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.
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 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
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!
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
@@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!
@@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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
@@bluthammer1442 They were soldiers doing their duty and facing a very hostile and dangerous enemy! The politicians are the ones to blame for the conflict as they always are.
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.
My late Dad was an Anglican priest and he would have been as fascinated by your video as I was (I'm ex-Australian Army Reserve). I'd never heard of "Ammunition Smith" before now so thank you very much for telling his story. Of course, if the authorities at the time had put their thinking caps on they could have got him the award of the VC by the simple expedient of promoting him to full-time service and back dating it to 21st January 1879. However that would have required a versatility of thought that was sadly lacking from a lot of the British Army at the time!
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
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.
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"
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 I will look forward to that, recently visited the York & Lancs Regimental museum, very, very helpful staff but not a lot on open display
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Well put
Many thanks for your kind words
@@stephenrice4554kp
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!
Ken, thanks for sharing those great words.
@@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
WOW i thought i new everything about Zulu . but more thanks for presenting this story ... we live and learn
Glad you enjoyed it.
If you don't learn something new each day, your not living in the real world
@@PHILLIPMITCHELL-o7t The real world can be very cruel , sometimes we dont want to see ! Cheers
What a tragedy that Chaplain Smith has largely been forgotten. Thanks Chris for sharing his remarkable story. RIP Chaplain Smith. God bless, Rob
Thanks for watching.
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!
You bring history to life. If it wasn't for people like you our history would be dead and gone forever. Many thanks
My pleasure.
I love that story about an unsung hero. That defensive stand is very inspirational.
Glad you enjoyed
"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.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I hope I am helping to broaden peoples understanding of History
What an outstanding individual both physically, heroically and morally. Thanks for making his story known.
Thanks for your support
Yeah, it would be more inspiring if he was a pederast who resisted his urges or something though.
All heroes need to be honored and remembered, thank you!
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.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.
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.
Thanks for sharing.
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.
Tom, thanks for sharing your story about Chaplain Theodore.
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.
@@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!
@@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.
@@tomconnors9126 you bring back memories..
Well done, a great video, Ty. A gallant narrative!
Thanks for your kind words
I am an American citizen, and I love your tales of British history.
New Jersey Joe 🇯🇪
Many thanks Joe.
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.
Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for your support.
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.
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!
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and taking the time to post a comment too.
This is quickly becoming one of my favorite channels for historical content.
I'm very happy that it reached my recommendations.
Thanks for your support
A memory that should never have been almost forgotten. Thank you Chris for rekindling his story. Rest In Peace Reverend Gorge Smith
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.
I reckon you are right.
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.
how are they heroes - they were subjugating the local populace and taking their land. No heroes come from that - just vermin
@@bluthammer1442 They were soldiers doing their duty and facing a very hostile and dangerous enemy! The politicians are the ones to blame for the conflict as they always are.
My pleasure.
Really appreciate these detailed history lessons, thank you very much.
Thanks for watching
Excellent. Thank you for bringing this hero of a man to my attention. Love and respect to Amunition Smith and all those like him.👍🏻🇬🇧😊
Glad you enjoyed
Got to love when your Boxer-Henry miracle has an Archangel of Ammo behind you.
Great thought. Thanks for sharing.
Great episode! And yes, let's hear the story of the adopted Sudanese boy.
Thank you
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.
Yes it was sad. Maybe a bit too like Nigel Green's build (who played CS Bourne)?
Thank goodness George VI ended that injustice by introducing the George medal.
Great talk, as usual, Sir.
Yes indeed.
Great story! Goosebumps! George Smith was an angel that night!
You make the history alive!
Carry on!
Many thanks. Please do sign up for my weekly newsletter at www.thehistorychap.com
"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.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
What a Lovely story and well told thank you👍
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
Brilliant, the most enthusiatic and probably the most accurate description of the defence of Rorkes Drift..........
Very kind of you.
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.
Will add your suggestions to my list
Excellent topic well told. Thank you.
Many thanks.
My late Dad was an Anglican priest and he would have been as fascinated by your video as I was (I'm ex-Australian Army Reserve). I'd never heard of "Ammunition Smith" before now so thank you very much for telling his story.
Of course, if the authorities at the time had put their thinking caps on they could have got him the award of the VC by the simple expedient of promoting him to full-time service and back dating it to 21st January 1879. However that would have required a versatility of thought that was sadly lacking from a lot of the British Army at the time!
I’m chuckling at your final comment 😀 thank you for watching my video
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
Glad you enjoyed
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.
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.
Chris what another great yarn. thank you, just can't get enough of these great men.
Glad you enjoyed
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"
Sean, thanks for taking g the time to comment. Glad you enjoyed
Thanks. From South Africa.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
Great work, thank you!
My pleasure
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.
Thanks for those kind words
VERY FORGOTTEN.
HE WAS A VERY BRAVE MAN
Indeed. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for teasing out the important bit of history, and the players. Lest we forget.
My pleasure
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.
Thank you for passing the link to your fellow chaplains. I have at least one more chaplain story up my sleeve.
Yet another great video. My Godfather was a Army Chaplain, at Woolwich barracks.
Thanks for sharing and I’m glad you enjoyed
Agree. This man deserved more, and to not be forgotten. Thank you for bringing him up.
The anniversary of his death is this week.
@@TheHistoryChap cool. Thanks for that info.
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.
My pleasure
Excellent work. Very sad about such brave men.
Indeed. Thanks for watching
A terrific video on another unsung hero. Thank you!
My pleasure
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
Thanks for taking the time to comment
I love your enthusiastic presentation, thanks again.
Thank you for that nice feedback.
Oh, I forgot to say. I really enjoy your excellent videos. Thankyou
Very kind of you. Thanks for watching.
Fascinating story, glad you covered it. Thanks
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
The Zulu theme tune by John Barry was playing in my head while watching this. Ammunition Smith was quite the character, a force multiplier.
I used to have it as a ring tone!
Brilliant. What a great story about an inspirational man.
Glad you enjoyed
Ty enriched my knowledge of zulu war brilliant ms cdf
My pleasure.
What a man. God broke the mold when he made him!!
Certainly did.
TY so much. I'd never heard of "Ammunition Smith". Chapeau.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
An excellent and interesting video about an unsung unknown hero .......Well he aint unsung any more!
Many thanks
Brilliant documentary! Really enjoyed this! Thank you very much for sharing
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
INDEED CHRIS,THE STORY IS WELL TOLD.
Many thanks.
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.
Thanks for your kind words
Excellent video, I've learned so much about the Zulu war from your historic telling of this time in British history.
Glad you enjoyed.
@@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.
Another brilliant, fascinating video. Thank you!
Thank you very much. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel.
Another good one. Coming from Preston interesting t know he was at the barracks and is buried here in moor lane. ThanX again 4 super video rtc
Many thanks for sharing.
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
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Tel El Kebir coming soon.
@@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
Now that would make a good movie. Yet another excellent video, thank you and keep them coming hahaha.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
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.
Thanks for watching.
Your biographies very nice. Thank you.
My pleasure. Glad you liked it.
Brilliantly told as always. Thank you.
Thanks for your support
Very good story, thank you.
My pleasure.
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.
Thank you.
Brilliant video and very informative. Thank You
Glad you enjoyed it
Well done George ! 👍🙏
A delicious story, well told. You bring our history, the history of the human spirit, to life. Thank you, sir.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching
I'll file this under the heading "things I am glad to know about". Thanks!
Glad you liked it
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.
Again an amazing little known story. I have learnt so much about this campaign just watching your videos. Thank you so much.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching
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
Don, Um glad you enjoyed
Up there with best history channels
Many thanks for those kind words
Fine work.Just let them come!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you
Fascinating story! Thanks for enlightening us!
My pleasure
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
Thanks for suggestion. Just read a little bit about him and what an amazing man.
I was totally unaware of chaplain George lsmith, but I will make it my mission to pass on his story to others.
Glad you enjoyed
Very interesting and informative. What a shame that he wasn't included in the film which is also one of my favorites.
Thanks for taking the time to comment
@@TheHistoryChap Thank you for the time and effort to tell this man's story!
You do an excellent job on these, thank you.
Thanks for watching my videos and for your kind comment
Another excellent story
Many thanks.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
Great presentation,again. Thanks Chris. Great start to the weekend.
Glad you enjoyed. Have a great weekend.
Terrific content as always.
Thank you
Another great story Chris 👍
Thanks
I really appreciate your work.
Thanks for your kind words
love any stories about this battle
Thanks.
What a man and a legend the sort you want on your side
Cameron, yes a man you would want on your side.
Another excellent video.
Glad to see your channel growing.
You'll be at a million in no time! 😉
Thanks for your support.
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.
They knew a battle was taking place just not what was befalling the British forces.
Great show!
Many thanks
Many thanks Chris, very enjoyable.
Thanks for watching.
Chap, I did not know of this man. If only there had been something like the George cross.
Yes, it’s a shame that GC arrived 60 years later.
Fantastic many thanks for the videos
Thanks for watching.
Very interesting Chris - thanks for posting
Glad you enjoyed