The Battle of Hlobane 1879 - Anglo Zulu War

The battle of Hlobane 1879 was the third (& final) defeat the British suffered during the Anglo Zulu War .
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Over 90 white and 100 African troops were killed in a defeat that could have ended in complete disaster.
Once more the Zulus proved they were worthy adversaries.
Having said that, the battle of Hlobane was a disaster of the British own making.
Poor scouting by the commander, Sir Evelyn Wood, meant that Colonel Redvers Buller was effectively attacking the Zulus mountain stronghold blind.
That poor scouting also failed to spot a Zulu army numbering over 20,000 approaching the British.
In many respects, the defeat could have been a lot worse.
5 Victoria Crosses were awarded for acts of bravery during a terryfinig restreat off the mountain down a 150 foot steep rock face.
The battle of hlobane was the third victory for the Zulus in this war.
It was also to be their last.
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro - Battle of Hlobane
1:59 The History Chap
2:40 Wood's Diversion
4:48 Hlobane Mountain
7:16 Battle Plan
7:57 Redvers Buller
8:49 Lt. Colonel Russell
10:45 Buller Advances
12:25 Weatherley's Alarming News
14:09 Thunder Storm
14:52 Wood Under Fire
16:51 Buller Seizes Hlobane
18:18 Zulu Army Arrives
19:41 Russell Retreats
20:52 Barton's Deadly Mistake
22:40 Colonial Massacre
24:18 Barton Killed
25:47 Devil's Pass
28:38 Mossop's Amazing Escape
30:38 A Desperate Fight
32:09 5 Victoria Crosses
33:31 Complete Disaster Avoided
35:37 battle of Khambula
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My name is Chris Green and I love to share stories from British history. Not just because they are interesting but because, good or bad, they have shaped the world we live in today.
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 in Medieval & Modern history from the University of Birmingham.
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.

[@williamharvey8895]

I can't even begin to count how many times I've watched Zulu. As a Yank, I have always been impressed by the British Army, and Navy.

[@TheHistoryChap]

thanks for watching my video & for your comment.

[@johnnotos6162]

I actually saw Zulu in a drive in movie theater when it was first released in America, I think it was in 1964 or 65. Dam I’m old. I have watched 8-9 times since. It seems to be a fairly accurate representation of the actual events.

[@the5thmusketeer215]

@@johnnotos6162Hi John… If you haven’t already done so, make sure that you watch Chris’s video about the defence of Rorke’s Drift. You’ll get a very detailed account of the engagement, that you can compare with your recollections of the Movie, “Zulu”, so that you can accurately assess how much the Movie got right - & which parts of it were simply “Hollywood hokum.” He also produced separate videos that detailed the precise actions of the Men who received Victoria Crosses for their acts of bravery… & how these Men fared subsequently… One glaringly inaccurate & disgracefully libellous discrepancy between the Movie & the real life events at Rorke’s Drift, is how Private Henry HOOK was portrayed in the Movie (as a malingering drunkard…) when the real life soldier was nothing of the sort. If I remember correctly from Chris’s video; some of his descendants were in the audience at the Premiere of “Zulu” & were so disgusted by the film’s disparaging characterisation of Private HOOK, that they walked out of the Cinema before the end of the Movie.

[@scotfree21]

I went up Hlobane mountain a few years ago and couldn’t believe how vast it was and when I looked down and saw how steep devils pass was it sent shivers through me.

[@flyingsword135]

Did you test the rains while you were there?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your interesting story

[@jimmywrangles]

@@flyingsword135 lol.

[@cynthiaalver]

I am one of those who love to learn about the Zulu wars. I'm not even British but I am a history freak! Love your videos. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoy them. What is it about the Zulu Wars that make them stand out against other wars from that period?

[@cynthiaalver]

@@TheHistoryChap You know I could write an essay about the political, moral and philosophical reasons I'm fascinated by this time in history but I feel a connection between the Zulu wars in Africa and the Native American wars in US, the Boxer Rebellion in China... The 19th century at this time feels like it's speeding towards the abyss and these are just the opening salvos of a gigantic cataclysm to come. Of course the Boxer Rebellion turned the corner into the 20th century and, knowing what's coming within the next 20 years, it's a cataclysm that's impossible to stop. Still, the hope for humanity is there when people like the Zulu refuse to just lie down and submit.

[@kevingriffiths9787]

​@@TheHistoryChapThe zulu wars stand out because of the many stories of heroism and bravery on both sides. I know a lot of these stories almost word for word, yet I'm still captivated by them. Thanks for all the knowledge and entertainment.

[@paulbailey298]

Love your work Sir When come Zulu wars . U crap Yes Rock drift , islanwana . Never could spell them School rsa . Point . I walked in my youth , both places ( allegedly) School trip . Same I walked where Shaka , buried ,(allegedly) My point , you walked , that road . Zulu ,war ….history?? Stick too , British, history HMS hood .

[@michaelthompson342]

Great comment. I’m the same. Regards from Australia

[@Ewen6177]

Whilst on a British Army exercise to SA in 2003. Myself and several others, did a mini battlefield tour of major engagements of the war and this location was included. Great stuff and wonderfully delivered. Nearly the weekend. Cheers Chris.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Have a great weekend when it arrives. I'm off for a few days in Cornwall.

[@harryshriver6223]

Chris, I really enjoyed learning about this long forgotten battle of the Anglo Zulu War. I must admit you are completely right. Every time the British ignored Zulu signal fires, it turned out badly for them, along with piss poor reconnaissance. I wonder if this battle is taught to military students as an example of how not to fight a battle, it seems to me if the Zulus had won quite a few battles but lost the war, well done, amigo. I look forward to the next installment in the series. I can not help but admire the endurance of the Zulu warriors. Imagine someone being so flee to foot that they can pursue you for 8 miles undaunted and undeterred.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your interesting comment.

[@jb6027]

Most excellent, as always.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you. Thanks.

[@gemellodipriapo]

Cracking! Thank you!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@HTM95]

Thanks for sharing this interesting story Chris

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@FranciscoPreira]

My favorite subject indeed, excellent choice thanks for sharing.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support, Glad you enjoyed the video

[@paulmatthews7744]

Thank you once again.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure

[@NigelDeForrest-Pearce-cv6ek]

Excellent and Outstanding Video!!!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video. If you haven't already, please subscribe to my channel so you don't miss future videos.

[@free_gold4467]

Excellent as always!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Hope yopu can make my live chat on Friday at 1pm (UK)

[@johnedreslin]

Another great episode. Thank you so much. Looking forward to the sequel.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@oc2phish07]

Enthralling, Chris. You had me fully engaged throughout. Another brilliant piece of story-telling.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video

[@gordonpeden6234]

Well that's me set up for the weekend, listening to your dulcet tones, learning more history Re: Zulu V Brits. Keep up the good work, and have a great weekend Chris.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video, thanks

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

Great channel I just stumbled upon looking for Zulu War stuff. Amazing work. Cheers,!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your kind words. Please make sure you subscribe to my channel

[@craigevans4575]

Brilliant presentation and content, as usual. Absolutely love your vids and your live chat on a Friday. Keep up the great content.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks

[@johnhudghton3535]

Another very good account. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video, thanks

[@annedeniseclaxton3181]

I love listening to you, l also love learning about history you tell it so well. Thank you.😊

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video

[@doriantex]

Another great episode.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks. if you haven't already, please do subscribe to my channel so you don't miss future episodes.

[@polmick]

Excellent 👌 well done 👏 thanks

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. What would you love me to talk about in the future?

[@polmick]

@@TheHistoryChap there was a Victorian vice admiral called sir George Tryon who collided with another ship off the coast of Malta in 1893 , would make a good talk 🤔😁👍

[@rutabagasteu]

I didn't know about this battle. Thanks !

[@TheHistoryChap]

You can see why the British prefer not to talk about it.

[@nathanappleby5342]

Well done, Chris! Thoroughly detailed as always. Each and every one of those awarded medals was earned and Wood and Buller were most fortunate it wasn't far worse.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@RoryRussouw]

Thank you and regards from Eshowe

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks

[@christophermccormick2714]

Wonderful story! Thank you!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@mgramsdale]

Absolutely didn't know anything about this battle. Thank you!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@jmc7034]

Great vid. Never heard of this battle

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video glad you enjoyed it.

[@davidberlanny3308]

Hi Chris, Very well told story, the excitement mounted as it went along. Interesting to see how the messages were misinterpreted by the receiver. Great video, well done, see you tomorrow!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks David. See you tomorrow.

[@AxelPoliti]

Very instructive thanks

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video

[@idlewild1964]

😊well done Chris thank you sir!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for you support. Glad you enjoyed the video/

[@MrBook123456]

good video keep them coming

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video Thanks

[@unstablegenius7808]

Great presentation!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video. Thanks

[@smakybumm1914]

Brilliant stuff !

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks.

[@billevans7936]

Enjoyed much..like to learn more of some of these stories...would be cool..❤

[@TheHistoryChap]

Check out my Zulu War playlist. As I love this period, there are plenty more in the pipeline.

[@1958letgo]

As I listen. I find myself in the heat of the battle. Great job.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support, glad you enjoyed my video,

[@garymckee8857]

Fascinating video

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video glad you enjoyed it

[@RailfanDownunder]

😊 underlying the importance of reconnaissance..... Superb work again sir (I too became interested because of Zulu)

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video

[@72Bigray]

Great programme- a great watch and... a real history fan v Dan the son of a news presenter- snow. keep going pal thumbs up

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks. What would you love to hear about in the future?

[@Paratus7]

Thank you for this Chris. Very enjoyable. So….. who is in the photo behind you with the medals? I think I see the Italy Star? A family member?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very observant. Yes it is my grandad, he served in Italy during WW2 and was mention in dispatches at Anzio.

[@Paratus7]

@@TheHistoryChapFantastic. Thanks for sharing!

[@terrymarshall3377]

I was 16 years old in Oregon and in a full body cast from a very serious motorcycle crash. My buddies carried me out to a pickup truck and we went to a drive in movie. In the back of the pick up I saw Zulu. Good friends and a great movie. Zulu Dawn came later and since then I have been a fan of the British Army's history in Africa.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to share your story

[@haydenrussell8764]

Splendid job. Thank you. Once again the British Leadership underestimated the speed of the Zulus and the distance they could cover in a day. Hard leason to learn !! I look very forward to you discription of the Battle of Kambula Hill. Thanks again.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video & for your comment.

[@cameronsimpson-ld8nk]

Good one Chris

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Katmando376]

Thank you, Chris for another very educational video.Have you ever been to the general sir redvers buller pub in crediton?💂‍♂️🐴

[@TheHistoryChap]

Yes I have, but a long time ago. My former mother-in-law came from the town so we used to visit Crediton on a reasonably regular basis.

[@Katmando376]

@@TheHistoryChap Yes I went down there about 7 years ago and did a lot of exploring and visited his house.🍺💂‍♂️

[@mike_oxlong4387]

Top video as per usual. Would you maybe be able to do a video about the Franklin expedition?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed the video, I will add your request to my ever growing list. Thanks

[@ludwigderzanker9767]

Good evening Chris, thank you as always! I think the role of the fighting Boers especially in the ranks of the colonial troops is often underrated. They are native, riders and top shots which deeply hated the Zulu. I thought about how to say it politely but you name it, this nearly forgotten battle was a military disaster and only colonial troops were involved. Not the brightest light of all candles so to say. And when the Russians paid the Zulu to kill the survivor of the Light Horse attack? Real heroes I say in earnest all of them fallen soldiers...Waiting for the next one about my favorite British military epoche , see my english hooked out and wish you a nice weekend! Ludwig

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your interesting feedback.

[@user-vf3pe9ce5x]

Boers are not native. Even Bantus are not native. Only bushmen are native.

[@ludwigderzanker9767]

@@user-vf3pe9ce5x I know that already, it was meant in compare to the overseas British and no offense! Best regards to the San, Ludwig.

[@jeffbruin5487]

As usual a well told story!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching

[@samrodian919]

Another great telling of a story of a battle that I had not heard of Chris, your story telling is superb, bringing it to life as if we were there watching it from on high as it were. Wood was certainly a snaky bugger! If he'd told the unvarnished truth of the disaster he certainly would not have been smelling of roses, more like cattle crap! I would like to know about the next days battle as well if you can do a video on it. Bring on the Red Coats!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@StratfordDanBurrell]

I love that any British conflict historically always includes someone underestimating/discounting the enemy forces.

[@anthonyferris8912]

Not unlike the US cavalry when they came a cropper amongst others.

[@RikSandstromCalifornia]

@@anthonyferris8912 That is true, Custer was quite arrogant. But the scale of defeat at places like Little Big Horn pales in comparison to the Battle of Isandlwana.

[@anthonyferris8912]

@@RikSandstromCalifornia Without labouring it, my point is that Brits were hardly unique in at times arrogantly underestimating their enemy. Much as their enemies often arrogantly underestimated them. Every power/country has its glorious failures. Brits have always tried to do things on the cheap, but whats’s perhaps more surprising is how often they got away with it. Even at the hight of their power, they never once had the worlds biggest military. I guess it takes a bit of arrogance to decide to establish history’s greatest empire, out manoeuvring your larger competitors, hold sway over 23% of the world’s population and all from a small rock in the North Atlantic. Incidentally, the few indigenous tribes who did for Custer pale in comparison with the Zulu Kingdom.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching & for your comment

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your comment

[@Juppe50]

A great story well told

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@thomasglass4140]

I also have been interested in this war since seeing Zulu. Roark's Drift being my favorite part.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Mine too, although I haven't discovered many more stories from this war over the years.

[@derickl436]

Despite being born and brought up in Perth and with ancestry throughout Perthshire, I’d never even heard of the 90th Regiment of Foot (Perthshire Volunteers) until this video. Thanks so much Chris for both entertaining and educating.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video

[@brianmessenger]

Really enjoyed the video, The Washing Of The Spears, by Donald Morris is one of my favourite books. One of the things I find fascinating is how British generals from the upper classes make repeated almost catastrophic mistakes but finally through heroism rescue success from defeat

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@carlekdahl7507]

Guess the battle concerning Pearsons column ie Siege of Eshowe, battles like Inyezane and Gingindlovu are already on the future agenda. Excellent video many tnx

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jon9021]

Chris, please check out the British Militaria Forum Alberta shoot videos. We have several “historical” shoots. Don’t forget I’m a Pershore lad, so you have too!😁 Excellent video!…as always.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for feedback. Glad you enjoyed my video

[@allanburt5250]

Brilliant 👏 this one would make an interesting book or film on its own. Ps my own bookshelf looks very similar lol

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jeffbruin5487]

Like you i've been very interested in the Zulu war since i was a child.I went to see the film Zulu with my parents. I went on to see the film twice more over the next week or so. I've seen the film so many times since that with the info I have gained over the years, I don't enjoy it as much because of the untruths re the soldiers(Hitch and Hook etc) Hollywood does like to manufacture lies to make a good film. My other interest is in the French and Indian wars. I'd love to hear your take on the battles etc. Keep the good work up!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your interesting comment.

[@coleparker]

I would like to commend you on this video. Years ago, I watched the movie Zulu and then Zulu Dawn. As a result I became interested in Anglo Zulu war, but could not find much about it where I lived. As such these videos provide very some useful information on the subject.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video & thanks for watching.

[@derekmurray1462]

Fascinating, would definitely make another great movie about the Anglo/ Zulu wars , I doubt any of today’s modern film makers would do it justice to be honest.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to comment.

[@tomtaylor6163]

That that Zulus could run after and eventually catch people fleeing on horseback amazes me. Also the Boers versus Zulus at Blood River is quite possibly the craziest thing I’ve ever heard concerning Zulus

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your interesting comments.

[@mikenorton3294]

Great story again

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@nissafors]

Hi, greetings from Sweden and thanks for an interesting video. I have also for many years been interested in the zulu war. Why? Well, my first encounter with this conflict was through a comic-book when I was a kid, "The man from Zululand". It was about the battle of Rorkes Drift. And then of course there was the movie "Zulu". The war has so many fascinating aspects and strong characters, it still remains a "favourite" of mine, if you can say so about a war...

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & glad you enjoyed it.

[@wardkerckhof]

great content, great storytelling, but the video could do with clearer map diagrams

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your feedback & for watching my video

[@HarryWHill-GA]

Chris, would you please do more videos on the Royal Navy during this period? I know that they didn't have any actions as interesting as the British Army during the period but they were quietly revolutionizing naval warfare leading up to HMS Dreadnought.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I will make a note & add this to my ever increasing list.

[@richardbass3325]

Love the channel thank you and sorry for being a bit of a knob, Hlobane is pronounced Shlobane in Zulu

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & comment much appreciated

[@warrenbeans8495]

Thank you. I'd never heard of the battle of Hlobane before. Islands and Rorke drift but not Hlobane.

[@TheHistoryChap]

thanks for watching my video. If you haven't already, please subscribe to my channel so you don't miss future videos.

[@wood_worrier]

Not sure I have any reason, other than these excellent presentations, to be interested in this part of history. As a boy scout I'd obviously heard of the seige of Mafeking but it wasn't until I found this channel that I started reading up on it. I think I found it looking for some background on the Sepoy Rebellion to help with my eldest's history homework. There are large aspects of British colonial history that make me uncomfortable but that's not a valid reason for turning down a great learning opportunity.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your feedback

[@leonasmith6180]

Nice thank you, but your audio is fading in and out, at least on my computer. Leona

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for the feedback. Not received that feedback from anyone else.

[@leonasmith6180]

It may be my end then, I do have a slow conection, sorry to bother you. Leona

[@stigg333]

Great video, I personally think it's the fact of the professional British army against the so called inferior Zulu warriors, guns against spears, and the defeats we took before we took them seriously! Stay well and have a great weekend.

[@TheHistoryChap]

You might be right with that thought. I was trying to think why I am fascinated and it is along those lines. The British faced better armed enemies (e.g. Russia, Indian Sepoys and Egyptians) and some equally as brave (e.g. Sudanese) but somehow the Zulus capture the public imagination.

[@scottyirish3231]

​@@TheHistoryChaplove the underdogs and relate the Zulu to the Lakota here in South Dakota. Try one on them.....🙏

[@formwiz7096]

The Zulu War is very evocative of the American Indian Wars, along with Boudicca's Revolt, but shows how a sophisticated, yet primitive, martial people can hold their own against modern troops. I'm thinking Oriskany, as opposed to Little Big Horn. I also find Cetewayo a very noble figure. Now I'm going to be a pain in the neck and ask, if you haven't done them, how about Gingindlovu?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Maybe it was because the Zulus actually did achieve some victories, I don't know. Gingindlovu is on my list but I have done one about Ulundi, here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqKUYmqmj9iUpcU

[@user-wm1wd4be5n]

I love the Movie Zulu and I have seen it many times but the advance of the Zulu army still send chills up my spine

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video and your comment.

[@davidlord7364]

Saw"Zulu" in a drive in with my parents when I was a little Kid,"Dawn" much later on tape, always fascinated by that war.I've read books about it, got the Osprey publication as well.Bought a Martini Henry many years ago, recently sold it. An amazing chapter in history.God bless The United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, also the modern Zulu nation.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your interesting comment

[@DonnyTrent5533]

I think the interest in the Zulu War episodes might be down to what is called 'The Africa Bug'. There is a fascination with Africa that persists, especially among history buffs, which leads to a deep interest with the military conquest of the continent. Lemme tell you, though, that Africa Bug...it's got a mean bite. It got me one late winter's morning on a trip to Great Zimbabwe. We were staying at a backpacker's lodge on the edge of Lake Kyle; I was brushing my teeth outside the front door. The lake filled the view to my front, the hills that make up the valley in which the ruins sit was to my right and there was a deep forest bracketing everything. The sun was just beginning to become visible, the air was damp, still, cold, and a light mist hung over the water...in that moment I understood. It suddenly made sense why they decided to stay, I suddenly knew why they never left...

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to share your interesting story.

[@QALibrary]

A very interesting part of history... A what-if question for you... Wonder fighting these battles back to back exhausted the Zulu army and leaders too much hence leading to defeats the next day and following - what would be the outcome if they were rested or even attacked with fewer numbers in other battles?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Great question. Please raise it on the live show if you are able to make it.

[@richardduplessis1090]

One of my Boer ancestors died at that battle.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for your comment & for watching my video

[@richardduplessis1090]

@@TheHistoryChap 👍

[@Digmen1]

Like many British people I was enthralled by the movie Zulu when I was 15. I then saw Zulu Dawn. And I have been interested in the zulu war ever since. But I never really knew that there were several other battles, utill I saw them mentioned here on KZbin I then got the two books by Snook (I believe) I read the account of Hlobane in one of his books But you brought it to life. What an ill-conceived plan to attack up a hill with mounted troops! Evelyn Wood should have been dismissed. I look forward to your video on Kambula

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to watch my video & also for your comment

[@fedecano7362]

22:15 you would think that army messages regarding positions and troop movements would use coordinates and more accurate descriptions than a mere: "retreat to the right of the mountain" I'm certain those words were delivered in a moment of confusion and stress but it looks like they had no system in place..

[@TheHistoryChap]

Not sure 19th century armies used co-ordinates did they? Especially as they didn't have any accurate maps of this land.

[@fedecano7362]

@@TheHistoryChapI guess you are right, what I really meant were cardinal directions. I.e: "retreat to the right of the mountain, facing east" or just " retreat to the west of the mountain"

[@StuartArm-bi2cj]

I’ll always remember the movie Zulu on TV because it was the first time I stayed up until midnight by myself! Rather like the Plains Indian Wars of the 1860s and 70s, the Zulu wars represent a clash between ancient and modern cultures that intrigue me

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to comment

[@hadial-saadoon2114]

Over fifty years ago I received Morris's "The Washing Of The Spears" for my fifteenth birthday. I was particularly moved by Mossop's account and escape along with Warrior, who died as Mossop comforted him.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your comment & for watching my viideo

[@Johnny-Thunder]

What sparked my interest in the Anglo-Zulu War is what I already mentioned before in the comments on one of these videos: the historical comic book/graphic novel series Zoulouland by Georges Ramaïoli. Seen from the perspective of a British soldier and a fictionalized version of John Dunn: the white Zulu chieftain, the story goes pretty much through every part of the war of 1879 as well as earlier Zulu history during the reign of Shaka, Dingane and Mpande. It's a terrible shame though that the series is not translated into English (from the original French) and only half of it in Netherlandic.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your feedback

[@jackmorrison7379]

I take these matters of history and human suffering with seriousness. But I confess I lost it when a line suitable for Monty Python was part of your narration: "during which time he had survived being trampled by a giraffe". An involuntary laugh about something so improbable on a battlefield, except of course in Python land.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@RayWilson-iv7jk]

Do you have a history of the skirmish at Elsndslaagte during the second Boer war?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video. At the present time the answer is No but I could add this to my ever growing list.

[@Dav1Gv]

As you pointed out poor recce work was a major factor. 'Time spent in recconnaissence is seldom wasted', maybe Wood should have remembered this. As usual a very well prepared and presented video, thanks. As far as why I'm watching military history has been a major hobby of mine for about seventy years although I focus on WW1 and the ACW. Bearing in mind Buller's performance in the Second Boer War maybe it's a pity the Zulus didn't get him. And what the devil were they doing stopping the advance to bury the dead? if they'd done that in WW1 it would still be going on! Talk about idiots

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks fo watching my video & for taking the time to comment

[@billevans7936]

Cool...gonna ck out video now

[@TheHistoryChap]

I hope that you enjoy it.

[@donaldbrown4564]

Was there a Zulu uprising in the early 20th century? I seem to remember reading about that somewhere.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Yes there was but not on the scale of this war and in comparison, swiftly crushed.

[@SteveHB59]

A great grandfather of mine served in this war, he was in the British square at the battle of Gingindlovu

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing. Gingindlovu is on my list.

[@matthysjuys6884]

Piet Uys was my Great Great grandfather. He died trying to save his son, The family was granted land for their services in Klipriver area.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks so much for taking the time to share your family story & for watching my video.

[@jeffcushing3482]

What fascinates me about the Anglo Zulu Wars is just how badly the British underestimated the Zulus, despite close contact with them for many years. Arrogance seems to have overshadowed prudence and good field craft at almost every turn, especially in an area where good reconnaissance was essential.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to comment

[@IRISHSALTMINER61]

The Digital version of the “Boys Own”, publication?!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@user-nh3ob4so4w]

you are right would make a good film and you sir could do the intro , like richard burton did in ZULU many thanks

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your feedback

[@williaminnes6635]

The idea I had for a Zulu War picture was to do companion piece to Zulu, in the manner of Letters from Iwo Jima to Flags of our Fathers, with Mel Gibson as the director, shot from the perspective of the Zulu regiment that attacked Rorke's Drift, roughly on the Apocalypto plot structure. so the first third is just a story about three groups of friends in Zululand, living in an agrarian society as peasants, realizing they aren't getting recognition or being allowed to marry, sitting on mats facing the rear during battle sequences, not required to be committed, entirely shot in the Zulu language, cast, Apocalypto-fashion, among amateur and first-time professional Zulu actors who speak Zulu as a first or second language, and subtitled in English. then the other two acts are the news of Isandlwana and the subsequent march on Rorke's drift, and then the battle itself and the aftermath

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your feedback

[@georgegeyer3431]

This is a perfect example of don't underestimate your enemy.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@georgegeyer3431]

Your welcome. Excellent presentation.

[@bruceboome]

When my family emigrated to South Africa in 1957, the first place we went to was my step-grandfather's. farm in Umtentwini, near Port Shepstone on the then Natal South coast. It was named Kambula. I knew my grandfather had a military background, but not whether he took part in that action. The last time I went past the place, it had been renamed Buona Vista- it being politically unwise for a white-owned property to be named after a battle that the Zulu's lost..

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to share your family story

[@benjamindejonge3624]

Excellent presentation of a faraway country loosing battle after battle during a brutal invasion of a peaceful kingdom

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video

[@pauloneil8531]

Another marvelous narration of military stupidity and bravery. Why do they often go hand in hand?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your comment.

[@staffofdagda6238]

Was there any irish regiments involved

[@TheHistoryChap]

Not in this battle.

[@steveh7823]

These blunders also become insignificant compared to First Anglo/Boer war a year later when redcoats weren't facing spears and knobkerries, but Boers armed with Martini Henry rifles and light artillery. British blunders at Majuba for example were appalling.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your feedback.

[@mikefranklin1253]

It seems much like Custer at The Little Bighorn and Santa Anna at San Jacinto, the British Military ignored intelligence and underestimated the enemy.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your comment & for watching my video

[@user-xi4ff6oh9j]

Have you considered any stories about the British / american expeditions to Russia during WW1 as potential stories?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & re your comment, No, but I might add it to my ever increasing list. Thanks

[@kenattwood8060]

Why am I fascinated by the Zulu war? Simple - it started up with a string of disasters and ended up as a victory after the British Army learned how to exploit the enemy's main weakness - the Zulus only knew how to attack and if they were kept at arms length they would keep attacking until they were all but wiped out. Okay, it is a war that should not have been fought but that is another story as it was fought by the British Army and after a shaky start, it was fought well.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to comment

[@scribehades]

'Regiment of Foot' sounds like an 80s footie firm.😆

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video