices. Great job.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Andrew 👍🏻

[@haroldburrows4770]

Have u read Washing of the Spears. A very good read. Since I have it this podcast has me about to pull it out again

[@TheJonnyzeus]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks - I'm glad that you enjoyed it.

[@cyclingnerddelux698]

Super job Thanks!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. ps I saw you'd written a nice comment under another video but when I went to reply it had gone - not sure why.

[@peterrooke5336]

Bravo on the click sounds , something I can't do lol

[@hughh106]

Great job!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Hugh!

[@waduwill1332]

Redcoat: British military history honestly mate you’re smashing this 👍👍👍 will you cover most battles eg khambula and ntombe drift etc

[@redcoathistory]

@@waduwill1332 That's great to hear - thanks a lot. Yes, I cover all of the battles in my podcast. I'll post them here soon - in the meantime if you want to listen to them you can search for "Redcoat History Podcast" on your podcasting app as I've just posted episodes 4 and 5 there,

[@paulnienhaus5359]

Great! Thanks much.

[@custerkiller7670]

Say, I'm only 16 but I have published a book on the Battle of the Little Bighorn. What publishing company did you use for your ultimate geek's guide? I am writing a book on Isandlwana and I would like a better publishing company then KDP. THANKS!

[@robertschweppenhauser9891]

That says don't make the Zulus mad ..😅😂

[@Xenophon1]

Great podcast!!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks for listening

[@nazash786]

Excellent & interesting

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you think so!

[@BrendonChase2012]

From what I have seen of Chelmsford's communiques to Frere in the days before the battle, it did seem that Chelmsford was reasonably confident that the Zulus would have to attack him and NOT avoid battle. Chelmsford wanted a battle; the Zulus needed a battle. I do not understand what he thought he was going to achieve by splitting his forces and go out to find the main impi. Chelmsford was aware that he did not have to take Ulundi, he seemed convinced that the Zulus would come to him or rebel against Cetshwayo. Had he kept his column intact he could have almost sat there and waited, perhaps using his sizeable mounted arm to scout, harrass and provoke the main impi into a decisive battle. The Zulus could not stay concentrated in such force for long and as it turned out would have given Chelmsford his battle on the 23rd, anyway. Hindsight is 20/20, but Chelmsford was reasonably convinced that the Zulus would have to come to him fairly quickly. The Zulus obliged. It seems fair to assume that the mounted patrols would have found the impi in the valley on the 22nd; the attack would have presumably developed along similar lines. following that discovery. Nonetheless, 'if and buts'...

[@lyndoncmp5751]

His thinking must have been driven by the 1,000 plus strong recon force isolated out in the hills ten miles southeast, expecting they were about to meet the main impi in the morning. He couldn't very well just sit there at Isandlwana and wait and do nothing after the recon commander requested assistance. For all he knew, even if the recon patrol couldn't go on the attack without assistance they could have been annihilated instead. Most were NNC on foot. That would have been disastrous for the invasion. So to ignore the request for help wasn't really an option.

[@bigevil1001]

But what guarantee was there that the Zulu would have EVER attacked and why would they rebel?

[@BrendonChase2012]

@@bigevil1001 No guarantee other than the fact that was the Zulu plan from the outset.

[@bigevil1001]

@@BrendonChase2012 But why would they rebel against Chetswayo?

[@BrendonChase2012]

@@bigevil1001 Cetshwayo's rise to power involved plenty of blood letting, population displacement and other niceties. His rule was fairly secure by the time of the AZW but many of his exiled enemies joined the British adventure and would it be the first time in history that an invader had expected or hoped that the locals would rise up against their ruler? Some Zulu indunas did indeed jump ship, but on the whole the Zulus were remarkably loyal to their king even after the final drubbing at Ulundi.

[@maggierickards862]

Excellent brave man

[@larryconnerjr1835]

I assume people in the comments are mostly British people because the typical American doesn’t even have an opinion or even knows about the Zulus and their conflict with the British empire I only knew about it as an American after watching the “Zulu “ movie and wanted to learn more about it afterwards

[@redcoathistory]

You would be surprised - there is a massive interest in the Zulu war from Americans. I have many friends in the US absolutely obsessed with the conflict...Many due to Isandlwana's similarity to Little Big Horn.

[@larryconnerjr1835]

@@redcoathistory oh okay I’ve always been interested in the history of warfare in general that’s what made me interested in this battle I’ve always been impressed with the courage of the zulus charging into gunfire armed only with spears and I’ve always thought maybe if they had bows and arrows and sound tactics they might have had a chance against the British but I guess that’s just me rooting for the underdog

[@shawngarratt2887]

Injoyed my friend

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks!

[@chrisjones6736]

Beautifully pronounced Cetshwayo.

[@paulbailey298]

You , did video . Other battle . But have you Ever Looked into Zulu war Eshowe .

[@redcoathistory]

Hi Paul yes I have two on Eshowe...Please have a skim through the back cartalogue

[@edwinsalau150]

Men of Harlech! May they rest in peace!

[@bryanhurd9955]

British army loss! the main force had gone that left was hardly an army, ignore that they were not battle ready as they posted no sentries, not protocol,but the damage done to the zulu impi by the soldiers left behind on that day was a mortal blow, and changed the way Cetywayo had his men fight from that time on

[@bryanhurd9955]

I live in Natal know all these battle sites

[@custerkiller7670]

"Why do I hear Zulu Boss music" -Colonel Anthony Dunford "Quite!" -Lord Chelmsford's remarks about Isandlwana

[@harry-thepug76]

It's spelt & prononced - durnford!

[@demokkkrat14]

YAY MORE ZULU

[@redcoathistory]

Ha ha - can never have too much!

[@demokkkrat14]

@@redcoathistory Indeed! :) Seriously tho thanks for educating me before this i didnnt really know much about zulu but know i do! Haha.

[@redcoathistory]

@@demokkkrat14 That's great and your comment really makes all the hard work worthwhile.

[@kennethhummel4409]

Again for great granddad and the Natal Mounted Police.

[@richardgarratt9497]

I'd try doing these podcasts without the accents, it becomes demeaning and distracting, it's jackanorying a subject. Your reading voice is just fine

[@avelinojr.kalalang7389]

British warmongers

[@richvedrus4171]

Hold on a minute