http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1csr0dxalpI
Everyone knows about Rorke’s Drift but hardly anyone knows about the main show at Isandlwana. What a horrifying deal that was (from the British POV).
I saw it at The Lincoln Theater in Kearny, NJ. I believe however it was a company of Royal Army Engineers, supported by Welsh Infantry and Natal Border guards. An amazing and trenchant example of a first class civilization over an inferior one. The fact that they were engineers and were based at a small compound of buildings, they were able to fortify the compound to their advantage and make the enemy come to them. Remarkable still when you realize that only a week earlier 1,000 British troops were caught in the open at a place called Iswandala by the Zulus and were slaughtered to a man. 22 Victoria Crosses were awarded in connection with this battle, the most ever awarded in all of British military history.
I will set down tomorrow and watch ZULU DAWN and ZULU! Two of the best action movies ever made. Will not be watching the coronation in DC.
Back in 1968, the NY Times published a book of movie reviews by Rex Reed released to TV. Being 1968, I immediately looked up ZULU.
Talk about a crying baby. He was crying about how such a “racist” movie could be released in these hard times of 1968 with all the race riots going on!
The Washing of the Spears: A History of the Rise of the Zulu Nation Under Shaka and Its Fall in the Zulu War of 1879
By Donald R. Morris
http://books.google.com/books/about/The_Washing_of_the_Spears.html?id=CIWjmKPLCoUC
Men of Harlech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NuTaQsMNaE
January is not a particularly good month for the British army, as it is also the 171th anniversary of the annihilation of Elphinstone’s army in retreat from Kabul, Afghanistan.
Ironically, the Elphinstone family produced some of the finest Admirals in British naval history, and the worst General in world history.
One of my favorite movies. I watch it every chance I get.
They used Zulus as extras and you could see them charging with war cries and assegais in hand. Very realistic battle scenes.
I always wondered if any of the actors representing the British army garrison ever had a moment’s thought about: “Hey, what if one of these guys gets excited and has a “flashback” about being a warrior?”
Zulu, the complete original movie. BTW: The Brit uniforms are not completely correct. In the field, these guys didn't wear the bright helmet badge, and the sun helmets were dyed a tan color, not bright white.
My son and I watch the movie on a regular basis. Never quit! Never give up!
There is an even more amazing story set in SW Africa. Four German Soldiers held a fort being attacked by hundreds of natives. I think it was 400 against 4. The Germans held it for a long time too.