Today for the Redcoat History Podcast I interview American fiction author James Mace about his incredible series on the Anglo-Zulu war. We talk about everything AZW including the legacy of Anthony Durnford, the myths of Rorke's Drift and whether Lord Chelmsford deserves to be treated harshly by most students of the war. This is the … Continue reading Podcast: Brutal Valour – an interview with author James Mace
Everything you ever wanted to know about the Martini-Henry rifle: An interview with Britishmuzzleloaders
When you think of the Anglo-Zulu war the weapon that comes to mind is the Martini-Henry rifle. It is the weapon carried by the British infantryman throughout the war and it did valuable service - it's large-caliber bullets causing immense casualties against the Zulu Impis. Well, in Episode 7 of the RedcoatHistory Podcast I was … Continue reading Everything you ever wanted to know about the Martini-Henry rifle: An interview with Britishmuzzleloaders
Zulu Endgame: The battle of Ulundi
The battle of Ulundi fought on the 4th of July 1879 marked the bloody, brutal climax to the Anglo-Zulu war. After so many initial setbacks including the massacres at Isandlwana and Ntombe Drift Lord Chelmsford and the British forces could now breathe a sigh of relief - the Zulu impis were broken and their King, … Continue reading Zulu Endgame: The battle of Ulundi
Podcast Episode 3: The Battle of Rorke’s Drift
The most famous engagement of the Victorian era. 11 Victoria Crosses won during a few hours of vicious hand to hand fighting, forever immortalised on film. But how much do most of us really know and understand about the battle? Was the film historically correct? In episode three of the Redcoat History Podcast, I take … Continue reading Podcast Episode 3: The Battle of Rorke’s Drift
Podcast Episode 2: The battle of Isandlwana
Hurrah, you've made it to my website. Perhaps I may surmise that you have come via my new Redcoat History podcast? If so I wish you a hearty welcome. Here - take my canteen, slip off those old leather boots and warm your hands by the fire. https://youtu.be/ZY3J3Y_OU0w Actually, scrap that - a runner has … Continue reading Podcast Episode 2: The battle of Isandlwana
A walk along Spion Kop
In today's battlefield tour video, my father and I take a walk around Spionkop (Spioenkop), scene of the some of the heaviest fighting of the Anglo-Boer war. It's a fascinating battlefield, hardly changed since that short, sharp battle of January 1900. The battle was part of the disastrous campaign to relieve Ladysmith and push the … Continue reading A walk along Spion Kop
Battlefield tour: The battle for the Platrand (Caesar’s camp and Wagon Hill)
The siege of Ladysmith during the Anglo-Boer war is the stuff of legends. The Boers had surrounded General Sir George White and his troops since the start of November 1899 but had been generally inactive and unwilling to launch a frontal assault on the town. That changed on the 6th January 1900 when the biggest … Continue reading Battlefield tour: The battle for the Platrand (Caesar’s camp and Wagon Hill)
A short walk up Talana Hill: First battle of the Anglo-Boer war
The opening engagement of the Anglo-Boer war was fought in this small town in Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa. It was a small but important battle that showed the British army how dangerous it was to scorn their enemy. Join me for a walk up Talana hill as I get some exercise and move in … Continue reading A short walk up Talana Hill: First battle of the Anglo-Boer war
Video: Walking the Fugitive’s Trail at Isandlwana
After the British were defeated at the battle of Isandlwana a few hundred survivors made a dash for the Buffalo River in an attempt to escape from the victorious Zulus. Take a walk with me as we explore that story and examine the terrain of the battlefield.
Video: Why did Britain invade Zululand?
I am fascinated by the Anglo-Zulu war but have always been confused about the reasons for it and why Britain invaded. In this short "5 minute history" I try to give an explanation as to why the war happened.
