It's the 50th anniversary of the film ZULU! and if any of you are hunting in Zululand this year you might try to find time to visit the battlefield at Rorke's Drift. I guarantee you'll enjoy it.

If you want to know the story of the Anglo Zulu wars, you can do no better than invest in the fantastic DAY OF THE DEAD MOON recordings made by David Rattray.

They're not cheap but are worth every penny!

quote:

Originally posted by shakari:
It's the 50th anniversary of the film ZULU! and if any of you are hunting in Zululand this year you might try to find time to visit the battlefield at Rorke's Drift. I guarantee you'll enjoy it.

If you want to know the story of the Anglo Zulu wars, you can do no better than invest in the fantastic DAY OF THE DEAD MOON recordings made by David Rattray.

They're not cheap but are worth every penny!

The best Rourke's Drift website (by far) is HERE ...

... and you can always watch the entire movie HERE.

quote:

Originally posted by shakari:

If you want to know the story of the Anglo Zulu wars, you can do no better than invest in the fantastic DAY OF THE DEAD MOON recordings made by David Rattray.

They're not cheap but are worth every penny!

I'm listening to it for the 3rd time right now. I've read a lot on the A-Z war and figure these CDs are first class. Makes me hope Rattray puts out some more.

Dean

quote:

Originally posted by maki:

I'm listening to it for the 3rd time right now. I've read a lot on the A-Z war and figure these CDs are first class. Makes me hope Rattray puts out some more.

Dean

David Rattray was sadly murdered in 2007.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Rattray

Now that's a shame. I'll have to find a copy somewhere

quote:

Originally posted by gunslinger55:
Now that's a shame. I'll have to find a copy somewhere

You can buy it from the link I posted above...... They're incredible recordings that are full of the sounds of battle & accents of the time...... It's impossible to listen & not be completely enthralled.

A great film. For those interested, there is another film, "Zulu Dawn" made in 1979 by the same director. It is sort of a prequel, being an account of Isandlwana. Burt Lancaster played Col. Durnford, with Peter O'Toole as Lord Chelmsford.
It turns out, by the way, that Buzz Charlton is directly descended from Col. Durnford.

There was a movie about the Zulu wars called " Breaker Morant " . It was very good also. I can see the actor in my minds eye but can't remember his name. He had red hair.

quote:

Originally posted by Ricardo C:
There was a movie about the Zulu wars called " Breaker Morant " . It was very good also. I can see the actor in my minds eye but can't remember his name. He had red hair.

That was about the Anglo/Boer wars not the Anglo/Zulu war & is a true story of what is nothing short of an fine example of absolutely disgraceful conduct by the British Army & Government.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaker_Morant

Morant was played by Edward Woodward.

quote:

Originally posted by Marty:
A great film. For those interested, there is another film, "Zulu Dawn" made in 1979 by the same director. It is sort of a prequel, being an account of Isandlwana. Burt Lancaster played Col. Durnford, with Peter O'Toole as Lord Chelmsford.
It turns out, by the way, that Buzz Charlton is directly descended from Col. Durnford.

Both GREAT movies!


.

Written by Morant in his jail cell:

BUTCHERED TO MAKE A DUTCHMAN’S HOLIDAY
By Breaker Morant


In prison cell I sadly sit,
A d__d crest-fallen chappie!
And own to you I feel a bit-
A little bit - unhappy!


It really ain't the place nor time
To reel off rhyming diction -
But yet we'll write a final rhyme
Whilst waiting cru-ci-fixion!


No matter what "end" they decide -
Quick-lime or "b'iling ile," sir?
We'll do our best when crucified
To finish off in style, sir!


But we bequeath a parting tip
For sound advice of such men,
Who come across in transport ship
To polish off the Dutchmen!


If you encounter any Boers
You really must not loot 'em!
And if you wish to leave these shores,
For pity's sake, DON'T SHOOT 'EM!!


And if you'd earn a D.S.O.,
Why every British sinner
Should know the proper way to go
Is: "ASK THE BOER TO DINNER!"


Let's toss a bumper down our throat, -
Before we pass to Heaven,
And toast: "The trim-set petticoat
We leave behind in Devon."

The CD set is 55 pounds which converts to $90.42. Anybody have a used set for sale?

You might get a used set on ebay or if not, how about a lending library?

Safari Press has "Day of the Dead Moon" audio CD's for $45.

I just returned a few weeks ago from visiting David Rattray's lodge, Fugitives Drift Lodge. I highly recommend that any one interested in this period of history take the time to visit. His sons and other employees are excellent historical guides and will bring both battles to life for you.

My first vists was in 1984 and I took the family back in 2008. You can also get a Zulu version of events. We had Thulani Khuzwayo, a local guide show us around. He was a bit of 'a unit' and very passionate.


From memory the area of the battle is still a mission, at least is was in '84. The cliff overlooking the mission was very close and showed how piss poor the Zulus were at markmanship. It has been cleaned up a lot since '84 and there is a road direct to Isandlwana which still has a lot of memorials (painted stone cairns) raised by the British regiments who fought there and is well worth a vists.

My young bloke fresh from hunting on the Grassveldt, at the church altar.


Our hire car at Isandlwana


The movie is highly romanticised. Of the four Impi that made it to Rorkes drift, two were at half strength and despite thier fearless reputation, they were all exhausted. The English were fresh, prepared and well armed.

Two Battalion colours were present at Isandlwana. The first and 2nd Battalion. Both are in the Brecon Cathedral however only the staff and wreath of the 2nd Battalion exist as the colours were lost.

The day of the dead moon recordings certainly tell a very different story to the movie.

For example, the Impis were under orders to take Isandlwana and then stop at the river before RD...... Some did and some didn't so the RD attack was not a full strength one.

More importantly, the Zulus ceased the attack because of their belief in not waging war at night and there was a solar eclipse which caused them to get chary and pull back....... which is the reason the recordings are called the day of the dead moon.

How's that for a useless piece of information for you!

All good Shakari and thx for bringing this up. There is so much history in Africa for those able to make a few side trips.

I wouldn't be too easy on The Breaker either. He and his mates were essentially mercenaries. Fall guys for the Empire admittedly, however still not as pure as the driven snow. Great movie.
My favourite line from the movie is 'a slice from a cut cake won't be missed' I've used it ever since.

Technically not mercenaries because they were (IIRC) all from the Empire & yes, by today's standards, what they did was equally wrong as what the Afrikaners did to Morant's friend(s)....... both were wrong but Morant & the others were following the 'no prisoner' rule that had been issued so therefore had not broken military law of the time.

The trial & subsequent sentences were nothing more than political expediency & the way the Brit Govt threw them to the wolves was (IMO) nothing more than a bloody disgrace.

All that said, it was a helluva dirty war on both sides but probably dirtier by the Brits...... who in all honesty were absolute bastards!

I was at Rorke's Drift in 2000 and it is worth the trip. I stayed at Penny Farthing Bed and Breakfast. The owner, Foy, was a great tour guide. His family has owned farms in he region since the great trek.

Mistakes made in the movie

I've also just noticed another one.

In Zulu culture (as I have always understood it) a mostly white shield denotes high rank....... the whiter the shield, the higher the rank. In the movie, an awfully high number of attacking Zulus have white shields & the chiefs who are directing the battle have mostly black shields.

Thanks for the tip about Safari Press.

quote:

Originally posted by shakari:
More importantly, the Zulus ceased the attack because of their belief in not waging war at night and there was a solar eclipse which caused them to get chary and pull back....... which is the reason the recordings are called the day of the dead moon.
:

I doubt the Zulus were afraid of the dark. I don't think there is any evidence of the Zulus not putting everything into the fighting, dead moon or dead of night. Their orders were to not start a battle on that ill omened day, but once the main impi was found, they didn't hold much back.

The withdrawal and disbandment of the main Zulu army is well documented but not well explored in anything I've read. A common explanation for their pulling back was to allow for some customary cleansing to be done after killing. A warrior wouldn't want to be haunted or tainted or whatever, especially since the cleansing involved casual sex on the way home IIRC . This has always struck me as a weak explanation. You aren't going to build or maintain any kind of an empire if the army has to run home after every big fight.

One of my favourite parts of the recordings is where Rattray tells a story from his old Zulu mentor, the son of a Zulu commander at Isandlwana. He tells of how an old chief saved the day for the Zulus. The initial charge of the Zulu chest had stalled and was beginning to waiver under disciplined British rifle fire. The old man, old enough to remember Shaka, rallied the troops and was shot through the head in front of them. After his death, no one would consider taking a step back.

The Zulus took a pasting that day and I wonder what role the Zulu casualties played in the decision not have a go at Chelmsford the next day. Rattray's Zulu sources comment on the Zulu shock at the number of their dead and wounded. Was that shock enough, when combined with the cultural need for purification (especially after fighting on a day of bad omens?), to make going home instead of taking on the main British fighting force seem like the correct action to proud, skilled commanders? Maybe the answer is in the interviews conducted with Zulu survivors right after the war. It would be fun to dig through them to find out.

Maybe Rattray had heard the Zulu explanation. .

Cheers,
Dean

Maki

I don't for a moment think they were scared of the dark but do think it's entirely possible they were scared of what they believed came and/or could happen after darkness fell.

The Zulus have always been & still are a VERY superstitious people.

Well, you likely have a good point and are certainly better able to judge such things than I am. Africa plays by different rules.

Dean

Steve,

I'd recommend these books as the best (and most accurate) account of the two battles, as they are written by a professional soldier of regimental rank;

'Like Wolves on the Fold-the Defence of Rorkes Drift' by Lt Colonel Mike Snook

'How Can Men Die Better'-the Battle of Isandlwana again by Lt Colonel Mike Snook


Other books worth reading are 'Great Zulu Battles' 1838-1906 by Ian Knight.

'The Zulu War-Then and Now' by Ian Knight and Ian Castle.

Other battlefields worth visiting are Hlobane and Khambula.

Regards,

Blair.

shakari, I agree with what you say about the Breaker, hence my forum name The historical ramifications of this incident actualy saved many Australian lives and pommy lives. The out comes were. That only an Aust. Court Martial could sentence an Aust. solider to death and only for one of three actions. Tratoriously giveing up your troops to the enemy, Cowardice in the face of the enemy, for get the third. The main point was that the ranking officer in the field had right of access to his government and did not have to obey orders given by a forign officer if they believed this would needlessly endanger Aust Troops. An example. Blamey refused to let AIF soliders be broken into small units to be spread amongst the British units during the Desert campaings of WW2.

Morants and Handcock deaths were not in vain. Yes the Brits should not look at the Boer war as one of their finner efforts.

quote:

Originally posted by Code4:
All good Shakari and thx for bringing this up. There is so much history in Africa for those able to make a few side trips.

I wouldn't be too easy on The Breaker either. He and his mates were essentially mercenaries. Fall guys for the Empire admittedly, however still not as pure as the driven snow. Great movie.
My favourite line from the movie is 'a slice from a cut cake won't be missed' I've used it ever since.

Chaps from the Empire answering the call to arms.

Morant was pretty much a thug from what I've read.

The wikipedia article had pointers to statements from "other ranks" in his unit that were basically accusing the officers of murder. One particular member (a Kiwi, IIRC) was afraid that the officers would murder him if he spoke out.

And, at the time, IIRC there was no "no prisoners" order.

Boers were executed if taken in British uniform and since they'd been in the field for close to 3 years without resupply, there really wasn't that much else for them to wear.

Morant's "friend" was a missionary who acted as a spy for the British - no wonder the Boers killed him.

Bur all this has very little to do with ZULU.

My thanks for all the interesting comments by the Aussies!

Bren

Hope you won't mind me correcting you slightly there...... I've just watched the movie again and (assuming it's true to the real events) the friend who was killed was a British Army officer who led the attack on the farmhouse where the Boer Commando were and they (probably) having been tipped off were ready and waiting.

The officer was wounded and went down and the surviving Brit troops withdrew and then buggered off back to camp leaving the Brit officer to the Boers who then took their knives to him.

When Morant and his guys went back to the farmhouse, they found the stripped, tortured & badly mutilated body which so angered Morant.

quote:

Originally posted by shakari:
My thanks for all the interesting comments by the Aussies!

Bren

Hope you won't mind me correcting you slightly there...... I've just watched the movie again and (assuming it's true to the real events) the friend who was killed was a British Army officer who led the attack on the farmhouse where the Boer Commando were and they (probably) having been tipped off were ready and waiting.

The officer was wounded and went down and the surviving Brit troops withdrew and then buggered off back to camp leaving the Brit officer to the Boers who then took their knives to him.

When Morant and his guys went back to the farmhouse, they found the stripped, tortured & badly mutilated body which so angered Morant.

You may be right there. It's been a while.

Again according to Wikipedia (and I admit Wikipedia is totally unreliable for anything controversial, since anyone can edit it) the "torture and stripping" was that the body had been stripped of clothing.

The movie itself can hardly be considered a documentary, as you said since the film makers had an agenda to blame the Brits or the Boers. I may have to spend somne time checking facts before getting into a pissing contest - and it all happened a long time ago.

In the film, the Boer was wearing the officer's uniform so must have stripped the body.

Even after all those years, it's still a bloody good film.

quote:

Originally posted by shakari:
In the film, the Boer was wearing the officer's uniform so must have stripped the body.

Even after all those years, it's still a bloody good film.

OK apologies to all.

It was Morant or one of his hangers-on who seemed to have killed the preacher who was on his way to report Morant and co for the murder of eight prisoners.

This thread should almost be moved over to the political thread, but this is my last contribution anyway.

I cannot find the pointer to the New Zealander from the BVC who was in fear, but the Wikipedia entry seems fairly even-handed.

Of course they stripped the body - they had had no resupply for 3 years - since most went to war wearing their best suit and with a couple of blankets, they were desperately short of everything. They were even using British rifles - no QM to issue more 7x57mm ammo.

Here is a thread from the SMH regarding the UK's summary dismissal of the Aussie plea for a pardon. Seems fairly persuasive.

BTW - I'm not making the mistake of trying to judge him with hindsight and apply 21st century bleeding-heartism to an early 20th century event.

Hey Steve,

Thanks for all the great info on the topic. I thought I would add a little to the subject having been there last July 2013. I took a group of clients over there to enjoy a day of touring the different battlegrounds. And to reference Code4's post up above, the guide Thulani is still alive and well. He is who gave us our tour and was excellent. He is highly educated and well spoken. Still has a bit of an accent which can make things difficult over the phone at times but ultimately no big deal. I think you can get his info by contacting the museum at Rorke's Drift.

Actually standing there on the battlefield and getting the "play by play" narrative from our guide was very exciting and sparked images of the battle in your minds eye. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone with a bit of extra time who is also in the nearby area.

Cheers!

quote:

Originally posted by Blair 338RUM:
Steve,

I'd recommend these books as the best (and most accurate) account of the two battles, as they are written by a professional soldier of regimental rank;

'Like Wolves on the Fold-the Defence of Rorkes Drift' by Lt Colonel Mike Snook

'How Can Men Die Better'-the Battle of Isandlwana again by Lt Colonel Mike Snook


Other books worth reading are 'Great Zulu Battles' 1838-1906 by Ian Knight.

'The Zulu War-Then and Now' by Ian Knight and Ian Castle.

Other battlefields worth visiting are Hlobane and Khambula.

Regards,

Blair.

I'm a couple of books behind in my reading but, recently bought 'How Can Men Die Better.' I've been expanding my horizons on different subjects and look forward to starting this book.

It is amazing that the BVC and the Breaker Morant story still generates so much interest after 113 years.
I had the privilege of visiting nearly all the historical sites connected to the BVC and the various murders with Charles Leach. He lives in Louis Trichardt and is the local BVC historian. He has written a book called 'The legend of Breaker Morant is Dead and Buried'. The book is well researched with excellent use of references.

The movie is well produced but based on a novel written by Kit Denton which is based on the happenings but doesn't claim to be nor is it historically correct.

A couple of things I remember offhand from the tour and book by Charles:

The BVC used black mercenaries in the attack on the Viljoen homestead.

The mutilation of the corpses fit in with the finishing off practices of the Black tribes of the area. The corpses that were found mutilated were those Capt Hunt(British) and Veld-Cornet Barend Viljoen(Boer) They were probably wounded but not dead as the dead were not mutilated by the Blacks. The pattern of mutilation fits with the description in the book The Life of a South African Tribe by Henry Junod an anthropologist.

We had the pleasure of meeting Mrs Margaret Barrett at the grave of Capt Hunt. She is the granddaughter of Sgt Frank Eland (British)who was also killed at the Viljoen homestead. She is emphatic that his corpse was not mutilated.

Had the British not used mercenaries and had Morant's knowledge of the local tribes been better things could have been much different!

Apparently the take no prisoners order of Kitchener cannot be proven nor refuted with any hard evidence still available today.

Regarding the Morant and Handcock being scapegoats: they were and will forever be criminals and were executed justly. However they were not the only guilty parties, a couple of other people should have been charged and sentenced as well, for what we know maybe even Kitchener himself as he was closely involved with the raising of the BVC and the recruitment of Capt Bulala Taylor for British Intelligence in the Spelonken area.


The following I quote from a letter addressed by the enlisted men of the BVC at Fort Edward to Col Hall in Pietersburg, which lead to the arrest of Morant, Witton and Handcock:
"Sir, many of us are Australians who have fought nearly the whole war while others are Africaners who have also fought from Colenso till now. We cannot return home with te stigma of these crimes attached to our names. Therefore we humbly pray that a full and exhaustive enquiry may be made by Imperial officers in order that the truth be elicited and justice done."

These Aussies are the real heroes of Australia in this saga! Nobody will recognise their names but Morant is immediately known.

I can truly recommend the tours run by Charles Leach and his book. The amount of information, documents, artifacts and memorabilia they have collected in their BVC museum is jaw dropping.

Balule

Is it known if the Boers had blacks with them........ The reason I ask, is I'd have thought it unlikely the BVC blacks would have had the opportunity or motive to mutilate Capt Hunt.

Also is it known what tribe the blacks were & what form the mutilation took?

The reason for that is the traditional Zulu mutilations (I'm told) were very specific...... I don't know about the other tribes but would expect theirs to be fairly similar.

The Blacks were from the Bolobedu tribe and were organised the day of the attack.(Which took place at night) Both Boer and Brit fled from the Viljoen house in the dark, the Brits only met up with their mercenaries a couple of days later again.
The Brits actually asked the missionary at Medingen where Capt Hunt lies buried to help organise the mercenaries, which he refused. but Sgt Eland was a local who lies buried on his farm east of Medingen Mission and would have known the locals.
As I mentioned the form of mutilation fits in with descriptions of the local practises.
The mercenaries would have no scruples taking parts for muti, muti murders remain quite common and last year a young man was murdered and mutilated in a similiar way quite near to the Mission site.
The mutilation of the corpse is quite a story with prestige connected to who does what and the rights of that person. The 1st guy stabs the abdomen, the 2nd transfixes the arm and the 3rd leg. The tongue and genitalia and limbs may be taken, the face disfigured and disembowlment is a common component.
Capt Hunt had his face and legs mutilated. Manuscripts later discovered after the war mentions that some of the Boer casualties had hands missings.
Interesting enough Morant warned hunt Hunt against an assault on the house. The foundations of this homestead has been found and the attack can be rehearsed in your mind. The Brits made a stupid line of attack with the Boers higher than them, but then some historians hold the theory that Hunt and Eland ascended the stairs to convince the Boers to surrender. They however didn't see aguard in the shadow of a creeper who opened fire before they announced themselves. Eland was well known by these Boers as they were neighbours and maybe Hunt wanted to convince them to surrender through a known and trusted person?

Thanks.

Just think how differently the country (and continent) might have turned out if that war had never have happened or if the two sides had found common ground and managed to work together instead of against each other.

quote:

Originally posted by Highlander7:

quote:

Originally posted by Blair 338RUM:
Steve,

I'd recommend these books as the best (and most accurate) account of the two battles, as they are written by a professional soldier of regimental rank;

'Like Wolves on the Fold-the Defence of Rorkes Drift' by Lt Colonel Mike Snook

'How Can Men Die Better'-the Battle of Isandlwana again by Lt Colonel Mike Snook


Other books worth reading are 'Great Zulu Battles' 1838-1906 by Ian Knight.

'The Zulu War-Then and Now' by Ian Knight and Ian Castle.

Other battlefields worth visiting are Hlobane and Khambula.

Regards,

Blair.

I'm a couple of books behind in my reading but, recently bought 'How Can Men Die Better.' I've been expanding my horizons on different subjects and look forward to starting this book.

You will enjoy it.

Most authoritative book on the battle, in my opinion.

quote:

Originally posted by shakari:

quote:

Originally posted by Ricardo C:
There was a movie about the Zulu wars called " Breaker Morant " . It was very good also. I can see the actor in my minds eye but can't remember his name. He had red hair.

That was about the Anglo/Boer wars not the Anglo/Zulu war & is a true story of what is nothing short of an fine example of absolutely disgraceful conduct by the British Army & Government.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaker_Morant

Morant was played by Edward Woodward.

Morant got the nickname "Breaker" because he was a horse breaker in Oz.

He was court martialled by the Brits for mudering Boer prisoners and sentenced to death by firing squad. After being duly executed he was buried right here in Pretoria in the same graveyard as Hendrik Verwoerd.

About 3 years ago the Ozzie Government decided that new evidence proved Morant was innocent and officially retracted the charges and issued a full pardon. Roughly 100 years after being executed.