Oh, how I love this movie! Your description alone raised the hair on my arms - and I’m not overly hairy.
Let’s not forget the subplot with a loopy Jack Hawkins who has to be locked in - I think - a wc for demoralizing the troops.
Yes. An important subplot. He cared about the Zulu and he cared about the Soldiers and he cared about himself and his daughter, and he could do nothing to stop the coming battle and death but drink and yell.