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

"Zulu" is probably one of the most popular British military war films of all time.
It depicts the story of the defence of Rorke's Drift during the Zulu War in 1879.

But how close to the truth is the film?

In this video I answer some of the most common questions that my YouTube viewers and subscribers ask me about both the film, "Zulu" and the battle of Rorke's Drift in 1879.

Chris Green is The History Chap; telling stories that brings the past to life.

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Battle of Rorke's Drift 1879

What happened to the VC winners after Rorke's Drift?

Chapters
0:00 Zulu
1:25 Otto Witt
6:34 Ammunition Smith
7:29 Chard & Bromhead
9:00 Zulu attack
11:55 James Langley Dalton
12:45 Henry Hook VC
14:00 Men of Harlech
17:00 The History Chap

#zulu #rorke'sdrift #rorkesdrift #zuluwar

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My name is Chris Green ("The History Chap") and I am on a mission to share the amazing history of Britain so that we can appreciate where we have come from and why we are here.

History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
So rather than lectures or Youtube 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 and continue to have a passion for the subject I studied.

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.

[richardjohnson]

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.

[EricStanway-kyys]

My great great grandfather, Robert Jones, was at this battle and won the V.C. Sadly, he died in poverty.

[OldRancher]

As an American it is one of my favorite movies, I to seen it in the theaters. Enjoyed your video!

[RobCLynch]

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.

[jimrichardson]

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.

[perenti]

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.

[buster]

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.

[maxnemo]

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 !

[guydebacker]

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 👌

[fld]

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.

[fredazcarate]

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.

[Why_So_Serious_]

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.

[CurelomTheory]

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.

[malcontentmc]

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.

[richardthompson]

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.

[michaellong]

Watching a historically based movie, more often than not, encourages me to actually look up the history, either online or in books. Sometimes, as great as some movies are, they don't always tell the real or whole story which can often be more rewarding by going into not only the history behind the action, but the results, effects, lasting outcomes, and future lives of those portrayed. Thanks for this alternate and more accurate view which can only add to the understanding and appreciation of how those on both sides felt they were doing what they thought was the right course of action.

[anthonyhind]

Saw Zulu when I was 9 years old, and it fired my imagination and interest in the Anglo-Zulu war.Down through the years I read books on the subject and every so often thought to myself that I'd love to go visit Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift, but never thinking that I would ever get there as it seemed so remote.I did get there in 2016, and I can't describe my feeling when I first saw the distinctively shaped hill in the distance.Wandering the battlefield of Isandlwana and standing in the redoubts at Rorke's Drift was an incredible experience.

[KingBobCat]

A very interesting video about one of my all-time favorite movies! Thanks for posting! 👍

[michaelmelton]

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🇺🇸

[davidjackson]

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.