Chaplain George Smith ("Ammunition Smith") Forgotten Hero of Rorke's Drift

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The 6'6 tall, 18 stone army chaplain who never featured in the film "Zulu".
This is the forgotten story of Chaplain George Smith, known to the defenders at Rorke's Drift as "Ammunition Smith".
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Other Zulu War Videos in my collection:
Battle of Isandlwana
• Battle of Isandlwana Z...
Battle of Rorke's Drift
• The Battle of Rorke's ...
Melvill & Coghill
• Epic Ride to Save The ...
What happened to the VC Heroes after Rorke's Drift?
• What Happened to the V...
Colour Sergeant Bourne
• What happened to Colou...
#chaplaingeorgesmith #ammunitionsmith #rorkesdrift
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:00 George Smith early life
3:32 Rorke's Drift
4:48 British defeat at Isandlwana
6:03 Smith spots Zulus
7:37 Battle of Rorke's Drift
8:23 Ammunition Smith
11:39 Denied a VC
14:00 Career as Army Chaplain
16:10 Death of Chaplain Smith
17:17 The History Chap
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/ thehistorychap
My name is Chris Green ("The History Chap") and I am on a mission to share the amazing history of Britain so that we can appreciate where we have come from and why we are here.
History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
So rather than lectures or TRshow animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life.
My aim is to be chat as if I were having a coffee or meal with you. Jean in Maryland, USA recently wrote: "Chris, is the history teacher I wish I had at school!"
Just for the record, I do have a history degree and continue to have a passion for the subject I studied.
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

YORUMLAR: 388

@johnhudghton2287 Yıl önce

I am a former RAF Chaplain I wish to say "Thank You" for telling the story of Padre George Smith. You have done so in a clear and detailed manner. Outstanding presentation. Inspirational.

@robertstallard7836 Yıl önce

I agree, John. I would add that in my experience, both having served and as a military historian, a great many Chaplains are inspirational characters. For example, one only has to look at men such as the rugby international Kit Tanner on HMS Fiji in WW2 - another man whose dedication and bravery should be more widely recognised.

@stephenrice4554 Yıl önce

Well put

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Many thanks for your kind words

@kenattwood8060 Yıl önce

Thank you for another first rate video on the Zulu War. I wholeheartedly agree with that Chaplain Smith deserves more recognition than he receives currently. As a former soldier myself I am well aware of the fantastic work that chaplains do in the British Army - they are all unsung heroes!

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Ken, thanks for sharing those great words.

@eliotreader8220 Yıl önce

@@TheHistoryChap I didn't know that the scene where Rev Wit was visiting the Zulu camp was fictional. I am guessing that if that had happened in real life, they probably wouldn't have let him go? I didn't know that they strongly disliked the Church of England back in early 1879

@johnbuxton6009 Yıl önce

You bring history to life. If it wasn't for people like you our history would be dead and gone forever. Many thanks

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

My pleasure.

@la_old_salt2241 7 aylar önce

What a tragedy that Chaplain Smith has largely been forgotten. Thanks Chris for sharing his remarkable story. RIP Chaplain Smith. God bless, Rob

@TheHistoryChap 7 aylar önce

Thanks for watching.

@leonidaslantz5249 Yıl önce

What an outstanding individual both physically, heroically and morally. Thanks for making his story known.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Thanks for your support

@joeritchie4554 Yıl önce

I love that story about an unsung hero. That defensive stand is very inspirational.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Glad you enjoyed

@samrodian919 3 aylar önce

A memory that should never have been almost forgotten. Thank you Chris for rekindling his story. Rest In Peace Reverend Gorge Smith

@slowturtle6745 Yıl önce

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite channels for historical content. I'm very happy that it reached my recommendations.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Thanks for your support

@stigg333 Yıl önce

There was a lot of heroes at Rorke's Drift and they should all be remembered and never forgotten, thank you for another fantastic video regarding this particular one.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

My pleasure.

@darrenmarsh8830 Yıl önce

Really appreciate these detailed history lessons, thank you very much.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Thanks for watching

@tomconnors9126 Yıl önce

Excellent video. Reminded me of the bravery of our chaplain in Iraq during ODS, Captain (now Colonel) Vance Theodore. Vance asked, almost demanded, to be in the first wave of our attack to breech the mine fields and attack the Iraqi regiment on the other side. No matter a man’s religion, Chaplain Theodore was a great boost to our soldier’s morale, as military chaplains have been for centuries. Thoroughly enjoy your presentations.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Tom, thanks for sharing your story about Chaplain Theodore.

@keithmitchell6548 Yıl önce

Our chaplain was a bit of a nutter too during the 1st Gulf War. Can’t remember his name but he’d come up on soldiers standing sentry and volunteer to take their place, with the soldier’s weapon, in order that the soldier got some rest. He was a very popular chaplain and contributed enormously to moral, even to me, an atheist. I respected him enormously.

@tomconnors9126 Yıl önce

@@keithmitchell6548 Were you with the Desert Rats? They followed us, 1st Infantry Division, through the breech. They had bagpipers at entrance to each breech lane. Gotta love the style!

@keithmitchell6548 Yıl önce

@@tomconnors9126 Yep, I remember going through the breach with the welcome signs courtesy of the ‘Big Red One’. Thank you. Our division took a swift different direction then took on I think 3 Republican Guard divisions. I think we were the hinge between the 7th US Army Corps and whichever allied (probably American) force was to our right.

@keithmitchell6548 Yıl önce

@@tomconnors9126 you bring back memories..

@neilpage901 Yıl önce

Another great story, well-researched and well told. 'Ammunition' Smith was indeed a remarkable man and his courage at the battle undeniable. In so many ways, another forgotten hero of that day. Would be good to hear you tell the stories of Samuel Wassall VC and Horace Smith Dorien who also performed remarkable feats that day, at Fugitives' Drift, just before Rorkes Drift erupted. Keep them coming, Chris.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Will add your suggestions to my list

@admiraltiberius1989 Yıl önce

Fantastic video as always sir. Chaplain Smith sounds like an amazing, incredible individual. He sounds like a Chaplain who could appear in the Sci Fi/Fantasy setting of Warhammer 40k. Might have to bring that up to some friends of mine who actually do models. Also that beard is amazing, even in an era of amazing beards it stands out.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for your support.

@aburninglandfillofbadmovie2930 11 aylar önce

It couldn't happen to a better person, go for it Admiral. Padre George Smith's nickname gave me the idea that the unit holds a hand-held tool that smiths ammo some kind of way, so that the unit can resupply soldiers their ammo a theoretically infinite number of times.

@OscarGomez-hx8zc 4 aylar önce

All heroes need to be honored and remembered, thank you!

@nicholasjonesroguecroce Yıl önce

I like your vlog, it's informative & you bring different links of history up to date. Well done. In my opinion, you're offering an important opportunity to learn more about history.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Thanks for those kind words

@samrodian919 3 aylar önce

I wish you had been my history teacher at school some 60 years ago Chris. History then left me completely cold. It was presented as dry as dust. It is only in adulthood and the advent of the internet that I've become interested at last. And your channel is one of the go to ones I visit regularly. I also love the archeological history programmes like Time Team too. Please keep them coming Chris!

@stephenbailey1931 Yıl önce

Excellent. Thank you for bringing this hero of a man to my attention. Love and respect to Amunition Smith and all those like him.👍🏻🇬🇧😊

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Glad you enjoyed

@harryshriver6223 9 aylar önce

I really enjoyed the story of Ammunition Smith, he led a long and full life. His bravery and tenacity under fire was apparent to all who encountered him. As a former soldier, I salute you sir and cry our motto, Essayons! Huuah!

@TheHistoryChap 9 aylar önce

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and taking the time to post a comment too.

@RajuDas-qu1li 5 aylar önce

Great story! Goosebumps! George Smith was an angel that night! You make the history alive! Carry on!

@TheHistoryChap 5 aylar önce

Many thanks. Please do sign up for my weekly newsletter at www.thehistorychap.com

@seandobson499 Yıl önce

As a former soldier myself and a military history buff, I am sorry to say that I had never heard of Chaplain George Smith and his heroic service at Rorke's Drift and his subsequent, service, as you so rightly say,"what a man"

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Sean, thanks for taking g the time to comment. Glad you enjoyed

@nathanappleby5342 Yıl önce

That was quite the story. That man more than deserved to get a VC! Nice photo of the British unit in parade ground formation. As you had brought in up in the video, would you do one on the Battle of Gennis? It's an engagement that's not well known and as it's the last battle where the British wore their trademark red uniforms it deserves some more attention. Also, as you did a video on Islandlwana, would you do one on the Battle of Maiwand from the Second Anglo-Afghan War as it is essentially "Afghanistan's Islandlwana"? Where exactly were you filming the video?

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Ginnis and Maiwand on my list.

@charlesarmstrong5292 Aylar önce

Thank you for remembering this fine fellow. I am an expat South African and avid follower and reader of their history. To my great surprise, this is the first I have come across his story. Sad how some men and indeed women of high calibre, become lost in histories fading light. Keep up the very good work.

@TheHistoryChap Aylar önce

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

@bobsmoot2392 Yıl önce

A delicious story, well told. You bring our history, the history of the human spirit, to life. Thank you, sir.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

My pleasure. Thanks for watching

@martinwarner1178 7 aylar önce

Your videos are always good, but this one was so good, relaying the story of a some what, "missed" hero. Thank you. Peace be unto you.

@TheHistoryChap 7 aylar önce

Thanks for your kind words

@heathfairbairn2460 Yıl önce

thank you for yet another wonderful personalised story from history, it is indeed a travesty of history that this great man was not in that film and was almost forgotten, we will not forget him now, you have seen to that, God bless

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Glad you enjoyed

@davidnemoseck9007 Yıl önce

Agree. This man deserved more, and to not be forgotten. Thank you for bringing him up.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

The anniversary of his death is this week.

@davidnemoseck9007 Yıl önce

@@TheHistoryChap cool. Thanks for that info.

@derickl436 Yıl önce

A terrific video on another unsung hero. Thank you!

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

My pleasure

@reynardthefox Yıl önce

Another fascinating, information packed,take . As a colonial(American)whose ancestors were British military in the 18th.and 19th centuries ,I became an amateur military historian . I can't help but compare Isandlwana (beware of auto correct,) with Custer dividing his forces at the Little Big Horn and Rorke's Drift with The Alamo

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Don, Um glad you enjoyed

@Mark-lx6xj Yıl önce

Again an amazing little known story. I have learnt so much about this campaign just watching your videos. Thank you so much.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

My pleasure. Thanks for watching

@michaelmalone9062 10 aylar önce

Remarkable account about a remarkable chaplain. This army chaplain really appreciated learning about a unique British chaplain. Hooah! I've passed the link on to my chaplain friends.

@TheHistoryChap 10 aylar önce

Thank you for passing the link to your fellow chaplains. I have at least one more chaplain story up my sleeve.

@richardlewis2036 Yıl önce

Fantastic video about a man I had never heard of. Why he wasn't mentioned in the film I can't understand. Keep up the great work.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Thanks for watching.

@knowshet313 Yıl önce

Thank you for bringing this wonderful piece of history to our attention. The glory of discovery is such a marvelous thing. All of this weaves a fine quilt that one may wrap their intellect in.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Thank you.

@WNH3 Yıl önce

Great episode! And yes, let's hear the story of the adopted Sudanese boy.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Thank you

@cameronpeck8657 Yıl önce

I really enjoy your videos as they are a bit more in depth and presented in between alot of history TRshowrs and the sort of videos we were shown in school and alot of your content topics are different. One thing I would like is if you were to present on screen in font the spellings of people's names and battles, e.g in this video you mentioned the battle of ginnis, I searched the battle of Guinness because I hadn't heard of it before and luckily the auto suggest search had the correct spelling with a blurb. In the past i have missed out on being able to follow up verbal leads due to not being able to correctly convert it into text and therefore no results were shown

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Thanks for that feedback. Will attempt to incorporate into future videos.

@joebutterman3084 10 aylar önce

Another interesting event very well presented. But I have another question. In 1811, the British 34th Foot and the French 34th Foot mixed it up at the Battle of Arroyo Dos Molinos. In the course of this action, the drums, and the drum majors baton, of the French 34th were captured. It became customary to troop these drums on the anniversary of the battle. There are two examples of this ceremony on film - Pathe & Movietone - dating from around 1934. They say that it was customary for the youngest boy of the battalion to serve as drum major on the day of the celebration. Can you find out how this tradition developed? It must be a fascinating story. The 34th became the 1st Battalion of the Border Regiment before passing into history in 1994. Thanks for you consideration.

@grzzz2287 Yıl önce

Thanks for an excellent narrative on this little known hero of the action! May I suggest another little-known hero for a future presentation - Job Meseko - who sank a German ship with a milk can

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Thanks for suggestion. Just read a little bit about him and what an amazing man.

@npc77107 Yıl önce

Excellent video, I've learned so much about the Zulu war from your historic telling of this time in British history.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Glad you enjoyed.

@npc77107 Yıl önce

@@TheHistoryChap yes after reading the comment from the soldier before mine, I also agree that the Chaplin , deserves official recognition. In my previous occupation we also had a Chaplin,:Father Pete , who I'll never forget.

@welshwarrior5263 Yıl önce

Brilliantly told as always. Thank you.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Thanks for your support

@georgegeyer3431 9 aylar önce

It is sad that he wasn't portrayed in the movie Zulu. I watched it on television the other night knowing more now about the battle. Thank you.

@TheHistoryChap 9 aylar önce

Yes it was sad. Maybe a bit too like Nigel Green's build (who played CS Bourne)?

@davidwoods7720 Yıl önce

thanks so much, sad how film makers leave out a lot og good stuff and embelish with a lot of rubbish. ZULU is also my 93 year old Mothers favourite film of all times and due to dementia she watches it weekly. Many thanks as always.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Thanks for sharing.

@outlet6989 9 aylar önce

You may march down the same path as a column going to war. But you never know which path you will eventually take and what service you will provide at the end of your path. Chaplain George Smith, aka. Ammunition Smith found his path led to Rorke's Drift. He deserves praise for his contributions to the men there.

@TheHistoryChap 9 aylar önce

Nice words. Thanks for sharing

@johngalt2506 Yıl önce

Another excellent video. Glad to see your channel growing. You'll be at a million in no time! 😉

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Thanks for your support.

@georgegeyer3431 9 aylar önce

Excellent work. Very sad about such brave men.

@TheHistoryChap 9 aylar önce

Indeed. Thanks for watching

@colinsmith7465 Yıl önce

Wonderful story of one of the forgotten heroes of Rorks Drift. Think you summed it up very well at the end 'What a man'! Any chance of a video on the double VC winner Martin Arthur Leake from Hertfordshire?

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Colin, I’ve added him to my list. Watch this space!

@maxshep2829 10 aylar önce

@@TheHistoryChap ooohh, on the subject of double VC winners, any chance of a video on Noel Godfrey Chavasse? I've visited his grave at Brandhoek 8-9 years ago, and he's always stuck with me since... To be awarded one VC is amazing, twice is quite the feat!

@porkpie4594 Yıl önce

Yet another great video. My Godfather was a Army Chaplain, at Woolwich barracks.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Thanks for sharing and I’m glad you enjoyed

@phillipsmiley5930 10 aylar önce

The big difference between the battle of Rorks drift and Battle of Isandlwana was at Isandlwana the Ammunition quartermaster had failed to get the boxes open in time. The Ammo boxes were strong wood with long screws holding the lids down with only one screwdriver

@TheHistoryChap 10 aylar önce

There is a fair bit of evidence to say that for most of the battle the ammo supply was well a well run operation (Ian Knight mentioned it two weeks ago at his lecture at the National Army Museum).

@bevinboulder5039 Yıl önce

Very interesting and informative. What a shame that he wasn't included in the film which is also one of my favorites.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Thanks for taking the time to comment

@bevinboulder5039 Yıl önce

@@TheHistoryChap Thank you for the time and effort to tell this man's story!

@AgentGB1 Yıl önce

The Zulu theme tune by John Barry was playing in my head while watching this. Ammunition Smith was quite the character, a force multiplier.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

I used to have it as a ring tone!

@carlkinvig6047 11 aylar önce

Didn't know we have this hero resting in our fair city of Preston, great story thanks for sharing.

@TheHistoryChap 11 aylar önce

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching.

@AdamB9866 Yıl önce

Brilliant. What a great story about an inspirational man.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Glad you enjoyed

@Edwardnarby92 Yıl önce

Brilliant documentary! Really enjoyed this! Thank you very much for sharing

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

@UkrainianPaulie Yıl önce

Chard was at Isandlwana that morning. He spotted the advance of the right horn on the Nyoni heights. Then he beat feet back to the drift. So I cannot see how they were clueless to what was happening, once they heard gunfire/cannon fire. But that's just me.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

They knew a battle was taking place just not what was befalling the British forces.

@1969triumph Yıl önce

I was totally unaware of chaplain George lsmith, but I will make it my mission to pass on his story to others.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Glad you enjoyed

@georgegeyer3431 9 aylar önce

A friend of mine during the late 1980's had a book titled the , The Washing Of The Spears. One that I tried to borrow but he would not let it out of his hands. His grandfather was a member of the SWB. I wss able to obtain a original cap badge for his helmet. The book was the first one I saw about the Zulu war. Your videos are like reading a war story. Jolly Good.

@TheHistoryChap 9 aylar önce

Washing of the Spears is still a good book, although a lot of new material has helped historians since then. Glad you enjoyed my video too.

@biojoe8676 Yıl önce

I am an American citizen, and I love your tales of British history. New Jersey Joe 🇯🇪

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Many thanks Joe.

@artisaprimus6306 4 aylar önce

Any soldier or civilian that fought in that battle was a hero. Incredibly brave to stay there knowing a massive Zulu army was coming their direction.

@TheHistoryChap 4 aylar önce

I reckon you are right.

@bobbrown5529 Yıl önce

amazing story . True Heroes normally stay on the Battle Field , and have Monuments erected The rest are unsung Heroes' . They slowly slip into History and are forgotten . But then along comes The History Chap to keep their memory alive .. Many thanks .. I hope that makes sense . aussie bob

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Thanks for taking the time to comment

@davidryley4162 Yıl önce

VERY FORGOTTEN. HE WAS A VERY BRAVE MAN

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Indeed. Thanks for watching.

@auldflyer 9 aylar önce

Brilliant, the most enthusiatic and probably the most accurate description of the defence of Rorkes Drift..........

@TheHistoryChap 9 aylar önce

Very kind of you.

@edwardchapman6003 11 aylar önce

Great video. Smith could have been an interesting character in the film Zulu. Battle was Jan 22-23, 1879.

@TheHistoryChap 11 aylar önce

Thanks for watching

@kiwifruit27 Yıl önce

Fascinating story, glad you covered it. Thanks

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

@martinhogg5337 Yıl önce

Fascinating story! Thanks for enlightening us!

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

My pleasure

@captainsleeman9787 Yıl önce

I really appreciate your work.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Thanks for your kind words

@FenLover Yıl önce

What a Lovely story and well told thank you👍

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

@gerardhogan3 Yıl önce

Chris what another great yarn. thank you, just can't get enough of these great men.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Glad you enjoyed

@MrFoolingyu 6 aylar önce

So often in life it is the unsung heroes who make all the difference. Had there been an "Ammunition Smith" at Isandlwana the outcome might have been very different.

@TheHistoryChap 6 aylar önce

Interesting thought

@nigelhamilton815 9 aylar önce

Terrific content as always.

@TheHistoryChap 9 aylar önce

Thank you

@546268 Yıl önce

like many, never heard of Smith before, what an extraordinary man. Kind of strange they left him out of the film, would have been a great angle.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Indeed it would have.

@peter4Flags 10 aylar önce

Well done George ! 👍🙏

@alexanderwaite9403 Yıl önce

What a man. God broke the mold when he made him!!

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Certainly did.

@LesterMoore Yıl önce

Bravery oftentimes is thrust upon men by no choice of their own. They rise to the occasion, do their best to perform their duty. As in the film Zulu the young soldier asks Color Sergeant Bourne, "Why us? Why does it have to be us?" To which Bourne replies, "Because we're here. And nobody else. Now be off to join your mates."

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Great thoughts and thanks for sharing that great line from the film.

@anglo4906 Yıl önce

Excellent topic well told. Thank you.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Many thanks.

@shirleymental4189 Yıl önce

Thank goodness George VI ended that injustice by introducing the George medal. Great talk, as usual, Sir.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Yes indeed.

@davidvergara607 Yıl önce

I would love to see a new version of this story as a movie with most omitted action added

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Great idea.

@johnroche7541 Yıl önce

I would love to see a remake also. It would be great due to new historical research to portray what really happened. My only concern would be in modern filming they might use CGI to represent the thousands of Zulu's. There was a more historical accurate remake of the "Alamo" for example a number of years ago. It would be great to see a remake of Zulu. Crikey what actors would be ideal for Chard and Bromhead? It would be great to have a story from both the British and Zulu side like the way the movie "Gettysburg" portrayed a Union and Confederate story.

@chrisjones2224 Yıl önce

You could argue that not getting the VC was a blessing (no pun intended) its a heavy weight to carry, the offer and his acceptance of a full time position, was obviously a success for him personally and the Army. Side note, one of my ancestors was at Tel el Kebir, with the York and Lancs, took part in the bayonet charge, and was one of the longest living survivors, died in the 1940s

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Thanks for taking the time to comment. Tel El Kebir coming soon.

@chrisjones2224 Yıl önce

@@TheHistoryChap I will look forward to that, recently visited the York & Lancs Regimental museum, very, very helpful staff but not a lot on open display

@FranciscoPreira Yıl önce

"Ammo Smith" I got a small dio I made, portraiting the fellow, he was one of the great heros of that day, thanks for sharing.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

@markadams7597 Yıl önce

Well done, a great video, Ty. A gallant narrative!

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Thanks for your kind words

@gabrielrousseau958 4 aylar önce

I particularly loved this story, especially as I am a big fan of the movies Zulu and Zulu Dawn. It seems very clear to me that the omission of Padre George Smith and the disgraceful way the Swiss missionary was shown as a drunk, to have been deliberate in discrediting Christians. So thank you Chris for restoring credit where it's due.

@TheHistoryChap 4 aylar önce

My pleasure

@biglaw6278 Yıl önce

Great work, thank you!

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

My pleasure

@kaoskronostyche9939 2 aylar önce

"It's interesting how historical events in the past link to the present." Which is exactly the point of studying History - it tells us who we are, where we came from and how we got here. The study of History is absolutely crucial if you want to consider yourself an "educated" person. Cheers and thank you.

@TheHistoryChap 2 aylar önce

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I hope I am helping to broaden peoples understanding of History

@fredazcarate4818 Yıl önce

Sir I am grateful that you have produce another brilliant video on the Anglo - Zulu War. In The United States Ammunition Smith would be honoured with bronze statues, marble busts, and medals and praise. Regardless of civilian rank versus military. However the fact that Britain still gave him homage of sorts, in my estimation, makes the tale of this spiritual and physical giant a great example of manly virtue and bravery. Thank you Sir once again for coming to scratch. You have delivered a mighty blow.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Glad you enjoyed.

@jayhellyer5406 Yıl önce

Now that would make a good movie. Yet another excellent video, thank you and keep them coming hahaha.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

@cameronbrown9080 Yıl önce

What a man and a legend the sort you want on your side

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Cameron, yes a man you would want on your side.

@willbissett7491 9 gün önce

Another brilliant, fascinating video. Thank you!

@TheHistoryChap 2 gün önce

Thank you very much. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel.

@simonnoble7589 6 aylar önce

WOW i thought i new everything about Zulu . but more thanks for presenting this story ... we live and learn

@TheHistoryChap 6 aylar önce

Glad you enjoyed it.

@simplyphil.photography164 Yıl önce

Thank you Chris, very interesting, nice to find something else out, forgotten hero, but l think he would not like to be called a hero, as a man of God

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

@andrewince8824 Yıl önce

The British always seemed to forget just how large the enemy armies were. While the Empire could call on a few hundred thousand men in the hopes of an army, the Zulu could mobilise a mich larger force. Even rifles are no use against a mass of enemy spears, you simply can't shoot enough of them in one go. The Assegai always gets through.

@Lassisvulgaris Yıl önce

Seems the British have a certain amount of luck. Often winning against great odds....

@andrewince8824 Yıl önce

@@Lassisvulgaris the Empires luck was basically a D&D roll at each engagement. Zulus with spears at Isandlwana was an easy crit 1. Their Sikh contingent at Saragahi rolled a definite nat 20 and somehow kept getting high rolls even as the opposition kept coming. At Rourkes Drift they rolled 3 for initiative but a 17 during the fight. At Gate Pā in New Zealand they easily nat 1'd the initial artillery strike, got a 15 when storming the Pā but didn't realise the Māori had rolled a 16 until the Māori shot off a volley with an advantage throw and a 20 initiative roll. In the colonies they were consistently overcoming poor initiative rolls with decent damage rolls right up until the GM decided to be a dick and have some surprise Bugbears, or the French as we're supposed to call them, join. So yeah, 99% sure the entire combat history of the British Empire was some grand game of D&D played by FSM, C'Thulu and Thor while Loki was GM.

@Lassisvulgaris Yıl önce

@@andrewince8824 I was thinking further back than the Empire, like 100 Years War (Crecy, Poitiers and Azincourt); and the Spanish Armada.. But as we know, goblin may kill an orc, despite the odds..... Still, fortune favours the bald....

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

They relied on organised volley fire and the enemy presenting themselves en-masse to be fired upon. Chelmsford's biggest worry was that the Zulus would fight a hit and run campaign where volley fire would be useless.

@andrewince8824 Yıl önce

@@TheHistoryChap Chelmsford was very correct. It's rather shocking that the volley fire doctrine was disproven by not just Zulu forces but by the Boers yet entering WW1 the British were still equipped and seemingly still hopeful to fight a volley war. The SMLE which entered service in 1904 had a magazine cutoff and volley sights so troops could fire out to a rather optimistic 2000yrds and could do so while loading individual rounds as to keep the magazine in reserve for free fire. Most other nations were already streamlining rifles by omitting the volley sight (seldom will a target present at 1000yrds let alone 2000) and many were looking towards removing the cutoff. The Italians were rather quick in adopting a simple rear sight without range adjustment as it seems they realised setting a sight in battle is somewhere between impractical and impossible. 19th century Britain didn't exactly seem to learn much during war.

@mopenshaw Yıl önce

Great story. The color sergeant from the movie should have been cast in his role in the film.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Glad you enjoyed

@stevepecket2535 9 aylar önce

Yet another amazing insight. Can I ask if you've published any books?

@TheHistoryChap 9 aylar önce

Not yet. On my bucket list

@stevemartin8003 10 aylar önce

I love your enthusiastic presentation, thanks again.

@TheHistoryChap 10 aylar önce

Thank you for that nice feedback.

@martynhamer3044 Yıl önce

Great Video! will try and track the grave down I live in Lancashire so its not too far away, I have visited Lieutenant Chards grave in Hatch Beuchamp when working in Somerset , and several off the other VC medal winners in the South Wales area and the one in Manchester too.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

I've visited Chard's grave too. Plus Henry Hook and some of the others. Nice to see poppies left at most of them.

@mickmeadows2040 8 aylar önce

Brilliant video and very informative. Thank You

@TheHistoryChap 7 aylar önce

Glad you enjoyed it

@adbraham 11 aylar önce

Oh, I forgot to say. I really enjoy your excellent videos. Thankyou

@TheHistoryChap 11 aylar önce

Very kind of you. Thanks for watching.

@badsexofficialthingy2026 Yıl önce

My dad's old battalion, he was a Burma veteran, good boys.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Thanks for sharing

@speakupriseup4549 Yıl önce

I don't understand how only a select few were awarded a VC when every able bodied man at Rorke's Drift fought throughout the battle, if those unawarded didn't do their part then nobody would have been alive to accept their VC.

@robertstallard7836 Yıl önce

True, but they weren't at a primary school awarding "prizes for everyone". You have to look at what each of them actually did to fully understand why they were awarded it. Some of the individual feats were astounding and not even touched-upon in the film. In the case of the officers, at that time the VC was the only gallantry medal an officer could earn, hence it was the VC or nothing.

@gwtpictgwtpict4214 Yıl önce

In the British armed forces you are expected to do your job. Gallantry medals, the VC being the highest, are awarded for going above and beyond that, so to be awarded one means you did something out of the ordinary.

@TheHistoryChap Yıl önce

Thanks for posting.