The Battle of Rorke's Drift - The Reality v the film "Zulu"

As a "Yank", without this movie, I likely would have never heard of the battle of Rorke's Drift. Sort of a British Alamo, but with a somewhat happier ending for the defenders. Accurate or not, I'm glad it was made. It is WAY up on my list of favorite war movies. I'm also glad there are people like you who tell the real story.

I had the privilege of touring the Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift sites in 2005, as a lifetime history buff it was an amazing experience. My guide/driver and I climbed the hill behind the mission as well.

Whatever the inaccuracies it is indeed one of the greatest war movies i have ever seen, i’m a painter of historical figures and i love to paint zulu’s and britisch colonial forces, thank you for all these magnificent stories 👌

My dad took me to see this movie in the early 70s and I was definitely too young to understand it. But I do remember feeling scared of the Zulus and my dad chased me through the park on the way back from the Abbie Cinema in Liverpool...I ran for my life in absolute terror. That memory takes on extra meaning and I'm pleased that this video popped up, because my dad died in early July of this year and happy memories are of the utmost importance to me now.

I saw Zulu when I was a boy and many times since. This movie stirred a love of history as well as an appreciation for valor in both British and Zulu camps. Thank you for this insight into the real heroes of this battle. Jolly good show old Chap !

Saw Zulu in the early 70's as an Australian army recruit. possibly one of the best movies i have ever seen. Every recruit had to see Zulu during basic training absolutely the best war movie ever. Fantastic work you do on these videos.

I first saw the film as an eight year old when it came out in 1964. I was traumatised by the thousands of Zulus and had nightmares for years of them attacking my house. The horror was encapsulated by the music played over the scene of the waggons being turned on their sides. No other film has affected me so much for so long. I guess I was just too young at the time.

Saw Zulu for the first time as a 10 year old in 1969 or 1970: loved the film then and still do. Really enjoyed this review in sifting the truth from the myth and feel a little for the family of Henry Hook. Thank you Chris.

I have been fascinated about the history of the British military. As a kid I read everything I could find about the historic battles the British Army fought. I’m an American and even though we fought a revolution against Great Britain I couldn’t help but admire the mother country’s Army. My first battle that I read about was what we in America called “The Battle of New Orleans “. I have visited the battle sight many times. This battle was fought during the war of 1812 .The battle actually happened in Chalmet, Louisiana not New Orleans. I was touched by the small cemetery where British Soldiers were buried. There are trees planted in that location in their honor. The trees are called Packingham Oaks in honor of British General Packingham. I have stayed in the barracks where Andrew Jackson’s troops were located and was amazed how small the battle sight was. I was able to go the the U. K. several years ago and had a great time being able to see so many of the historical sights that I had read about. I’m proud to be an American but have always wished secretly wished I had been born in Great Britain. 🇺🇸GOD BLESS AMERICA 🇺🇸 🇬🇧GOD SAVE THE KING🇬🇧SEMPER FI🇺🇸

As great as the film Zulu was, the fact of what occurred is far more fascinating. Filled with nuance and pathos. Once again Sir you have come to scratch and delivered a mighty blow.

The movie is used as a leadership training film in the Australian Army (and possibly other Services), thanks for the presentation and I look forward to your next offerings.

I grew up watching this movie in the 1970's; still one of my favorite war movies of all time. I think the British soldiers singing and the Zulus saluting at the end, though not accurate, was still a poignant touch that really set this movie apart from all others. It signified a sort of mutual respect from both sides for one another. Bravery and stalwartness in battle is deserved of respect, and warriors of all walks understand this.

Decided to watch the movie on a whim and found it compelling. Immediately after I thought to find some context for the battle and found your excellent video.

Well done Chris! Most interesting. A film, in my openion, right up there with Lawrence of Arabia. Thank you for all that you bring us on these historical adventures.

Zulu is unquestionably one of the best war movies ever. I think it's the juxtaposition of the disaster of Isandlwana and the victory at Rorke's Drift virtually within the same day that captured the imagination the British public. With that idea in mind, I think it would be a great video comparing the two battle's regarding what was done wrong and what was done right during the two battles. As an example, I would like to see a comparison on how ammunition was dispensed during the two battles. At Isandlwana, the Quarter Master was a disaster, but at Rorke's Drift the famous "Ammunition Smith"worked tirelessly passing out ammo all night long. And, indeed, it was a very long night.

Great video. A couple of years ago I photographed and transcribed a military church baptism register at Dover. I was amazed to find the 2/24th Warwickshires were there at the Citadel from 1875-77 immediately before departing for Natal. There were 30 entries from the regiment - I was amazed to spot William Jones VC at the baptism of his daughter, QMS Edward Bloomfield, (Peter Vaughan in Zulu Dawn) and Sgt. John Tigar who was one of the small expedition who was one of the first on the Isandlwana battlefield to survey the destruction and deaths several weeks later. A few other names were killed at Isandlwana. It was amazing to see and hold a piece of real Victorian military history.

In the Australian army on my third day of basic training they sat us down and we watched Zulu. After the movie our company commander said "discipline will keep you alive that's why your here". Liked your telling once again.

Enjoyed that Chris, I have two large prints of those famous paintings of the Zulu war in our dining room, with a shield a wooden spear and some masks from my time in SA. You mentioned seeing the film in SA with your Dad and it was at a cinema in Australia our Dad took my brother and myself as kids, I later wondered if it was that film that inspired dear Dad (a yorkshireman) to look into working in SA. When we did arrive by ship in Durban as you did in those days, we took a bus trip to 'the valley of a thousand hills' and I distinctly remember Dad leaving his seat, speaking to the tour guide then telling us kids ' we are close to Rorke's drift ' as he pointed vaguely off towards the horizon, such a thrill !! One day as an adult I wish to visit, look up skywards and say 'thanks Dad for inspiring me ' ..

Excellent presentation History Chap! I have seen Zulu several times but was unaware of the historical inaccuracies portrayed in the film. I just never researched the story as intriguing as it was. Clearing up those inaccuracies I believe puts a better and proper light on the actual story. Thank you for posting. I thoroughly enjoy British Military History. I find it fascinating.

I saw this when I was young. I grew up working construction for my father, learning to lay brick. As a young man, in the near-100 degree weather of Oklahoma, I would begin to lose my steam in the mid-afternoon... And I would begin whistling Gary Owen. But not for long, because it took too much breath. So I would switch to "Men of Harlech" (my dad was very proud of our Welsh heritage, and I wear a leek upon St. David's Day, even though I'm American). That would buck my spirits up and get me through the day, especially when I'd belt out... "WELSHMEN... WILL NOT... YIELD!" It was like I was flipping a middle finger at the sun and the dirt, and the exhaustion. One day, it was brutally hot, we'd worked our butts off, so it was a productive day, but I had not yet begun to resort to Men of Harlech. My oldest brother (by 10 years) came up to me and asked why I wasn't singing it. I told him I hadn't needed it yet, and I didn't want to annoy everyone until I had to. "Annoy? Hell, we look forward to hearing you sing that; it picks me up." (or words to that effect; it's been many decades). So I began singing, and to my surprise, he joined in (missing half the lyrics because he knew it even more poorly than did I). So, yeah, in a way this movie meant a lot to me.