A mini-Isandlwana: Visiting the battlefield of Ntombe Drift (Intombe Drift)

This is the video of a recent talk I gave to tour guides in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa on the little-known Battle of Ntombe Drift, fought on the 12th of March 1879 during the Anglo-Zulu War. A battle I describe as a 'mini-Isandlwana'.

This is my first time giving a live, in-person talk on the Anglo-Zulu War and to say I was nervous is an understatement. I think it went well, but you can be the judge.

To find out more about the Anglo-Zulu and other aspects of British military history then please subscribe to my channel.

[shawngarratt]

You got nothing to be intimidated about being a guide ! You got this ! No problem my friend

[Wolfsschanze]

Great presentation & very detailed, I can remember visiting relatives as a Child in the UK & seeing the Zulu Shields & Spears on the wall above the mantlepiece & on the mantlepiece, old photo's of Family from the Boar war & portraits of relatives in their Red Coats from the Zulu wars. I think South Africa touched every British family one way or another.

[colonialradio]

I hope you realize how much you are appreciated with these amazing videos. I have been reading about the Zulu Wars for many years, and it's doubtful I will ever visit these historic sites; you bring us there and we are able to view them as if we were there as well. I've always had a fascination with the Ntombe Drift - to the point where I want to write a screenplay about it one day. This video is the most detailed account I've ever seen (I saw the other one you did as well) - to be able to view the actual location is brilliant. Thanks so much, Christian. You're a gem!

[welshwarrior]

Excellent presentation. Very informative, done with confidence and enthusiasm. Well done mate.

[Lentonist]

Excellent talk, well-paced and very informative! Incidentally, have you ever visited the memorial to the 80th's Ntombe disaster at Lichfield Cathedral? It's quite an extensive one dedicated to the Zulu and Sekukhuni campaigns with carved wooden zulu shields placed across a iron gateway. Dedicated to the men "killed at Intombe River Drift". On each slat/strip of the shields are recorded the rank and name of one of the dead soldiers from the regiment.

[johnny_pilot]

Absolutely engrossing account of a battle that I knew nothing about. Fascinating and I was engaged till the end. Really amused too by the chap next to you and his occasional smiles to some of your interesting narration! Great job, sir!

[davidburroughs]

I thought I had heard all about this before, but your details really brought home what a close run thing this was for the both the British and their auxiliaries as well as for the 800 or 1000 Zulu. Nearly went the other way. That rough little river must gain its bit of the final and successful outcome in the second laager. As the last officer, the decision by the captain to be the one to go for help is extremely problematic and could never look good even if the Zulu had declined to force close battle. Why they split their forces in to two laagers is also a decision deserving the severest review. "I didn't think they would attack at all" is the secret to the surprise attack, actually, and the defensive posture one takes must be based on that. Insufficient guards, improper laagering and more must have rocked the British military world. "How Not To Do It" earns it's own pages for study in the curriculum at Sandhurst, I would suspect.

[keithagn]

Excellent presentation; very enjoyable. Thank you!

[StMiBll]

On top of getting to walk those beautiful lands as you talk. Getting to talk S. African history as a job has got to be fantastic! I’d love that job!

[PaulThorpeOfficial]

Thoroughly enjoyed that. Didn't know that about Ntombe.

[jackharrison]

Excellent, and easy to follow. And those Zulu names and other words seem to come quite easy to you. 10/10

[christinewright]

You have the most important qualification far any guide a real passion for your subject the rest will fall into place. l wish you all the best,

[thehistoadian]

Great video! I'd love to do something like this but for the 1885 Northwest Rebellion here in Canada, no one really does anything like this for it.

[BallisticCoefficient]

Your presentation and enthusiasm is Sublime. Thank you for your efforts to share this incredible countries history.

[leth]

You are superb at this mate. You are a natural. You have nothing to worry about. You tell these stories perfectly.

[armstrongcuster]

Very nicely presented.
Compliments from Swedish Army 1st Lt/ as well as history buff.

[Mackem]

I love your videos, I lived in South Africa as a young child, and visited rorkes drift, it is allot different than in your stories, we also watched the Zulu atomba doing traditional dancing and stories were told of islandwana, .

[macdansav]

Another fascinating post. The drone footage was very good too. Many thanks!

[stephenwill]

Your presentation and storytelling is excellent very enjoyable and informative as a listener, many thanks.

[rickybell]

A fantastic presentation and you come across as very engaging, articulate and extremely knowledgeable for which are all key in any presentation role. Also just to add you are very professional and I'd never know that your in training. Well done.