Seriously, how did the British win at Rorke's Drift?

In the last video, I discussed why it seems so extraordinary at first glance that the British managed to win the Battle of Rorke's Drift by examining it in the same way that films often show battles taking place- by taking two armies on a flat field, and mashing them together. But as we all know, military history is more complicated than just looking at raw troop counts, weapons systems, and technological advantages! To fully understand any battle, and especially Rorke's Drift, you need to look at its wider military and diplomatic context. So, in this video, let's look at how the British actually managed to win the battle! It turns out the odds weren't *quite* so against them as might first appear... -
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[Bullet-Tooth-Tony-]

It’s a great victory when you realise that 1, 300 British soldiers had previously been cut down at Isandlwana, makes you realise how hopeless the men at Rorkes drift must have felt hearing the news, and yet still held out despite the odds.

[benjamindover]

The British had more moustache's than the Zulus, this was clearly a decisive factor.

[mehw]

Nothing should be taken away from the brave British soldiers and Zulu warriors, they may have been on rival sides but they both done what they believed to be their duty.

[outlawcatcher]

I live right across the road from the 24th Foot regimental museum here in Brecon. It holds eight VC’s from Rorkes Drift & Isandhlwana. Spent awesome nights at the annual Rorks Drift dinner talking to the descendants of these brave men. Have also been lucky to have visited both battlefields in SA with work and talked to Zulu descendants from the battles too. Thanks for the video, this old soldier enjoyed it immensely!

[erichammer]

IIRC, Byron Farwell makes the point (in "Queen Victoria's Little Wars") that most of the Imperial adventures in this period followed a predictable sequence: a humiliating massacre or defeat to the British forces, a valiant stand by a small force against victorious hordes, and then a crushing campaign utilizing overwhelming resources to "win" the conflict.
Certainly this war follows those steps perfectly.

[kevinheath]

Brits are at heart a very martial people. They have won battles and wars in every continent and in every type of climate and terrain around the world. They have fought on others territory thousands of miles away from home for hundreds of years. They rarely back down from a fight and they dig in hard when others might run. They meet aggression with ever greater aggression and in the worst adversity they grow stronger and fight harder. They won at Rourke's Drift for the same reason they have won countless battles and wars. They are warriors and very very tough.

[brunozeigerts]

'We fought native tribes at Rorke's Drift.'
'Zulus?'
'No, we won!'
(ducking now)

[willmostert]

I'm a South African and Historian. Your pronunciation of "Kraal" is good and I'm impressed with your research. I visited the battle fields of Isandhwana and Rorke's drift. Did you mention that Chard responded on the advice of a Boer to turn the wagons on its sides, built the mealie bag walls, etc. ? Look at the wagons during the battle of Blood river. There were 10000 Zulus vs 464 Boers. Only two Boers slightly wounded.

[tubaman]

Colour Sgt Bourne was in fact only 22years old and was known as the kid. He retired from the army as a Lt Col. His daughters who were still alive when the film was made walked out of the Premier of the film. He died in 1945 and is buried in Beckenham, now part of the London Borough of Bromley.

[forthfarean]

Cetshwayo came to England after the war. He was stunned by the magnificent structures in London. He met the Queen, he was actually quite popular in England. The English gave him a pension and a place to rule over, a supervised return to his old Kingdom. The Zulus were very aggressive empire builders and were responsible for the deaths of around 2 million Black Africans in their various attacks on the weaker tribes.

[pelewads]

After your first video, I immediately re-watched the movie. After I learned of its accuracy, I immediately purchased it, and have enjoyed it many times. However, not one of the previous critiques, went into the informative depth, that you have. I very much appreciate your research. And, your analytical approach. One thing, that I think you may have missed, the Zulu warriors were
trained, in much the same way as Spartan warriors. They were tough.

[spiritualanarchist]

This battle made me think about the thousands of infantry troops slaughtered in W.W.1 because the brass ordered them to leave the protection of the trenches and run at the entrenched enemy mowing them down. It's a similar situation. No matter how many troops you have, if they need to run at a fortified position manned by man with guns the outcome seems rather obvious. They got shot.

[Fedaykin]

The presence of walls to fight from behind makes a huge difference in this kind of battle as it makes up for the shortcomings of the Martini Henry Rifle and its .577/450 ammunition, standing shoulder to shoulder behind that wall allows interlocking fields of fire that also allows any jams to be cleared without a hole being punched in the line.

[Fabian-]

Again a beautiful video Brandon, keep up the good work. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[Imperiused]

You made a great explanation as to the importance of reserves. I wish the Total War games would make some mechanics to make reserves actually useful in their battles. Subscribed!

[alinalexandru]

Matt Easton flashing on the screen when you mentioned context, of course xD

[brutusbuk]

I made a comment on your previous video about running a 1/4 mile at competitive speeds. I didn't have this different perspective, so I was wrong in my assumptions. Thanks for explaining in detail how this battle took place.

[mrandrews]

Because Colour Sergeant Bourne and his magnificent muttonchops held the line.

[timmo]

By splitting the camp and raw courage fighting for your life, and relying on the man next to you to do his duty too. Make no mistakes the Brits at RD were tough experienced soldiers.

[johnschofield]

it's a shame more viewers don't leave a like. This is good stuff ! BTW, I just subscribed, too !