The Mini Rorke's Drift In the Mountain Kingdom: Forgotten Sieges of the Basotho Gun War (1880-81)

An important and brutal war that you’ve probably never heard of…
A tribe of well-armed mounted warriors as tough as any in Africa.
A handful of surrounded colonial officials - massively outnumbered and outgunned.
Now if that hasn’t caught your attention then I don’t know what will.
Today we are talking about two sieges and the battles to relieve them during the Basotho Gun War of 1880-81.
Thanks to Cam Simpson. His books can be found via this link - amzn.to/47P5yDo
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...
If you are very generous, you can also buy me a coffee and help support the channel via ko-fi.com/redc...

[@TheScaryTruthCatalyst]

I've been binge watching this channel all week! It's a real shame they don't teach this aspect of British history in UK schools...

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. Glad you enjoying it. Yep, we trying hard to keep these stories alive 👍🏼

[@wayneabel5421]

They used too 20 odd years ago...

[@alitlweird]

Well, no. They’ve been indoctrinating minds with degenerate commie globalist ideology rather than teaching history.

[@stehfreejesseah7893]

Idk if the kids can handle anymore British history. There is just so much considering how well they kept records.

[@Papasmokes875]

You would be hard pressed to find any kids in America that knew anything about the wars that we fought. It’s a shame not to know history.

[@Maverick0451]

I can't say enough, thank you for this kind of small unit in depth coverage. I love history, but this area is a space in time where I have admittedly ever known the highlights. All of your coverage has absolutely pulled my interest to the subject!! I mostly find myself reading ancient history, and with more modern history I have primarily been obsessed with the Napoleonic Wars and with WWI and WWII, as those were some of the biggest conflicts that had the broadest most immediate global effect. That being said, the last several years, I find myself wanting to expand that understanding, and this whole series has me absolutely fascinated!! I picked up a copy of one of Cameron's books while watching, and I finally picked up a Redcoat history shirt and sticker as well!! Thanks again for all the brilliant work!!

[@redcoathistory]

That’s great to hear thanks a lot. Yeah I also find the ‘big’ wars fascinating but there is something special when you learn about this small forgotten wars. Thanks again and keep in touch. Ps I hope you like the t shirt and sticker!

[@cameronsimpson-ld8nk]

I'm so glad you enjoyed this episode. I have been piecing the story of the Gun War together for a few years now. In my opinion, it really needs more coverage. Once again, thanks for the comments and support

[@MichaelCampin]

That's the origin of the Royal Naval Field Gun Race at the Royal Tournament until the lily livered powers that be cut it due to cost.

[@redcoathistory]

I wasn't aware of that.

[@MichaelCampin]

​@@redcoathistoryI'm sorry I thought he said the siege of Mafeking. My mistake

[@redcoathistory]

@@MichaelCampin no worries thanks a lot for clarifying.

[@My_handsome_King]

Sir, I don't know how else to thank you. You are the only one covering the basotho wars and I've been searching for them. Thank you so much

[@redcoathistory]

Fascinating conflicts. I have a big soft spot for the Basotho for personal reasons so it is my pleasure to draw attention to the bravery of both sides.

[@speakupriseup4549]

Sad these battles weren't made into movies in the 1980's, I would hate to see them butchered into some 2020's style anti-man, LGBT, gender and race swapped movie trainwreck.

[@carljohnson317]

They did it all through history.

[@haydenmcwhorter6363]

What are you on about?

[@FranciscoPreira]

Great to know about this forgotten "pearls" of History, thanks for sharing mate. Best regards.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. Cam is an amazing font of knowledge on this war.i can’t wait for his book.

[@keithagn]

Wow! What a story of History. These men were as tough as nails. And the Basothos were brave, as well. Thank you!

[@redcoathistory]

Yep amazing men on both sides 👍🏼

[@goodyeoman4534]

I enjoyed this one. Thanks, guys. I had not heard of this event. But back then Britain had its fingers in more pies than Mary Berry.

[@MrConna6]

Mary Berry is not a pie bro…

[@cheesenoodles8316]

Excellent.

[@redcoathistory]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@welshwarrior5263]

Very enjoyable. Thank you so much.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate - not seen you in a while. Hope all is well

[@welshwarrior5263]

@redcoathistory All is good. Thanks for asking mate. I have switched jobs, so I'm working much closer to home now. I hope you are ok and all is well.

[@charlesvanonselen6251]

Mohale's Hoek (hook) = Mohale's Corner, Oliphants Been (bien) = Elephant's Bone

[@BillsWargameWorld]

Another great one

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks bill!

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Fascinating stuff. And you're right, I had no idea about any of this. Totally oblivious to it. A very in depth programme this and quite heavy going at times. A LOT to take in, especially as it's all new to me. Thanks Christian and Cam. ✌️

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed it. Cam really is the expert on this. I’m also loving learning from him.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@@redcoathistory Always so much to learn mate..... even in the relatively limited scope of just South Africa. It's incredible really. 👍

[@cameronsimpson-ld8nk]

There is so much more to talk about with the Gun War as this is just one snipped....its all fascinating

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@@cameronsimpson-ld8nk It sure is. Plaudits to you. I enjoyed it very much. ✌

[@Caratacus1]

I can't imagine a topic that current Hollywood would be less likely to make a movie about 😁 Thanks for the vid, very interesting about a topic I knew nothing about.

[@TheDunc1]

Absolutely riveting stuff, although the whole thing is very sad.

[@charlietreston4035]

Great stuff so interesting 👍

[@peterkerruish8136]

Excellent!.

[@Harvey-fm6bu]

Enthralling video as all ways, do you have recommended reading list? I've just finished the mammoth J. W. Fortescue's A history of the British army and I'm looking for my next read.

[@cameronsimpson-ld8nk]

Rise of the Basuto by Tylden and Throwing down the White man by Sanders. I am working hard to get my books finnished on the subject

[@riaanperold4653]

Thank you, it is great to hear detailed accounts. I do think the number of firearms carried by the Basuto is over-stated though. They must have used them extremely poorly for 400 of them not to stop a few men (with pistols) coming at them, on open ground and at a canter!

[@cameronsimpson-ld8nk]

True, the marksmanship was very poor but they did have better weapons than the Colonials. To own a rifle in Basutoland was more for status.

[@riaanperold4653]

@@cameronsimpson-ld8nk Thank you for the answer. It is a most interesting piece of history though. Perhaps the field reports were slightly coloured in? '79-81 Were not the happiest time for the British. My ancestors lived across the Caledon border and fought the Free State/Basuto wars. The Bosutho were tough opponents, with Thaba Bosigo (?) being nearly unconquerable!

[@billyshane3804]

My great great grandfather fought the Zulu wars and he would call the Zulu the "fuzzies" & the "Jackeys". He respected them greatly.

[@janlindtner305]

Good👍👍👍

[@redcoathistory]

Cheers Jan. Hope you are well mate

[@guydebacker1140]

Thank you for this fantastic video gentlemen, could you tell me the title of the book on the subject? 👍

[@redcoathistory]

Hi guy. Thanks a lot...There isn't much around yet. Cam's research is nearly all primary sources but he hopes to finish the book in the near future. There is one called "Throwing down white man" which is good but doesn't just focus on this conflict. Are you on my mailing list via redcoathistory.com ? If so then Ill be sure to send out an update once Cam's book is out. Thanks

[@bobyouel7674]

great

[@anthonysalgado5118]

Hoek is pronounced as hook , its Afrikaans for corner ( direct translation).

[@markrutlidge5427]

Fun fact Lesotho is the only country in the world thats totally surrounded by one country

[@redcoathistory]

San marino?

[@christopher-ke9nj]

Alternatively got your attention thats damn good

[@leonlefonque]

Long war 1808 -81

[@darrenedmans2297]

do you know how cochran survived isandlwana.

[@redcoathistory]

Here is his account but I always happy to get more info. : The Zulu system of attack, as represented in the Zulu pamphlet (12) is easily traceable. The main body being opposite the left centre of the Camp, the horns thrown out to the left rear & right front. Had the Zulus completed their scheme by sending a column to the Buffalo River to cut off the retreat not a man would have escaped to tell the tale. As far as I am personally concerned, when I got back to the Camp with the mounted men who had now been driven out of the "Donga" (13), I found that the Enemy had rushed the Camp from the left and were engaged hand to hand with the Infantry who were completely overpowered with overwhelming numbers. I saw that "all was over". I made in the direction which I had seen taken by the mounted men, guns R.A. & the natives on foot. I was cut off by the Enemy who had now reached the line of retreat, but with a good horse, hard riding & good luck I managed to reach the Buffalo River. The Zulus seemed perfectly fearless, they followed alongside having desperate hand to hand fighting with those retreating, mostly our natives on foot. Many of the enemy were killed between the Camp & the River. On several occasions they were quite close to me but I was fortunate enough to escape whilst others dropped at my side; they fired at us the whole way from the Camp to the river, but having mounted the bank on the opposite side we were safe. I made for Helpmakaar by order of Captains Essex & Gardner & assisted in forming a laager'.

[@darrenedmans2297]

Thank you for the information. he was obviously one of the lucky ones. @@redcoathistory

[@redcoathistory]

@@darrenedmans2297 yep. If you are interested I have an entire film on the Isandlwana survivors - it’s in my Zulu war playlist list

[@peregrinemccauley5010]

Am having much difficulty in understanding Mr Simpson's speech patterns. Must regretfully abort.

[@tomtaylor6163]

As bad ass as Zulus but they had horses

[@redcoathistory]

Yep - spot on 👍🏼

[@rule3036]

@Oranges4sale....Good god man, are you suggesting we teach our children the interesting, military exploits of the empire and its heroes, colonial and British. My god the pupils might become interested , enthralled even and it might install patriotism and interest in history, geography etc. No sir this will not do in our woke country !!🙄

[@peterkavanagh64]

Lostenjng here is the same as the army muaem.in the medics . I can stop is it elders or the knkw ot has tp be not that nut and ot seeems tp hold by gravity truth . Many ideas arw tempying buy anger has vonsequence of it needs to find why thn ot cam say aha the lat time but i see the leders as the ky ..of general.ot does not work on inifprm retired and oldee rthyeseems to now.integratoon ot is mot the amswer but a better amswer than apease . Ot is wlrth on the sivht here

[@peterkavanagh64]

Eleders have the amswer the rwasoanable.wmeaure to gjve a ho tjee uoung seems no i am relative young tp this yhoughts i don5 take the decjsoon but i sway the thiight by realty i see hemmmm that will but to the flags n3ed that here been the need to be not slaved by any politocal odea . Oe i onw me npt anoyhwr or a mavhine . The eldwrs are making thr right decsion

[@MrZombiekiller23]

This guy forgot Britain's hide their history for the most part because it's full of atrocities😂

[@redcoathistory]

Please share your sources about the British atrocities of the Basotho gun war. I’m keen to read up what you’ve found.