Walking the Fugitives trail: Postscript to the battle of Isandlwana

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After the British were defeated at the battle of Isandlwana a few hundred survivors made a dash for the Buffalo River in an attempt to escape from the victorious Zulus. Take a walk with me as we explore that story and examine the terrain of the battlefield.
I have also just launched a podcast about British Military History - the first six episodes cover the Anglo-Zulu war: redcoathistory.com/podcast/
Redcoat is actually me, Christian Anthony Parkinson aka @redcoathistory (Give me a follow!).
I’m a writer, filmmaker and journalist originally from the UK but living in Johannesburg, South Africa.
If you love military history and visiting far flung battlefields then don't forget to subscribe.
Twitter: / redcoathistory
Instagram: / redcoathistory
Blog: www.redcoathistory.com/

Опубликовано:

27 май 2017

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Комментарии : 199

@gooner72 5 месяцев назад

I'm sure that the families of the casualties and those who survived will appreciate the dedication you show to tell the stories of the men who fought in this absolute tragedy for the British Army. 🇬🇧✌️

@solomonstemplers 3 года назад

I was posted to kenya in 1992 for 6 weeks of live firing exercise and can totally appreciate what the terrain must have been like for these poor fellows the heat alone was formidable.

@redcoathistory 3 года назад

Thanks a lot...yeah very tough terrain to fight a battle in.

@pageant1fd Год назад

Belatedly I’ve watched this as I visited both battle sites and fugitives drift in 1980 the cross was sadly smashed. Thank you for bringing back the memories of my time in Zululand .

@jcoghill1948 6 лет назад

Seeing the battlefield and the rough territory make the history come alive. Your efforts are much appreciated.

@redcoathistory 6 лет назад

Thanks Jeffrey that makes it all worth while.

@patrickcooper7629 2 года назад

The British were defeated due to cowards such as VC recipient Coghill. It wasn't over before they fled contrary to this guy and they should have formed fight-to-the-death ad-hoc fortifications at the mountain rather than running away

@jcoghill1948 2 года назад

@@patrickcooper7629 Do you feel better now that you have gotten that caustic remark out of your system?

@patrickcooper7629 2 года назад

@@jcoghill1948 Coghill was a coward and I believe he was a mile ahead of most other survivors before he turned back at the Buffalo River even though he probably just took the queen's colors rather than was handed them. To make him a hero is like saying Trump was hero for turning back to manipulate his dregs post-election.

@patrickcooper7629 2 года назад

@@jcoghill1948 Your snark implies you loved my Wolseley quote :)

@Red19UK 7 лет назад

Ive seen Zulu Dawn a bunch of times, but seeing the ground as you've walked over it is sobering. Excellent vid mate, you deserve way more subs.

@redcoathistory 7 лет назад

Thanks a lot. Luckily, I just love making the films so hopefully lots more to come.

@jameswodehouse3 6 лет назад

I second that, terrific job. The detail & storytelling was immersive.

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

Cheers, James! I'm currently working on a few Anglo-Boer war related films.

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

@@jameswodehouse3 Cheers James! I'm currently working on a podcast series about the conflict as well so I'll try and keep you posted once that is ready to roll.

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

Hiya - in case you are keen here is the link to my new podcast about the Angl-Zulu war - podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-redcoat-history-podcast/id1464633664 or redcoathistory.podbean.com/

@iainsanders4775 3 года назад

My Grandfather, born Birmingham, 1869, & some friends used to visit an old soldier who would recount his days as a Redcoat - fighting in the Napoleonic Wars. He used to show them how commands were given & the boys would repeat them. Thus was my dad able to mimic for me how the old British command FormSquare! was given. Forcefully from the chest as almost one word, not as parade-ground commands are, usually with a preparatory first part - 'Fiiiiix - bayonets!'. Wonder how it sounded in Zululand..

@Jackal72 2 года назад

Lt Anstey's men probably fell back in good order (re your comment about it was amazing they made it this far) - ranks falling back behind one another so keeping a constant rate of fire but at some point they would have been literally overwhelmed by sheer numbers and 30-40 rifles would not have been able to hold off several hundred Zulus. It says a lot about those men and their discipline and knowing you are about to die but not running away in some panic. From my readings there were a number of last stands of the 24th like this. I still think that if all 6 infantry companies formed square early enough in the battle ie before their flank was overrun when Durnfords cavalry retired they would have held out.

@rhannay39 Год назад

Agreed, I think their only chance would have been to form square around the ammunition wagons. I do feel that sheer weight of numbers might have told in the end though.

@chriscann7627 4 года назад

Thanks for posting this. As always, a wonderful and engaging account. Nice to focus on Smith-Dorrien - just as well he survived as 35 years later, as II Corps commander in WW1, it was his decision to turn and stand at Le Cateau, during the retreat from Mons, that arguably saved the BEF.

@redcoathistory 3 года назад

Cheers Chris - glad you enjoyed it.

@wuffothewonderdog 2 года назад

I worked in Malawi in the 1970s and visited South Africa in 1978 with my wife and daughter, aged two - it was that peaceful then. We visited Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift. We found we were alone on Isandlwana, except for boys tending cattle on the outskirts as we drove up. They sold me a bullet from the battle, which I still have here on my desk; a heavy chunk of metal weighing an ounce. There was an eerie atmosphere over the battlefield. A dangerous country to visit now. No-one stops at traffic lights there now. Most of the old folks will regret the passing of white rule. They certainly haven't got a life now better than in those days.

@Ksknight100 2 года назад

Excellent video mate. Incredible to think of the intensity of that battle and the sheer horror in the aftermath.

@dovilenic9155 2 года назад

i like it how u have the sound affects from zulu dawn i watched it and god bless the soldiesr who died in Isandhlwana

@richardherbert9320 3 года назад

Excellent! Love it! I've walked the trail twice , 1958 and 1983! My late Dad walked the trail first in 1924, fresh out from England accompanied by his 6 brothers!

@redcoathistory 3 года назад

Wow that must have been amazing. Did you notice much difference to the trail between your two visits?

@geeeeeee3 6 лет назад

This is an excellent post. Never saw the actual route before. Thank you. It gave me a better understanding of the battle.

@redcoathistory 6 лет назад

Thanks James - I'm glad you found it useful.

@howthingshavechanged5252 2 года назад

Brilliant. I’ve read about the Zulu wars but never knew there were survivors. So good to actually see these places for real 👍🏼

@stevekyhos8358 4 года назад

I really appreciate your time and effort in this video. Excellent work and great information. As an American, I have always been interested in the Zulu wars and in particular the battle of Isandlwana.

@redcoathistory 4 года назад

Thanks Steve. Great to hear from you. I hope you get a chance to watch my other films too. Lots of Zulu war stuff.

@sheldonwheaton881 3 года назад

"And we're not being chased." Good point.

@michaelmuir4548 3 года назад

Brilliant thank you. It felt like I was there. Really felt for those that were chased and died there.

@redcoathistory 3 года назад

Thanks Michael.

@douglasherron7534 10 месяцев назад

Greta video. Spent a couple of days at Fugitive's Drift 25 years ago and what is not obvious from the footage is just how steep the terrain is - particularly on either bank of the Buffalo River. The spot where Coghill and Melvill are buried is up a very steep slope from the river so for Melvill to have carried Coghill that far would have been an exhausting effort.

@redcoathistory 10 месяцев назад

Thanks a lot.

@andyrmac7733 7 лет назад

Thank you for your effort in this excellent presentation. Great to see the terrain and the accounts read over really set the scene well. ...thanks again...superb.

@paulgarland3140 5 лет назад

Very informative and great presentation!! Thank you!!

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

Thanks Paul ,appreciate that.

@davidsullivan7743 Год назад

Thank you for these videos. I've read The Washing of the Spears & Adrian Greaves history of Rorke's Drift more than once and am currently re-reading Saul David's history of the Zulu wars so seeing you walk the ground of these engagements is a real help in understanding the fighting

@redcoathistory Год назад

Glad you like them!

@joshuagoering2048 3 года назад

Fascinating stuff. Thanks for sharing. It's great to able to actually see all these places.

@redcoathistory 3 года назад

Thanks Joshua

@haroldburrows4770 3 года назад

Glad I found your channel after having read about the battle for years, thanx

@davidcraig9357 5 лет назад

I enjoyed the narration and the showing of the landscape where the end of the battle took place. I can feel the stress / hopelessness, as these men attempted to evade an escape. I am amazed that 400 were able to survive.

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

Hi David - I'm really glad you enjoyed the video. It's an amazing place to visit. Most of those who survived were either on horseback or local Zulu troops.

@keithhallam1155 3 года назад

350 or the 400 survivors were Africans; also only 5 Imperial officers got away - NOT ONE OF WHOM WAS IN A RED COAT. There must be a suspicion that many who did survive had left the battle early; then again civilians recruited as waggon drivers, road builders, to carry baggage or to construct bridges cannot be expected to be as committed to a battle as professional soldiers.

@adamp5879 4 года назад

Excellent video, I myself walked the Fugitives drift earlier this year and can concur this would have been impossible for the British Soldiers to have escaped unless on horseback.

@redcoathistory 4 года назад

Thanks Adam - yes they'd have to have been a pro cross-country runner to have managed! If you are interested in the Anglo-Zulu war have you had a chance to listen to my podcast? If you search for redcoat history podcast on ytou podcasting app then you will find it.

@adamp5879 4 года назад

Currently listening to a podcast about WW1 but will certainly have a listen to yours after.

@leonidaslantz5249 4 года назад

Your YT channel, Podcast and recently released e-book on the battle are 1st rate!

@redcoathistory 4 года назад

Thanks a lot Leonidas - I'm really glad you feel that way.

@johncooper6413 4 года назад

Thanks for your videos. I much appreciate your direct, no-nonsense presentation. I'm lucky enough to have been to Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift but there was no time to do the Fugitives'Trail; now, thanks to you, I've covered it. Excellent vid on Kambula, btw.

@redcoathistory 4 года назад

Thanks a lot John, appreciate the feedback.

@jamesclayton3388 2 года назад

Great video, it really is nice to see and hear the stories of these brave soldiers. It is a great service your doing bringing there stories to us so we know what they did for our country.

@redcoathistory 2 года назад

Thanks, James.

@rayh7264 2 года назад

Got it visit isandlwana and rorkes drift as well blood river battle fields last month April 2022. Was a fantastic if a touch eerie. Watching your videos prepared me for it. Respect.

@redcoathistory 2 года назад

Cheers Ray. I’m glad you liked it and that my videos helped.

@rollo8847 7 лет назад

The comradeship to help your own kin in the face of certain death is truly inspiring At least with the saffers tending to the memorial they will not be forgotten, top video mate.

@redcoathistory 7 лет назад

Yeah, it's an inspiring story. Thanks for keeping in touch.

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

Hi Rollo - in case you are keen here is the link to my new podcast about the Angl-Zulu war - podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-redcoat-history-podcast/id1464633664 or redcoathistory.podbean.com/

@victoriansword 7 лет назад

Excellent video! I enjoyed being able to follow the action of the battle as you described it.

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

Coming from you, that means a lot.

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

Hiya mate - in case you are keen here is the link to my new podcast about the Angl-Zulu war - podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-redcoat-history-podcast/id1464633664 or redcoathistory.podbean.com/ - maybe we should even get you on as a guest!

@kenwbrenner 3 года назад

Your narration and research makes this part of the battle seem "alive". I like the way you swam the river and took us to the other side to offer views. Keep up the good work!

@redcoathistory 3 года назад

Glad you enjoyed it!

@charleswalter2902 4 года назад

If this was about Custer's last stand there would be hundreds of thousands of views. This battle was much more costly in human lives yet people don't seem to give it the appreciation that it's due. Talk about incompetent leadership.

@UkrainianPaulie 4 года назад

This American is fascinated by the AZW. Love these videos.

@ggarlick46 3 года назад

In a similar way the battle of the Wabash many years earlier was a far bigger defeat for the US army than Custers last stand. Casualties were about the same as Isandlwana, yet theres very little mentioned about that battle.

@paulustarsus 2 года назад

Either way, isn't it great to see nations coming together to defend their precious homeland. Bows, arrows and spears against greed and the latest weapon technology.

@idriselba7994 2 года назад

The Sioux were nothing compared to the Zulus

@landonpotts6815 Год назад

Great job on this video.

@eco-beehive 2 года назад

As a South African I should have done this at school. Very interesting. Thanks

@redcoathistory 2 года назад

Thankyou

@crsnmorton 6 лет назад

Excellent job on all your videos. Not sure if I'll ever make it myself, but your videos are the next best thing. Cheers!

@redcoathistory 6 лет назад

Thanks so much - I’m really glad you enjoy the videos. Fingers crossed that you make it for a visit one day.

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

Hi Carson - in case you are keen here is the link to my new podcast about the Angl-Zulu war - podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-redcoat-history-podcast/id1464633664 or redcoathistory.podbean.com/

@patrickmurphy6775 6 лет назад

Nice work! Thanks for sharing it!

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

Cheers Patrick.

@zz424 4 года назад

nice job - I always wanted to see the actual locations!

@redcoathistory 4 года назад

I'm glad I was able to help!

@mlotus123 5 лет назад

first time here.. great informative video... new subscriber.. thanks for your hard work Christian.

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

Cheers Mike!

@cecilwilson5442 3 года назад

Brilliant thanks it brings the story to life as, we see the area where the fighting had taken place,,, tough times,, with tough men,, from Belfast good video ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️

@homebrandrules 3 года назад

Top notch ! Thankyou Sir !

@redcoathistory 3 года назад

homebrandrules thanks mate!

@kinggeorgeiii7515 3 года назад

This video is great. The mountain in the picture is so similar to the one in real life. It's crazy how just a few meters to the side, is where that picture was based off of. Keep up the great work!

@redcoathistory 3 года назад

Thanks a lot / I’m glad you enjoyed it 👍🏼

@cyclingnerddelux698 2 года назад

Brilliant

@andyoertig2007 5 лет назад

Excellent Terrain Walk! I got a much better Idea of the Terrain from this Video than from google earth... Thank You!

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

No problem Andy, I'm glad it was helpful.

@markhealy5786 6 лет назад

Thank you for a great battlefield tour. I must be honest, I never understood why Melville and Coghill received 'Victoria crosses' for riding away from the battlefield to 'Save' the colours. I thought that was a bit ridiculous! I think the men who stood and fought at Isandlwana were more deserving of gallantry medals.

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

Hi Mark, while I'm sure they were incredibly brave I'm tempted to agree with you on that...

@rayh7264 Год назад

Hi Christian, love your videos. For videos like this one for the future may I suggest giving some cardinal directions such as "north west" as opposed to "in that direction" . Or maybe I missed it. I was trying to track it on a map/aerial photo and found it a bit confusing. Otherwise as I say your videos are top notch and both informative and interesting. I want to go back even though it's a long long way from Brisbane where I live.

@redcoathistory Год назад

No worries - appreciate the feedback.

@keithhallam1155 3 года назад

The only "witness" to the alleged heroism of Melville & Coghill was Lt Higginson, who had himself rode off on another man's horse (a Trooper Barker of the Natal cabineers) after Barker had dismounted to help Higginson. Where is it written, in any infantry training manual, that officers are to ride away from a losing battle to "save the colours"? The pair of "Ruperts'" deserted their infantry battalion, attempting to save themselves. Apparently several of the Basuto mounted troops DID dismount to stand with an infantry company . Posthumous VC's given to deserters, because they were aristocrates.

@williamlaxton3978 2 года назад

Once the order is given to “save the colours” it’s every man for himself. Not desertion.!

@keithhallam1155 2 года назад

@@williamlaxton3978 Where is it in any army training that Officers are to ride away on their horses, and leave their men to die? The colours were taken in to battle areas to be used as a rallying point; the only need to preserve the colours is to be used to rally retreating forces, and those two Ruperts made no attempt to do so. Who gave the order to save the colours, there is no record of any such order being given, and no British army training manual refers to such an order. The two aristocrats bolted, and Sir Redvers Buller was to condemn them for their behaviour.

@williamlaxton3978 2 года назад

@@keithhallam1155 Interesting points you make . I rather suspect an army that had never fought Zulus before were overwhelmed by the Zulu tactics. Orders were “word of mouth” with no time for anyone to take notes and survive.. Let alone pass on records to future generations. At some point it must have been obvious the battle was lost and only those with a horse had a chance of getting away alive. Where is your evidence that those saving the colours were actually deserters.?

@keithhallam1155 2 года назад

@@williamlaxton3978 William there is no evidence (except for one man who had disgraced himself in the retreat, Lt Higginson) that the two of them ever had the Regimental colours; there is no evidence of them being told to "save the colours", and such orders are against the army procedures. If infantry regiment officers leave the field of a losing battle on their horses they are a disgrace, the expectation is that commissioned officers will stay with their men. Many people did escape, and only one of them supports the myth of save the colours. How could any regiment control the men on the battle field, if the accepted procedure was the officers would ride away if things got dangerous.

@williamlaxton3978 2 года назад

@@keithhallam1155 Yes, I understand what you are saying.

@tatty1971 5 лет назад

Very informative and interesting video. Zulu and Zulu Dawn are my favourite movies however I have done some research myself on the events and videos like this show it more in it's true light than the glory of film adaptation . Thankyou.

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

Hi Stuart, thanks a lot - I'm glad you liked it and found it interesting. I'm currently working on a podcast series about the history of the British army and season 1 will be the Anglo-ZUlu war. Please keep in touch and maybe subscribe and I'll share details once it's ready to be released.

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

Hiya - in case you are keen here is the link to my new podcast about the Angl-Zulu war - podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-redcoat-history-podcast/id1464633664 or redcoathistory.podbean.com/

@kenhart8771 3 года назад

Thank you. Cheers from Denmark 🇩🇰

@patrickcooper7629 2 года назад

"I am sorry that both of these officers were not killed with their men at Isandlwana instead of where they were. I don't like the idea of officers escaping on horseback when their men on foot are killed. Heroes have been made of men like Melvill and Coghill, who, taking advantage of their having horses, bolted from the scene of the action to save their lives, it is monstrous making heroes of those who saved or attempted to save their lives by bolting." - Field Marshal Garnet Joseph Wolseley

@rhannay39 Год назад

I agree with Wolsley. The other officers of the 24th chose to stay with their men.

@robertstuart-hill7347 2 года назад

The Natal Carbineers died on the battlefield with Durnford. Brave men

@aquaticcrayon8636 7 лет назад

Love your vieos, you deserve more subscribers

@redcoathistory 7 лет назад

Thanks a lot. I'll just keep making them and hopefully, the subs will come...

@MackMateCom 6 лет назад

Great video thanks buddy 👍

@redcoathistory 6 лет назад

Cheers mate

@alistairmcgregor8820 Год назад

Presumably all those rivers/streams you crossed had more water flowing down them due to the recent rains? The Buffalo river ran high and the coffin rock was almost covered which in the dry season you get a feel for how deep it was and the difficulty in crossing.

@redcoathistory Год назад

Yes it would have been much deeper and faster flowing than the day I was there

@hlalanathihlaly4616 2 года назад

Thank you for your good presentation

@redcoathistory 2 года назад

Thanks, Hlalanathi. I'm really glad you liked it. I'm planning a film about Isandlwana told purely from the Zulu perspective that you may also enjoy...Not sure yet when it will be finished tho.

@hlalanathihlaly4616 2 года назад

@@redcoathistory yes is an good idea I really appreciate

@Tracks777 7 лет назад

Nice video! Keep it up!

@drakeamir5885 3 года назад

you prolly dont give a shit but if you are stoned like me during the covid times then you can watch all the latest series on instaflixxer. Have been binge watching with my gf for the last days =)

@allanquinton7329 3 года назад

@Drake Amir definitely, I've been using InstaFlixxer for years myself =)

@jagdpanther1944 6 лет назад

Oh wow...do you stay with your wounded mate and die, or do you leave him and survive? Glad I've never had to make the choice. Excellent video, it brought it to reality, and it is sobering, thank you. Will you ever go to New Zealand and do the 1860's war in Waikato/Taranaki? Thanks again for bringing it real to us.

@redcoathistory 6 лет назад

Hi Philip - yeah what a decision to make. I'd love to come to NZ one day - just gotta save up! WIll let you know if I do.

@jabulanimncube525 7 лет назад

Well do !

@redcoathistory 7 лет назад

Thanks Bra Jabza!

@mrtecsom6951 2 года назад

Neville and Coghill getting the Victoria Cross for fleeing the battlefield As Wolsey said absolutely monstrous I would have court martialed them

@redcoathistory 2 года назад

It's certainly still an issue that can get people debating. I also tend to think that the VC was perhaps not warranted in this instance.

@mrtecsom6951 2 года назад

@@redcoathistory Thanks for replying Oddly enough me watching this was coincidence with me watching the Wormhout massacre of surrendered British POWs at Dunkirk I hadn’t heard of this but the SS locked the 80 men of the Warwick’s in a barn and lobbed hand grenades in 2 NCOs dived on the grenades in unfortunately futile effort to save their men who were all machined gunned to death luckily 2 survived and helped by the french They weren’t even mentioned in dispatches Guess they weren’t from the right class but if they didn’t deserve VCs then you may as well do away with the medal And don’t get me started on the Fijian SAS men at the battle of Mirbat

@lorenrogers9269 2 года назад

@@redcoathistory In this case, I agree about the issuance of the VC to Melville and Coghill Chris. Brave men, no doubt, but this action was unworthy of a VC, IMO. Now, that said, Colour Sergeant Bourne should have received one. He was quite the man was Colour Sergeant Frank Bourne.

@jamesfinlay7836 5 лет назад

Hi great channel, can you tell me the best place to stay, hotels etc as I wish to visit South Africa and do a battlefield tour

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

j fin hi there. Depends on your budget. If you want to stay close to Rorkes Drift and Isandlwana and you have a healthy budget then best bet is probably the Isandlwana lodge. If you are on a tighter budget you may just want to check guest houses in Dundee and then drive over from there. Most mid range guest houses in South Africa are good value and nice.

@jamesfinlay7836 5 лет назад

Cheers appreciate the reply mate. British battlefield tours are a big interest to me as im currently serving in the British Army, Irish Guards Regiment. Keep up the vids mate cheers 👍

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

j fin No worries at all mate. If you do come and have any specific questions let me know and I'll try and help.

@ShelldonWells 4 года назад

I know that my comment is coming quite a few months later, but check out Rorkes Drift Hotel which is situated about 20 mins from Isandlwana and 2 min from Rorkes Drift. The hotel is reasonably priced and all my guests (I'm a battlefields guide based in Durban) enjoy their stay.

@custerkiller7670 3 года назад

Oh My Gosh! That is the rock! Wow, Doesn't Look much like a rock

@Johann559 3 года назад

That spider is a golden orb female, and is actually harmless. I think I am still the only guide on record that did this trail twice on one day. Nice video, again. Some walk, no....??

@redcoathistory 3 года назад

Thanks Johann. Yes it’s a lovely hike / I look forward to doing it again at some point.

@simonyip5978 5 лет назад

Have you any plans to visit either the sites of the battle of Maiwand in Afghanistan (1881) or the battles of Abu Klea/Abu Kru in the Sudan (1885?). Each of these battles happened within a few years of each other, and they were all British defensive battles (Maiwand and Isandlwana were involved both defeats, but Abu Klea and Abu Kru were both British defensive victories). The only problem is that both the Sudan and Afghanistan are quite unstable countries and are not particularly safe for visitors. But I'd be very interested in seeing similar videos from either of those places.

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

WOuld love to one day but as you say could be a logistical struggle to go now given the instability. Fingers crossed that changes in the future

@simonyip5978 5 лет назад

Redcoat: British military history It would be great if you are able to get to those places but I know that it would be quite difficult to arrange and organise, but fingers crossed that it happens!

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

@@simonyip5978 Hi Simon I just visited Sudan and realised that in the current climate exploring outside of Khartoum is almost impossible sadly. Maybe one day that will change. I couldn't even take pics where Gordon was killed because of the military presence.

@simonyip5978 5 лет назад

Redcoat: British military history is there much evidence remaining from the siege of Khartoum? I believe that Omdurman (where the battle of 1898 was fought), is very close to central Khartoum, just across the River Nile, and I have often wondered if any of the buildings or landmarks from the Siege of Khartoum and the Battle of Omdurman still exist.

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

@@simonyip5978 It's a good question. There may be but that area is a military cantonment. I think if you had a good local guide with the right connections then there are probably things to see but sadly the only military history things I was able to do was visit the CWGC cemetery.

@MarlboroughBlenheim1 6 лет назад

Good video but just to correct your stats at the end - about 700 British infantry were killed.

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

Many thanks

@yank-tc8bz 6 лет назад

Often wonder why they never formed square and fought in line ?

@moodyguymick 5 лет назад

Badly organised.

@tatty1971 5 лет назад

British arrogance and a lack of experience

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

Hi there - I think the main problem was that they never realised the size and danger of the Zulu army - Pulleine who was in charge failed to see the big picture and his men were well spread out. By the time they realised how much danger they were in the battle was as good as over.

@seikocitizenwatches 5 лет назад

For the same reason the British lost the war to the revolutionary army leading to America Independence in 1776. British army was over confident and arrogant.

@redcoathistory 4 года назад

@BANASTRE TARLETON Many thanks for the comment and I'm glad that you've appreciated the content.

@patwest1815 3 года назад

Does anyone know what ever happened to Private Westwood?

@redcoathistory 3 года назад

Not off the top of my head but If I find out I'll let you know.

@AlejandroGermanRodriguez 3 года назад

How many soldiers fled from Isandlwana and get safety beyond Buffalo River?

@redcoathistory 3 года назад

Hi, I don't have my notes with me but it wasn't a large number. Some of Durnford's mounted men managed to escape, and we'll never know how many of the Natal Native Contingent made their get away safely. In terms of Imperial British soldiers it was only a handful - and they were all mounted, no Redcoat who wasn't on a horse escaped.

@lyndoncmp5751 3 года назад

The 24th Foot companies largely rallied in groups and clusters around the camp and did not flee. Even the 24th Foot officers, who could have escaped on horses, stayed. Only Melville and Coghill rode off to save the colour.

@richardherbert9320 3 года назад

Hi! Yes, difference between then and today is : no people within 20 miles, no houses/ shacks- battlefield and fugitives trail was very much like it must have been in 1879 with exception of Anglican church and solitary Trading store run by a Mr Bashagen a Norwegian no less! Now wjolr area is spoilt by human encroachment.

@josephphoenix1376 Год назад

Z U L A !

@knowledgeispowerafrica7952 3 года назад

Zulus really made history

@redcoathistory 3 года назад

They certainly did - Isandlwana was a stunning victory, though lack of manpower and weaponry meant that the war soon went downhill for them. By the time of the battle of Ulundi, the Impi was a shadow of its former self and was completely annihilated.

@keithhallam1155 3 года назад

There is no evidence Melville & Coghill carried the colour. The Regimental colour was found in the river after the battle, but Reevers Buller considered the two to be a disgrace. They got on their horses and ran, leaving the NCO's and privates to their fate. The colour is meant to be used to rally retreating troops, not as an excuse for aristocrats to bolt from a losing battle.

@redcoathistory 3 года назад

A harsh comment Keith, but a perspective that many agree with - I'm still on the fence as I've read the argument from multiple perspectives and am still not sure how I feel. Appreciate you sharing your thoughts and hope to keep in touch.

@rhannay39 Год назад

@@redcoathistory I agree with Keith and Wolsley. 🙂

@jbcf4490 5 лет назад

It's weird where he stood is were thousands of soldiers once stood and were killed

@SyTheMetalhead 5 лет назад

If you are from the UK then I would recommend a visit to Towton battlefield in Yorkshire, it's believed that up to 30,000 men died there, and you can sense the ominous presence of the place

@JohnnyRebWasATexan 3 года назад

Can anyone tell me as an American. What does this word "asserguyed" mean? He said this early on in the video around 00:20 seconds. I know i am more than likely misspelling the word. Does it mean killed,massacred,murdered? What does this mean?

@redcoathistory 3 года назад

The main zulu stabbing weapon is an assegai - so the verb ‘to assegai’ - it’s a fair question Johnny and I should have given an explanation in the video.

@JohnnyRebWasATexan 3 года назад

@@redcoathistory That is alright , thanks for taking the time. It is a great video.

@allanfarr1917 6 лет назад

Croc in river?

@raymondscott6720 6 лет назад

Always concerned me in the film Zulu, but I've just finished Ian Knight's account (recommended) and crocs don't seem to be a problem. The fugitives and pursuing zulus happily plunged into the river without incident.

@idriselba7994 2 года назад

Yes many wounded were eaten by crocs

@user-yf7gj4xz1s Месяц назад

Good that you went there and attempted to put the story with the place. Strange how your romantic commentators are horrified about the loss......the Brits had no reason t be crawling across Zululand right?.........NO! Oh wait, there were a few cigar smelling usurers in London making a healthy profit AKA 'Empire'!! (A Scot, I lived in Zululand and learnt their language)

@nickthornton3661 3 года назад

i’m on the Zulu side

@redcoathistory 3 года назад

Good for you mfowethu. The Zulu warriors were worthy of respect and support.

@rexster_v5624 4 года назад

This place is allegedly haunted.

@guycroft318 6 лет назад

thank goodness a Brit talking sense at last

@mzilangwenkosi3533 3 года назад

It was British people not local people who told you that he was just lying to you bro

@redcoathistory 3 года назад

I’m confused, who was lying to who about what?

@morganlefey 2 года назад

recommend: a RU-vid video titled ‘South African Zulu people against mandatory vaccinations 25092021’. The Zulu spirit of Isandlwana & Rorke’s Drift is alive! Honour to the ancestors!

@esimahlenimkhize3700 2 года назад

After that our forefathers kings wer send to prison and for defending their own land

@redcoathistory 2 года назад

That's true - but he did return to become King again.

@esimahlenimkhize3700 2 года назад

@@redcoathistory give me more information about king Zihlandlo .Tilongo Kusakusa. 2014 witness news before I misleading the nation thank you

@redcoathistory 2 года назад

@@esimahlenimkhize3700 Please share all the details here as it sounds very interesting.

@idriselba7994 2 года назад

I would have ran not looked back and helped no one

@redcoathistory 2 года назад

Appreciate your honesty 👍🏼

@idriselba7994 2 года назад

@@redcoathistory Could I please have some sort of prize in return for my honesty?

@nicor3045 3 года назад

England brave honorable soldiers RIP

@donathello999 5 лет назад

Surprisingly, no mention of the Zulus tombs...Yet, it's their land and British is the invader! Do they not deserve the same respect for fighting for their freedom and their Land? When the lion will be able to write, hunting stories will be different.

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

Hi there - I noticed you've simply cut and pasted a previous comment on a different video. There are no visible Zulu "tombs" on the fugitives trail. I highly recommend walking the battlefield yourself to get a sense of what happened. I'm not sure what you mean by "when the lion will be able to write"...Zulu people are more then capable of sharing their own history and I know many Zulus with a deep love of the history of their civilisation. My interest is British military history and I am not an expert on the Zulu military structures of the 19th century - if I was I would have gladly discussed them at length. Many thanks for your comment and your interest in military history.

@donathello999 5 лет назад

@@redcoathistory Thank you for your reply. May I kindly ask you who are the fugitives you are talking about? I dont mind you being interested in the invaders military history, but it would be more honest to call it as it is : looting and murdering African people for their land...

@redcoathistory 5 лет назад

@@donathello999 Hi there. I suspect you want a political debate in which case I'll have to decline - my interest is military history. I am interested in the tactics and men who fight wars I'll leave the discussion of politics to others who care about such things.

@donathello999 5 лет назад

@@redcoathistory Hi, I respect of course your choice, though by posting such video, you allow each ones to analyse it following ones own perspective... And I believe that the army is mainly a tool used by the Politicians to serve their Big Corporation Masters!

@thepluckybrit413 4 года назад

Othello Good for you mate now let us watch our videos in peace without some you getting up on you high horse and trying to start arguments. We’re interested in the strategies and battlefields and the men who fought and being from Britain it’s mostly British history we look at same as you look at Zulu/African history.