Zulu Dawn (1979) - full transcript
In 1879 South Africa, the administrators of the British Cape Colony have designs to eliminate the Zulus as a hindrance to their colonial economy. To that end, the British present King Cetshwayo with an impossible ultimatum to provoke a war they are sure they can win easily with their rifles and artillery against native spears. However, that war proves more difficult than the arrogant British commander, Lord Chelmsford, expects as his overburdened army fruitlessly searches for the elusive enemy. However, in the shadow of a hill called Isandlwana, the overconfident British army learns to its sorrow just how badly they have underestimated the tactical skill and might of the Zulu nation.
"Cetshwayo's Zulu army to disband
"and the warriors permitted
to return to their homes.
"Present military
system to be abandoned.
"New regulations concerning
defence of the realm worked out.
"All who do not submit will be
"dealt with as
enemies of the Crown.
"We will not permit the
arbitrary killing and...
"and unjust oppression which
the Zulu people have suffered
"from their own King, Cetshwayo."
You will see from the letter that
this ultimatum is
our decision alone.
Her Majesty's Government seems to
prefer a negotiated settlement.
Does this do...
what we both know to
be right, Frederick?
It does, Sir Henry.
Excellently.
You moved.
You moved.
Go and tell the NCO
of that black shambles
that you love him
more than you love me.
Now.
You're not fit to be in
the British Army, you
different-coloured
articles. Straighten up.
I'm to tell you, Corporal, that I
love you more than
my colour Sergeant.
That's frightening. Get
out of my bloody sight.
Put your rifle over your head
and double round this field
till you drop bloody dead.
Now move. Get on with
it. At the double.
Get back in the ranks,
you shower of animals.
Company...
shoulder arms.
Present arms.
Over here, boys. Over here.
Come on, here we go.
No, no. One at a time.
What do you want?
What do you need?
Candles? The money, please.
Are you passing through?
- We've come to fight the Zulu.
- We aren't at war yet. Bit young.
My nephew. He can
shoot, track, speak Zulu
and fight. He's got
assegai marks to prove it.
Show him.
- You.
- Sir.
Take them to the orderly
officer. Colour Sergeant.
This way.
Company...'shun.
Move yourselves.
- Shall I give the order, sir?
- All right, Sergeant.
Splendid horsemanship.
Who are they?
Sikali Horse, my lord. Christians
all. I know each man by name.
Do they come well recommended?
They rode for me
at Bushman's Pass.
Oh, indeed.
Crealock, see that Colonel
Durnford has an officer
for his hard riders, the
subaltern from the 24th.
It might be more effective to
find someone who speaks Zulu.
Yes. I see you issued each of
them with a Martini-Henry carbine.
Our quota for natives, one
rifle to ten men and five
rounds per rifle. Will
they make good use of them?
They're as good
marksmen as horsemen.
No doubting their
horsemanship, Colonel Durnford.
Crealock.
We'll think how to
make best use of
Colonel Durnford's
African knowledge.
Colonel Durnford. William Vereker.
- Yes?
- I hear you're seeking officers.
Good ones, yes, Mr Vereker.
Gentlemen who can ride and shoot.
Private Williams.
You've stopped.
THEY SPEAK BANTU
Mr Raw.
Take Mr Vereker to
the store and see
he's issued the
necessary equipment.
And then show him to
the mess and explain
to him how an officer's
expected to behave.
Our good Colonel Durnford scored
quite a coup with
the Sikali Horse.
It's rumoured Lord
Chelmsford's to make Durnford
second-in-command. Typical
of Her Majesty's Army.
Appoint an engineer to
do a soldier's work.
Now, now, Mr Melvill.
Less of your spleen.
Stranger in the mess.
Gentlemen, my lord.
Announce yourself.
Good day, Frederick.
Good day, William.
Pleased you could join us. It was
that or join the
Zulu. Join the Zulu?
Oh, yes, you're in
the thick of it.
Your father said you were
farming near Zululand.
Sent his regards, should
I meet up with you.
That's nice of the old boy. You'd
better call out who you are.
William Vereker.
Sergeant Murphy, bring
drinks for the stranger.
Allow me to introduce the mess.
Colonel Pulleine.
Messrs Melvill,
Coghill,
Jackson,
Milne, Major Russell,
Stevenson... How do you do?
Harford and Harford's best friend.
Don't leave your gin
around, or Harford
will have it full of
preserved butterflies.
Damn waste, if you ask me.
There's a shortage of
that where I've been.
They fight with
spears, don't they?
Is that fair against
a Martini-Henry?
Did you really choose
between Britain and the Zulu?
A damn close thing it was,
too. Ah, well done, Murphy.
Stranger's cup. Down it in one and
we share your mess
bill for a week.
And if I don't?
You buy a bottle of
good claret for each mess member.
If it's too much, we'll
forward the bill to your father
in the House of Lords. No
offence meant, Vereker.
No offence taken, Melvill.
To men who aren't afraid
to speak their minds.
Good luck, sir.
Down, down, down.
Down, down, down, down.
Not quite.
The bottles of claret
are on me, gentlemen.
The regiment.
The regiment.
The regiment.
Very good.
Thank you.
Anthony. Anthony.
Hold this.
Well batted. Well batted.
Joseph. How are the Colenso girls?
They're all in the garden, sir.
They'll be glad to
see you, I'm sure.
Ready? Right.
Oh, you beast.
Somebody. Ah, that fooled you.
Tipped it. Out. I did not.
William.
You cheat. You.
Me cheat? Same old Fanny.
Welcome. Welcome back.
Excuse me, ladies.
Did you get your farm going?
Yes, I did.
How was it?
I've never been so happy.
Sorry you had to leave.
You've met the Honorary
William Vereker, I believe.
Yes. We were childhood friends.
Your childhood friend shot a
dead cow at the gallop yesterday.
Most impressive.
There is a Mrs Durnford, is there?
She exists but nothing's
been heard of her
the eight years
Durnford's been in Africa.
Although much is spoken
of her now, my lord.
I recommended him to you
because he knows Africa so well.
Indeed. His ability
to recruit native
contingents is proving invaluable.
How do you rate him as a soldier?
It is widely held he has courage
and he's an excellent engineer.
Shall we join the guests?
Do you think she might become
interested in... someone?
Which one? The one who
keeps looking at me.
Could be you flatter
yourself, it's her odd eye.
They must've locked
the good ones up.
Ah. General.
Do you find our border
country congenial, my lord?
Landscape, congenial, madam.
As a border, vulnerable.
Do you really think
Cetshwayo will attack us?
The intention of the Zulu Impi
and their King concern me deeply.
He has no intention of attacking
Natal, unless he's
given no option.
He has no quarrel with us.
How rare to meet a young lady
interested in tactical matters.
Is it not most rare?
You are talking of a violent
and murdering barbarian
with an army of 30,000
warriors just across the river.
My father has lived with
the Zulus for many years.
Cetshwayo massacred 20,000
people to become King.
The English Tudor
kings did no less,
much later in our nation's
history, I might add.
And the French,
much more recently.
That may well be,
your grace, but be
that as it may, my
duty is clear...
the defence of all this, Natal.
Yes.
Well, it's difficult to
stand against that position,
If you speak only of defence.
And what does our good
Colonel Durnford think?
If the people of Natal
wish to feel safe,
let them persuade
their husbands and sons
to volunteer. We need
officers and men.
We do, Colonel. Good point.
I cannot be brought
to believe that
Cetshwayo wants a
war with Britain.
Every Zulu is raised
to be a warrior.
Without war, there's
no Zulu nation.
Nobody is really safe, are they?
Mrs DeWitt has four
daughters, Henry,
and I fear she feels for them all.
Your daughters may
indeed be in some
danger, Mrs DeWitt,
but not from the Zulus.
Ladies and gentlemen,
your attention, please.
I think I should inform you
that I am obliged to
issue a notification
declaring a state of war
between Her Majesty's Government
and the Zulu King, Cetshwayo,
on his non-compliance with
the ultimatum made on him,
urging reparation and redress
for violations of
British sovereignty.
Why?
Why do men think of
nothing but killing?
This is a wonderful land
we're privileged to share.
Dear God...
there should be
room for all of us.
There goes No 2 Company.
Quartermaster. Quartermaster.
I'll see ya.
No-no.
Do I believe what me eyes see?
The whole bleeding army moving
off to meet the murdering heathen
and what goes on in here?
A game of brag. BRAG.
Sorry, Quartermaster.
You'll be more sorry
when the Zulu ask,
"What can you offer me
not to slit your gut?"
And you'll say, "The knave of
hearts, sir. The knave of hearts."
Move.
For the savage, as for the child,
chastisement is
sometimes a kindness.
Let us hope, General,
that this will be the final
solution to the Zulu problem.
Come on, boys. Get up.
Quick. Calm down.
And again. Come back
here, you thief.
About ready, sir.
My lord, I've prepared a
list of ideas for you to see.
Excellent. Give them to Crealock.
My lord, this list was
prepared for you. I don't
think another can
understand its true value.
Thank you, Colonel Durnford.
Gentlemen, within ten days we
shall cross the Buffalo River
and British soldiers
will then be in Zululand.
Colonel Durnford will
remain down-river
and defend the Natal border.
Will you hear Last Post, sir?
I listened to your Stand To
this morning. It was perfect.
Couldn't have done
it better myself,
even when I was
bugler to Wellington.
Where did you get that black eye?
The cooks saw me
dip your shaving tin
in their tea water. Made their
tea taste of soap, they said.
So you got it in the line of duty.
Point taken.
Will we be fighting the Zulu soon?
Could be.
Attas.
When we cross the
river into Zululand
they might be waiting
there for us to show up,
them stabbing assegias
pointing right at our bellies.
Are you afeard of the Zulu?
One Zulu is only one man,
and I'm afeard of no one man.
But the Zulu, they
come in thousands,
like a black wave of
death, in their thousands.
Them assegias, stabbing.
Your orders, Mr Vereker?
I am to take the Sikali with
the main column to the river.
Lord Chelmsford seems to want
me to stay back with my Basutos.
Chelmsford wants a
good man on the border,
he fears a flanking attack
and wants you in reserve.
The wrong side of the
river, the wrong place?
Does he wish me to fight the Zulu
or merely observe their habitat?
Sir.
God go with you, Mr Vereker.
Hip-hip. Hooray. Hip-hip.
Hooray. Hip-hip. Hooray.
Get up now. Get on.
Get off his arse,
you bloody idiot.
Keep them in line.
Sarge. Sarge. I'm drowning, Sarge.
What the hell do you mean by
having the same name as me?
Sorry, Sarge.
Do you think Cetshwayo will
send a party to greet you?
They're here. We
just have to ensure
they don't get back
to announce us.
You mean you've seen them?
Forward, Sikali.
Come on. Come on.
What's that strange name
the newspaper chap's called?
Nogg, sir. Actual name is Norris
Newman. He's from The Standard.
Our runners bear his dispatches,
do they not? Of course.
Come on, lads. It's only a river.
Come on. Make it today.
Come on, you lot. Get
these bastards across.
It's only water. You'll only get
wet. Come along, you idle scum.
Break that ammunition crate and
I'll have your guts for garters.
An historic moment,
don't you think?
Norris Newman of The Standard.
I saw you lead our cavalry.
Indeed. I was one of the first
across. Were they in good heart?
They spurred onto
the high ground, full
of spirit and
looking for the Zulu.
Full of sport, they were, my lord.
Tell what you see, write it well,
sir, and make sure
you get it right.
If I've got it right, my lord,
you lead an invasion
into Zululand,
I see it all around me,
but "Why?" is the question
my readers will ask. "Why?"
Do not confuse yourself.
Why? We must strike a heavy blow.
This cannot be a war of manoeuvre.
So attack is your defence.
Well, let's hope Cetshwayo will
offer his Impis for destruction.
My only fear is that the
Zulu will avoid engagement.
I have it, my lord, we attack
for sport. Or is it reputations?
Enough of your politicking, Noggs.
I know your views on
the press but people
want to know what the
regiments are doing.
Then I trust you will tell them
exactly what you've observed.
Tricky business, Mr Bloomfield.
Look at that waste.
Five rounds ruined. Each
round has to be accounted for.
It's terrible. Quite dreadful.
Something must be done.
If they'd been put back in their
boxes, the boxes screwed down,
as his lordship ordered,
nothing would've happened to them.
I refer to our drowned natives.
Natives is not on my
invoices, Mr Harford.
Ammunition is, and
has to accounted
for, and brass cartridge
cases returned.
Several natives went under.
Shouldn't we have a roll call?
Not practical, we haven't had
time to make up the roll yet.
Besides, I'm not sure how many
we had before the crossing.
HE SHOUTS ORDERS
Why do you come to
the land of the Zulu?
- May I answer, sir?
- By all means, Mr Melvill.
We come here by the orders
of the great Queen Victoria,
Queen of all Africa.
Forward.
C Company, advance. Get up.
Major, send the troops. Yes, sir.
Well done, sir. Did
you see that, Noggs?
He deceived him with the up
and took him with the down.
Well, well. This one's
a grandfather at least.
If he'd been a Zulu
in his prime, I'd have
given odds against
your lancer, Melvill.
Well, gentlemen,
first blood to us.
And a rousing good
report in the newspapers
to satisfy the politicians.
BUGLE PLAYS LAST POST
All ready to move out, Colonel.
My lord, we're prepared
to move armour to...
Your destination, Colonel?
Is... Isil...
Isandhlwana, four miles
further than that tallest hill.
Follow the track and it will lead
us to the slopes of the mountain.
Isandhlwana. Yeah.
Isandhlwana.
I want your waggons
in extended lines,
but not too extended
or my company can't
protect them. 50 feet
or less between each.
When we're too close together,
they walk into each other,
and you can sit on your
arse for a good four hours.
Company, keep them moving.
No more than 50 feet.
Keep them moving.
Keep them moving.
There, Melvill.
There, stretched out, is
My Lord Chelmsford's army.
What a wonderful
adventure we undertake.
What a marvellous spree.
SHOUTS IN BANTU
REPLIES IN BANTU
SHOUTS IN BANTU
SHOUTS IN BANTU
Zulus.
Here.
I'm ill. Dozens of
them followed me.
I must've shot five,
six, ten, I lost count.
They just kept coming.
Blood-curdling swine.
Why did they attack
you? I discovered
their army. A valley full of them.
What army?
Beyond them hills
and coming this way.
Mr Vereker, would you mind
taking a look at this map?
By all means, Colonel.
Your waggons, Colonel.
What about my waggons?
On this open slope you
must bring them round
and form them into a
laager, immediately.
I hear you have
prisoners, Colonel.
Well done. Evening, William.
Thank you, sir.
I think you should hear this. Your
brother didn't laager his camp...
They had 73 in their party, they
found 73 skeletons
six months later.
Boers require a laager with only
a few waggons, we have many.
An unassailable square
of British fire power
is a defence which can be formed
in a moment. You're leaving us?
I'm going to camp among
the rocks over there.
My lord, Mr Fannin claims
to have seen the Zulu Impi,
some few thousand or so,
exactly here in this valley.
Unlikely, it would mean taking
24,000 men over mountain tops.
This is not helpful.
Have the prisoners
brought to my camp.
All right, Corporal. Anything?
No, sir. Nothing.
Be sensible, man. Tell us.
Good evening. Dirty work?
Very dirty.
PRISONER SPEAKS IN ZULU
What did they say? Claim they're
deserters from the
Impis in the east.
Followed this one so they could
give themselves up, go home.
Do you believe that?
They're well oiled, fed regularly
it's unlikely they're fugitives.
Have them questioned further.
They claim the Impis are
east towards the Royal Kraal
and yet this fellow says they're
further towards the north.
Wherever they are, there
are 60,000 or more.
They multiply, Mr Fannin.
You speak the Zulu tongue?
Tomorrow I intend to find the Zulu
Impi and you will accompany me.
I'm no soldier, your honour,
and it's further into Zululand.
You will accompany me
or you will me arrested.
This way, Mr Fannin.
Crealock, we have scouts where
he claims he saw the Zulus?
Of course, sir. And?
The only reports of enemy activity
have come from the direction
of the Royal Kraal, at Ulundi.
Thank you.
Why don't the Zulus attack?
Zulu may not wear shoes
or trousers and the like
but that doesn't mean to
say they've got no brains.
They'll watch us and
wait find our weaknesses.
Have we weaknesses, Quartermaster?
HE PLAYS LAST POST
What was that, Storey?
I never heard nothing...
I don't think.
Well, I did. Stand to.
Stand to.
Stand to, Colour Sergeant.
Who gave the order?
Private Williams, sir.
I've got to see this.
Did you call stand to, Private?
I didn't hear nothing, Sarge.
Well, stand to, damn you.
No, you done well for
once. Don't push your luck.
I heard them first.
I'll get you a medal for
modesty. Would you like that?
You never would, Colour
Sergeant. A medal.
Colonel Durnford here.
Easy, lads.
Just follow the
tracks, sir. You'll
reach Lord Chelmsford's
headquarters.
Sergeant.
Stand down, lads.
You done well. Keep it
up, lad. Keep it up.
You want your reserves
to cross the river?
I have intelligence that the Zulu
head north to threaten your left.
Intelligence? Did it not occur to
you they may be native rumours?
Rumours to draw you off to leave
Natal open to a counter-thrust?
Cetshwayo wants a head-on
battle, a decisive victory,
so his people can get on with what
truly matters, the
delayed harvest.
Are you dictating the
strategy of this war?
I'm explaining my reasons.
Yes? A large party
of Zulus has been
sighted towards the King's Kraal.
Tomorrow we will continue
our advance on Ulundi.
Durnford, return to your unit and
bring them here to
support Pulleine.
Mr Vereker will join you as ADC.
The threat of counter-invasion
no longer exists?
Colonel, if, on another
occasion, you flout my orders,
I shall relieve you
of your command.
Perhaps he has thought to conquer
Zululand on his own, my lord.
BUGLER PLAYS REVEILLE
You will keep me informed of
Colonel Durnford and his men
when they arrive, William.
Certainly, Frederick.
Gentlemen, we move to find
camp and engage the enemy.
And my nose tells me we
may make early contact.
Mr Melvill, until
the reinforcement
- arrives, we will stand to.
- Sir.
You there. Sound the fall in.
BUGLER PLAYS FALL IN
A huge expanse to keep an eye on.
Would you ride over
to Stuart Smith?
Ask him to bring
his artillery about.
Sir.
Mr Melvill, send a lookout.
Tell him to call
out the instant he
sees Durnford's
column approaching.
Stuart, how quickly can you
move your artillery forward?
My horses are feeding. It
will take a little while.
Pulleine wants them
in position now.
Right. Bombadier, to me, please.
Close up, lads. Move on.
What o'clock is it, Mr
Noggs? 11 o'clock, my lord.
Our friend Colonel Durnford
should be approaching Pulleine.
We'll eat here.
I shall scout that mountain and be
back with an appetite in one hour.
What the...? I'll fix
him, Sarge. All right.
Shut that yelling up. You hear me.
Did you hear me?
Shut up.
SPEAKS ZULU
Exceedingly pleased
to greet you, sir.
You're standing to. The men could
eat with their
equipment unbuckled.
Yes, of course. Excellent idea.
Mr Melvill, order stand down.
Sir.
Please.
Sergeant, stand the men down.
Crealock, old fella,
I'm doing notes for my dispatch
and I need to clear up
a few military points.
I don't want to
bother his lordship.
I had it drummed
into me that a good
Commander never willingly
splits his force,
especially in an enemy's country,
before knowing their dispositions.
If we were facing a European enemy
with guns, your point would hold.
May I remind you, I do not create
the strategies you comment on.
I'm only his lordship's secretary.
I wouldn't take overly comfort
from that, Crealock, old fella,
because if he sinks,
then you sink with him.
So, you've been asked to
look after me, Lieutenant.
I assure you, sir, I have no
desire to create difficulties.
And I say you do not. I'd
be obliged for your advice.
What have your scouts seen?
So far, only THEIR scouts.
But we've had reports of a small
Impi further north, over there.
His lordship believes
it's far too difficult
an approach to be chosen
by the Zulu command.
Yes, well, difficulty never
deterred a Zulu
Commander. How many?
We don't know.
I think it would be wise
to picket the hills.
Just in case.
SPEAKS ZULU
There's steak on the hoof, sir.
Sikali, forward.
Mr Vereker. Mr Vereker.
Come and look at this, sir.
You just managed to
bring down a boy of 12.
My God.
We've found them.
Warn the camp. Tell
Chelmsford. Inform his
lordship we've found
what he's looking for.
Yes, sir.
Sikali, forward.
Take aim.
Fire.
Retire.
Retire.
Oi. Come on. What are you doing?
Don't tell me the Zulu managed
to get up there after all.
Zulu.
Get up. Get.
They're here.
I've sent to Lord Chelmsford.
Bugler, sound the alert.
Fall in.
At the double.
Fall in. Come on, lads.
At the double.
Wheel them in. Wheel
them in. Wheel them in.
Come on, now.
Tighten those ranks.
Private Storey, get those range
markers pegged out at the double,
one every 100 yards.
Make sure he pegs them in a
straight line TOWARDS the enemy.
Hold them, please, God.
For three minutes,
please hold them.
Come on. Come on.
Come on. Come on, men.
92, 93, 94, 95,
96, 97, 98, 99...
What's next, boy?
Oi. You useless little
bastard. Come here.
Look. Look.
ZULUS CHANT
Splendid site, Crealock. Splendid.
I want to establish camp here
immediately. Certainly, sir.
After lunch, Brown, you
shall return to Isandhlwana
and instruct Colonel
Pulleine to join us here.
If you'll excuse me, my
lord. No appetite, Colonel?
My men last ate
yesterday and have no
supplies until I get
them back to Isandhlwana.
They can start now and you can
join them when you've eaten.
It wouldn't be proper for
me to sit at your table,
they with their bellies
stuck to their backbones.
Excuse me, sir.
Learn nothing from that Irishman,
Harford, except how not to behave.
Thank you, sir.
Here, here.
A strange message from Vereker.
It would seem that Pulleine
has a battle on his hands.
No details. No intelligence.
Mr Milne, kindly take your
telescope to a high point
and note events at Isandhlwana.
Sir.
ZULUS SING
Take positions to fire.
Prepare to fire. Fire.
Steady, men. Prepare to fire.
Steady now.
- Reload. Sergeant.
- Yes, sir.
Ride to Lord Chelmsford.
Tell him the battle he
longs for has started and
he needs to move quickly.
Yes, Colonel.
Number one gun, fire.
Number two gun, fire.
Fire.
All right. This'll do.
Grab that. Come on.
Fire.
Come on, sir. They're coming.
Oh... Bugger that. Come on.
Present. Fire.
Present. Fire.
Present. Fire.
Fire.
Come on.
Present. Fire.
Present. Fire.
Somebody's not watching
our bloody markers.
Come on, sunshine.
Oh, no.
Come all this bloody way to get
shot by a bullet from Birmingham.
Shoot straight, you bastards.
Are we ready?
Fire one.
Fire two.
Reinforce Durnford. And
ride to Stuart Smith.
Let his guns cover
Durnford for a fall-back.
Yes, sir. Sikali, follow me.
Give covering fire for Durnford on
the right flank.
Whole section rise.
Fire.
Retreat. In order. Come on.
Present. Fire.
Present. Fire.
Choose your targets,
men. Watch those markers.
Keep steady.
You're the best shots of the 24TH.
You let them heathens know it.
Front rank, present.
Fire. Rear rank, present.
Fire.
Watch your markers.
Adjust your sights.
I'm running out of bleeding
ammunition. Bugler.
What? More ammunition.
I've been twice.
Go on. Run both ways.
Soft-headed buggers,
these. Flatten
out against the
bone. Smash them out.
But bullets run out.
Those spears don't.
Pullen.
Do not issue ammunition from this
waggon to any
unauthorised company.
This lot have their own.
SPEAKS BANTU
Go and get it from
your own waggon.
How long have we got to wait?
- Get back in line.
- But, sir.
Move.
Pullen? All the tops
are screwed down.
Come on. I'm waiting.
Fire.
Present. Fire.
Hurry up with that bloody ammo.
My lord.
My lord, I watched the
camp for 20 minutes.
The haze obscures much. The
tents have not been struck
but the waggons have
been moved into the camp.
Thank you, Mr Milne. Inform
Colonel Crealock, will you?
Sir.
Thank you, Milne.
The camp is under attack.
Pulleine sends for help.
Be calm. Where do
you come by this?
Durnford's carbineer rode in.
Colonel Harness
has turned the artillery.
They have?
I see. Ride out to Lord Chelmsford
and acquaint him with this.
Mr Harford.
Control your passions. The
professional soldier
must keep cool.
Good work, Vereker.
Prepare to fall back.
Move the horses. Move, men.
Fire.
Back.
Find the high ground.
Speed the ammunition
flow. I'll try
and hold the road
to Rorke's Drift.
Sergeant, come with me.
Fire.
Fire. Present, fire.
Both ranks retreat.
Save those guns.
Private Williams.
Sergeant Williams.
Come here.
Come on. Get up.
I'll get that medal yet.
Wait your bloody turn.
Wait your bloody turn and get
in line. There you are, boy.
There you are, sir.
Over here. Quickly.
Quickly, trooper.
Well done, Vereker. Now, goodbye.
Go on.
Sergeant.
Well fought, gentlemen. It's
time to save the Colours.
Get to Rorke's Drift.
You must warn them.
The Colours.
Carry them to safety, Mr Melvill.
Sir.
Sergeant. Sergeant.
Take my horse.
Off you go. Sergeant,
ride back to Natal.
Tell the bishop, that
is, tell his daughter,
I was obliged to remain
here with my infantry.
Now go. God go with you.
I leave God Jesus with you.
Move it.
Give them to me. Come on.
Come on.
For God's sake, hold them
back. I'll get the horses.
It's all right. It's all right.
Excuse me, my lord, there's
something I must convey to you.
I rode a little along the
track to Rorke's Drift,
the sky is red with fire.
Your orders, my lord?
Do we move to the Drift?
"and the warriors permitted
to return to their homes.
"Present military
system to be abandoned.
"New regulations concerning
defence of the realm worked out.
"All who do not submit will be
"dealt with as
enemies of the Crown.
"We will not permit the
arbitrary killing and...
"and unjust oppression which
the Zulu people have suffered
"from their own King, Cetshwayo."
You will see from the letter that
this ultimatum is
our decision alone.
Her Majesty's Government seems to
prefer a negotiated settlement.
Does this do...
what we both know to
be right, Frederick?
It does, Sir Henry.
Excellently.
You moved.
You moved.
Go and tell the NCO
of that black shambles
that you love him
more than you love me.
Now.
You're not fit to be in
the British Army, you
different-coloured
articles. Straighten up.
I'm to tell you, Corporal, that I
love you more than
my colour Sergeant.
That's frightening. Get
out of my bloody sight.
Put your rifle over your head
and double round this field
till you drop bloody dead.
Now move. Get on with
it. At the double.
Get back in the ranks,
you shower of animals.
Company...
shoulder arms.
Present arms.
Over here, boys. Over here.
Come on, here we go.
No, no. One at a time.
What do you want?
What do you need?
Candles? The money, please.
Are you passing through?
- We've come to fight the Zulu.
- We aren't at war yet. Bit young.
My nephew. He can
shoot, track, speak Zulu
and fight. He's got
assegai marks to prove it.
Show him.
- You.
- Sir.
Take them to the orderly
officer. Colour Sergeant.
This way.
Company...'shun.
Move yourselves.
- Shall I give the order, sir?
- All right, Sergeant.
Splendid horsemanship.
Who are they?
Sikali Horse, my lord. Christians
all. I know each man by name.
Do they come well recommended?
They rode for me
at Bushman's Pass.
Oh, indeed.
Crealock, see that Colonel
Durnford has an officer
for his hard riders, the
subaltern from the 24th.
It might be more effective to
find someone who speaks Zulu.
Yes. I see you issued each of
them with a Martini-Henry carbine.
Our quota for natives, one
rifle to ten men and five
rounds per rifle. Will
they make good use of them?
They're as good
marksmen as horsemen.
No doubting their
horsemanship, Colonel Durnford.
Crealock.
We'll think how to
make best use of
Colonel Durnford's
African knowledge.
Colonel Durnford. William Vereker.
- Yes?
- I hear you're seeking officers.
Good ones, yes, Mr Vereker.
Gentlemen who can ride and shoot.
Private Williams.
You've stopped.
THEY SPEAK BANTU
Mr Raw.
Take Mr Vereker to
the store and see
he's issued the
necessary equipment.
And then show him to
the mess and explain
to him how an officer's
expected to behave.
Our good Colonel Durnford scored
quite a coup with
the Sikali Horse.
It's rumoured Lord
Chelmsford's to make Durnford
second-in-command. Typical
of Her Majesty's Army.
Appoint an engineer to
do a soldier's work.
Now, now, Mr Melvill.
Less of your spleen.
Stranger in the mess.
Gentlemen, my lord.
Announce yourself.
Good day, Frederick.
Good day, William.
Pleased you could join us. It was
that or join the
Zulu. Join the Zulu?
Oh, yes, you're in
the thick of it.
Your father said you were
farming near Zululand.
Sent his regards, should
I meet up with you.
That's nice of the old boy. You'd
better call out who you are.
William Vereker.
Sergeant Murphy, bring
drinks for the stranger.
Allow me to introduce the mess.
Colonel Pulleine.
Messrs Melvill,
Coghill,
Jackson,
Milne, Major Russell,
Stevenson... How do you do?
Harford and Harford's best friend.
Don't leave your gin
around, or Harford
will have it full of
preserved butterflies.
Damn waste, if you ask me.
There's a shortage of
that where I've been.
They fight with
spears, don't they?
Is that fair against
a Martini-Henry?
Did you really choose
between Britain and the Zulu?
A damn close thing it was,
too. Ah, well done, Murphy.
Stranger's cup. Down it in one and
we share your mess
bill for a week.
And if I don't?
You buy a bottle of
good claret for each mess member.
If it's too much, we'll
forward the bill to your father
in the House of Lords. No
offence meant, Vereker.
No offence taken, Melvill.
To men who aren't afraid
to speak their minds.
Good luck, sir.
Down, down, down.
Down, down, down, down.
Not quite.
The bottles of claret
are on me, gentlemen.
The regiment.
The regiment.
The regiment.
Very good.
Thank you.
Anthony. Anthony.
Hold this.
Well batted. Well batted.
Joseph. How are the Colenso girls?
They're all in the garden, sir.
They'll be glad to
see you, I'm sure.
Ready? Right.
Oh, you beast.
Somebody. Ah, that fooled you.
Tipped it. Out. I did not.
William.
You cheat. You.
Me cheat? Same old Fanny.
Welcome. Welcome back.
Excuse me, ladies.
Did you get your farm going?
Yes, I did.
How was it?
I've never been so happy.
Sorry you had to leave.
You've met the Honorary
William Vereker, I believe.
Yes. We were childhood friends.
Your childhood friend shot a
dead cow at the gallop yesterday.
Most impressive.
There is a Mrs Durnford, is there?
She exists but nothing's
been heard of her
the eight years
Durnford's been in Africa.
Although much is spoken
of her now, my lord.
I recommended him to you
because he knows Africa so well.
Indeed. His ability
to recruit native
contingents is proving invaluable.
How do you rate him as a soldier?
It is widely held he has courage
and he's an excellent engineer.
Shall we join the guests?
Do you think she might become
interested in... someone?
Which one? The one who
keeps looking at me.
Could be you flatter
yourself, it's her odd eye.
They must've locked
the good ones up.
Ah. General.
Do you find our border
country congenial, my lord?
Landscape, congenial, madam.
As a border, vulnerable.
Do you really think
Cetshwayo will attack us?
The intention of the Zulu Impi
and their King concern me deeply.
He has no intention of attacking
Natal, unless he's
given no option.
He has no quarrel with us.
How rare to meet a young lady
interested in tactical matters.
Is it not most rare?
You are talking of a violent
and murdering barbarian
with an army of 30,000
warriors just across the river.
My father has lived with
the Zulus for many years.
Cetshwayo massacred 20,000
people to become King.
The English Tudor
kings did no less,
much later in our nation's
history, I might add.
And the French,
much more recently.
That may well be,
your grace, but be
that as it may, my
duty is clear...
the defence of all this, Natal.
Yes.
Well, it's difficult to
stand against that position,
If you speak only of defence.
And what does our good
Colonel Durnford think?
If the people of Natal
wish to feel safe,
let them persuade
their husbands and sons
to volunteer. We need
officers and men.
We do, Colonel. Good point.
I cannot be brought
to believe that
Cetshwayo wants a
war with Britain.
Every Zulu is raised
to be a warrior.
Without war, there's
no Zulu nation.
Nobody is really safe, are they?
Mrs DeWitt has four
daughters, Henry,
and I fear she feels for them all.
Your daughters may
indeed be in some
danger, Mrs DeWitt,
but not from the Zulus.
Ladies and gentlemen,
your attention, please.
I think I should inform you
that I am obliged to
issue a notification
declaring a state of war
between Her Majesty's Government
and the Zulu King, Cetshwayo,
on his non-compliance with
the ultimatum made on him,
urging reparation and redress
for violations of
British sovereignty.
Why?
Why do men think of
nothing but killing?
This is a wonderful land
we're privileged to share.
Dear God...
there should be
room for all of us.
There goes No 2 Company.
Quartermaster. Quartermaster.
I'll see ya.
No-no.
Do I believe what me eyes see?
The whole bleeding army moving
off to meet the murdering heathen
and what goes on in here?
A game of brag. BRAG.
Sorry, Quartermaster.
You'll be more sorry
when the Zulu ask,
"What can you offer me
not to slit your gut?"
And you'll say, "The knave of
hearts, sir. The knave of hearts."
Move.
For the savage, as for the child,
chastisement is
sometimes a kindness.
Let us hope, General,
that this will be the final
solution to the Zulu problem.
Come on, boys. Get up.
Quick. Calm down.
And again. Come back
here, you thief.
About ready, sir.
My lord, I've prepared a
list of ideas for you to see.
Excellent. Give them to Crealock.
My lord, this list was
prepared for you. I don't
think another can
understand its true value.
Thank you, Colonel Durnford.
Gentlemen, within ten days we
shall cross the Buffalo River
and British soldiers
will then be in Zululand.
Colonel Durnford will
remain down-river
and defend the Natal border.
Will you hear Last Post, sir?
I listened to your Stand To
this morning. It was perfect.
Couldn't have done
it better myself,
even when I was
bugler to Wellington.
Where did you get that black eye?
The cooks saw me
dip your shaving tin
in their tea water. Made their
tea taste of soap, they said.
So you got it in the line of duty.
Point taken.
Will we be fighting the Zulu soon?
Could be.
Attas.
When we cross the
river into Zululand
they might be waiting
there for us to show up,
them stabbing assegias
pointing right at our bellies.
Are you afeard of the Zulu?
One Zulu is only one man,
and I'm afeard of no one man.
But the Zulu, they
come in thousands,
like a black wave of
death, in their thousands.
Them assegias, stabbing.
Your orders, Mr Vereker?
I am to take the Sikali with
the main column to the river.
Lord Chelmsford seems to want
me to stay back with my Basutos.
Chelmsford wants a
good man on the border,
he fears a flanking attack
and wants you in reserve.
The wrong side of the
river, the wrong place?
Does he wish me to fight the Zulu
or merely observe their habitat?
Sir.
God go with you, Mr Vereker.
Hip-hip. Hooray. Hip-hip.
Hooray. Hip-hip. Hooray.
Get up now. Get on.
Get off his arse,
you bloody idiot.
Keep them in line.
Sarge. Sarge. I'm drowning, Sarge.
What the hell do you mean by
having the same name as me?
Sorry, Sarge.
Do you think Cetshwayo will
send a party to greet you?
They're here. We
just have to ensure
they don't get back
to announce us.
You mean you've seen them?
Forward, Sikali.
Come on. Come on.
What's that strange name
the newspaper chap's called?
Nogg, sir. Actual name is Norris
Newman. He's from The Standard.
Our runners bear his dispatches,
do they not? Of course.
Come on, lads. It's only a river.
Come on. Make it today.
Come on, you lot. Get
these bastards across.
It's only water. You'll only get
wet. Come along, you idle scum.
Break that ammunition crate and
I'll have your guts for garters.
An historic moment,
don't you think?
Norris Newman of The Standard.
I saw you lead our cavalry.
Indeed. I was one of the first
across. Were they in good heart?
They spurred onto
the high ground, full
of spirit and
looking for the Zulu.
Full of sport, they were, my lord.
Tell what you see, write it well,
sir, and make sure
you get it right.
If I've got it right, my lord,
you lead an invasion
into Zululand,
I see it all around me,
but "Why?" is the question
my readers will ask. "Why?"
Do not confuse yourself.
Why? We must strike a heavy blow.
This cannot be a war of manoeuvre.
So attack is your defence.
Well, let's hope Cetshwayo will
offer his Impis for destruction.
My only fear is that the
Zulu will avoid engagement.
I have it, my lord, we attack
for sport. Or is it reputations?
Enough of your politicking, Noggs.
I know your views on
the press but people
want to know what the
regiments are doing.
Then I trust you will tell them
exactly what you've observed.
Tricky business, Mr Bloomfield.
Look at that waste.
Five rounds ruined. Each
round has to be accounted for.
It's terrible. Quite dreadful.
Something must be done.
If they'd been put back in their
boxes, the boxes screwed down,
as his lordship ordered,
nothing would've happened to them.
I refer to our drowned natives.
Natives is not on my
invoices, Mr Harford.
Ammunition is, and
has to accounted
for, and brass cartridge
cases returned.
Several natives went under.
Shouldn't we have a roll call?
Not practical, we haven't had
time to make up the roll yet.
Besides, I'm not sure how many
we had before the crossing.
HE SHOUTS ORDERS
Why do you come to
the land of the Zulu?
- May I answer, sir?
- By all means, Mr Melvill.
We come here by the orders
of the great Queen Victoria,
Queen of all Africa.
Forward.
C Company, advance. Get up.
Major, send the troops. Yes, sir.
Well done, sir. Did
you see that, Noggs?
He deceived him with the up
and took him with the down.
Well, well. This one's
a grandfather at least.
If he'd been a Zulu
in his prime, I'd have
given odds against
your lancer, Melvill.
Well, gentlemen,
first blood to us.
And a rousing good
report in the newspapers
to satisfy the politicians.
BUGLE PLAYS LAST POST
All ready to move out, Colonel.
My lord, we're prepared
to move armour to...
Your destination, Colonel?
Is... Isil...
Isandhlwana, four miles
further than that tallest hill.
Follow the track and it will lead
us to the slopes of the mountain.
Isandhlwana. Yeah.
Isandhlwana.
I want your waggons
in extended lines,
but not too extended
or my company can't
protect them. 50 feet
or less between each.
When we're too close together,
they walk into each other,
and you can sit on your
arse for a good four hours.
Company, keep them moving.
No more than 50 feet.
Keep them moving.
Keep them moving.
There, Melvill.
There, stretched out, is
My Lord Chelmsford's army.
What a wonderful
adventure we undertake.
What a marvellous spree.
SHOUTS IN BANTU
REPLIES IN BANTU
SHOUTS IN BANTU
SHOUTS IN BANTU
Zulus.
Here.
I'm ill. Dozens of
them followed me.
I must've shot five,
six, ten, I lost count.
They just kept coming.
Blood-curdling swine.
Why did they attack
you? I discovered
their army. A valley full of them.
What army?
Beyond them hills
and coming this way.
Mr Vereker, would you mind
taking a look at this map?
By all means, Colonel.
Your waggons, Colonel.
What about my waggons?
On this open slope you
must bring them round
and form them into a
laager, immediately.
I hear you have
prisoners, Colonel.
Well done. Evening, William.
Thank you, sir.
I think you should hear this. Your
brother didn't laager his camp...
They had 73 in their party, they
found 73 skeletons
six months later.
Boers require a laager with only
a few waggons, we have many.
An unassailable square
of British fire power
is a defence which can be formed
in a moment. You're leaving us?
I'm going to camp among
the rocks over there.
My lord, Mr Fannin claims
to have seen the Zulu Impi,
some few thousand or so,
exactly here in this valley.
Unlikely, it would mean taking
24,000 men over mountain tops.
This is not helpful.
Have the prisoners
brought to my camp.
All right, Corporal. Anything?
No, sir. Nothing.
Be sensible, man. Tell us.
Good evening. Dirty work?
Very dirty.
PRISONER SPEAKS IN ZULU
What did they say? Claim they're
deserters from the
Impis in the east.
Followed this one so they could
give themselves up, go home.
Do you believe that?
They're well oiled, fed regularly
it's unlikely they're fugitives.
Have them questioned further.
They claim the Impis are
east towards the Royal Kraal
and yet this fellow says they're
further towards the north.
Wherever they are, there
are 60,000 or more.
They multiply, Mr Fannin.
You speak the Zulu tongue?
Tomorrow I intend to find the Zulu
Impi and you will accompany me.
I'm no soldier, your honour,
and it's further into Zululand.
You will accompany me
or you will me arrested.
This way, Mr Fannin.
Crealock, we have scouts where
he claims he saw the Zulus?
Of course, sir. And?
The only reports of enemy activity
have come from the direction
of the Royal Kraal, at Ulundi.
Thank you.
Why don't the Zulus attack?
Zulu may not wear shoes
or trousers and the like
but that doesn't mean to
say they've got no brains.
They'll watch us and
wait find our weaknesses.
Have we weaknesses, Quartermaster?
HE PLAYS LAST POST
What was that, Storey?
I never heard nothing...
I don't think.
Well, I did. Stand to.
Stand to.
Stand to, Colour Sergeant.
Who gave the order?
Private Williams, sir.
I've got to see this.
Did you call stand to, Private?
I didn't hear nothing, Sarge.
Well, stand to, damn you.
No, you done well for
once. Don't push your luck.
I heard them first.
I'll get you a medal for
modesty. Would you like that?
You never would, Colour
Sergeant. A medal.
Colonel Durnford here.
Easy, lads.
Just follow the
tracks, sir. You'll
reach Lord Chelmsford's
headquarters.
Sergeant.
Stand down, lads.
You done well. Keep it
up, lad. Keep it up.
You want your reserves
to cross the river?
I have intelligence that the Zulu
head north to threaten your left.
Intelligence? Did it not occur to
you they may be native rumours?
Rumours to draw you off to leave
Natal open to a counter-thrust?
Cetshwayo wants a head-on
battle, a decisive victory,
so his people can get on with what
truly matters, the
delayed harvest.
Are you dictating the
strategy of this war?
I'm explaining my reasons.
Yes? A large party
of Zulus has been
sighted towards the King's Kraal.
Tomorrow we will continue
our advance on Ulundi.
Durnford, return to your unit and
bring them here to
support Pulleine.
Mr Vereker will join you as ADC.
The threat of counter-invasion
no longer exists?
Colonel, if, on another
occasion, you flout my orders,
I shall relieve you
of your command.
Perhaps he has thought to conquer
Zululand on his own, my lord.
BUGLER PLAYS REVEILLE
You will keep me informed of
Colonel Durnford and his men
when they arrive, William.
Certainly, Frederick.
Gentlemen, we move to find
camp and engage the enemy.
And my nose tells me we
may make early contact.
Mr Melvill, until
the reinforcement
- arrives, we will stand to.
- Sir.
You there. Sound the fall in.
BUGLER PLAYS FALL IN
A huge expanse to keep an eye on.
Would you ride over
to Stuart Smith?
Ask him to bring
his artillery about.
Sir.
Mr Melvill, send a lookout.
Tell him to call
out the instant he
sees Durnford's
column approaching.
Stuart, how quickly can you
move your artillery forward?
My horses are feeding. It
will take a little while.
Pulleine wants them
in position now.
Right. Bombadier, to me, please.
Close up, lads. Move on.
What o'clock is it, Mr
Noggs? 11 o'clock, my lord.
Our friend Colonel Durnford
should be approaching Pulleine.
We'll eat here.
I shall scout that mountain and be
back with an appetite in one hour.
What the...? I'll fix
him, Sarge. All right.
Shut that yelling up. You hear me.
Did you hear me?
Shut up.
SPEAKS ZULU
Exceedingly pleased
to greet you, sir.
You're standing to. The men could
eat with their
equipment unbuckled.
Yes, of course. Excellent idea.
Mr Melvill, order stand down.
Sir.
Please.
Sergeant, stand the men down.
Crealock, old fella,
I'm doing notes for my dispatch
and I need to clear up
a few military points.
I don't want to
bother his lordship.
I had it drummed
into me that a good
Commander never willingly
splits his force,
especially in an enemy's country,
before knowing their dispositions.
If we were facing a European enemy
with guns, your point would hold.
May I remind you, I do not create
the strategies you comment on.
I'm only his lordship's secretary.
I wouldn't take overly comfort
from that, Crealock, old fella,
because if he sinks,
then you sink with him.
So, you've been asked to
look after me, Lieutenant.
I assure you, sir, I have no
desire to create difficulties.
And I say you do not. I'd
be obliged for your advice.
What have your scouts seen?
So far, only THEIR scouts.
But we've had reports of a small
Impi further north, over there.
His lordship believes
it's far too difficult
an approach to be chosen
by the Zulu command.
Yes, well, difficulty never
deterred a Zulu
Commander. How many?
We don't know.
I think it would be wise
to picket the hills.
Just in case.
SPEAKS ZULU
There's steak on the hoof, sir.
Sikali, forward.
Mr Vereker. Mr Vereker.
Come and look at this, sir.
You just managed to
bring down a boy of 12.
My God.
We've found them.
Warn the camp. Tell
Chelmsford. Inform his
lordship we've found
what he's looking for.
Yes, sir.
Sikali, forward.
Take aim.
Fire.
Retire.
Retire.
Oi. Come on. What are you doing?
Don't tell me the Zulu managed
to get up there after all.
Zulu.
Get up. Get.
They're here.
I've sent to Lord Chelmsford.
Bugler, sound the alert.
Fall in.
At the double.
Fall in. Come on, lads.
At the double.
Wheel them in. Wheel
them in. Wheel them in.
Come on, now.
Tighten those ranks.
Private Storey, get those range
markers pegged out at the double,
one every 100 yards.
Make sure he pegs them in a
straight line TOWARDS the enemy.
Hold them, please, God.
For three minutes,
please hold them.
Come on. Come on.
Come on. Come on, men.
92, 93, 94, 95,
96, 97, 98, 99...
What's next, boy?
Oi. You useless little
bastard. Come here.
Look. Look.
ZULUS CHANT
Splendid site, Crealock. Splendid.
I want to establish camp here
immediately. Certainly, sir.
After lunch, Brown, you
shall return to Isandhlwana
and instruct Colonel
Pulleine to join us here.
If you'll excuse me, my
lord. No appetite, Colonel?
My men last ate
yesterday and have no
supplies until I get
them back to Isandhlwana.
They can start now and you can
join them when you've eaten.
It wouldn't be proper for
me to sit at your table,
they with their bellies
stuck to their backbones.
Excuse me, sir.
Learn nothing from that Irishman,
Harford, except how not to behave.
Thank you, sir.
Here, here.
A strange message from Vereker.
It would seem that Pulleine
has a battle on his hands.
No details. No intelligence.
Mr Milne, kindly take your
telescope to a high point
and note events at Isandhlwana.
Sir.
ZULUS SING
Take positions to fire.
Prepare to fire. Fire.
Steady, men. Prepare to fire.
Steady now.
- Reload. Sergeant.
- Yes, sir.
Ride to Lord Chelmsford.
Tell him the battle he
longs for has started and
he needs to move quickly.
Yes, Colonel.
Number one gun, fire.
Number two gun, fire.
Fire.
All right. This'll do.
Grab that. Come on.
Fire.
Come on, sir. They're coming.
Oh... Bugger that. Come on.
Present. Fire.
Present. Fire.
Present. Fire.
Fire.
Come on.
Present. Fire.
Present. Fire.
Somebody's not watching
our bloody markers.
Come on, sunshine.
Oh, no.
Come all this bloody way to get
shot by a bullet from Birmingham.
Shoot straight, you bastards.
Are we ready?
Fire one.
Fire two.
Reinforce Durnford. And
ride to Stuart Smith.
Let his guns cover
Durnford for a fall-back.
Yes, sir. Sikali, follow me.
Give covering fire for Durnford on
the right flank.
Whole section rise.
Fire.
Retreat. In order. Come on.
Present. Fire.
Present. Fire.
Choose your targets,
men. Watch those markers.
Keep steady.
You're the best shots of the 24TH.
You let them heathens know it.
Front rank, present.
Fire. Rear rank, present.
Fire.
Watch your markers.
Adjust your sights.
I'm running out of bleeding
ammunition. Bugler.
What? More ammunition.
I've been twice.
Go on. Run both ways.
Soft-headed buggers,
these. Flatten
out against the
bone. Smash them out.
But bullets run out.
Those spears don't.
Pullen.
Do not issue ammunition from this
waggon to any
unauthorised company.
This lot have their own.
SPEAKS BANTU
Go and get it from
your own waggon.
How long have we got to wait?
- Get back in line.
- But, sir.
Move.
Pullen? All the tops
are screwed down.
Come on. I'm waiting.
Fire.
Present. Fire.
Hurry up with that bloody ammo.
My lord.
My lord, I watched the
camp for 20 minutes.
The haze obscures much. The
tents have not been struck
but the waggons have
been moved into the camp.
Thank you, Mr Milne. Inform
Colonel Crealock, will you?
Sir.
Thank you, Milne.
The camp is under attack.
Pulleine sends for help.
Be calm. Where do
you come by this?
Durnford's carbineer rode in.
Colonel Harness
has turned the artillery.
They have?
I see. Ride out to Lord Chelmsford
and acquaint him with this.
Mr Harford.
Control your passions. The
professional soldier
must keep cool.
Good work, Vereker.
Prepare to fall back.
Move the horses. Move, men.
Fire.
Back.
Find the high ground.
Speed the ammunition
flow. I'll try
and hold the road
to Rorke's Drift.
Sergeant, come with me.
Fire.
Fire. Present, fire.
Both ranks retreat.
Save those guns.
Private Williams.
Sergeant Williams.
Come here.
Come on. Get up.
I'll get that medal yet.
Wait your bloody turn.
Wait your bloody turn and get
in line. There you are, boy.
There you are, sir.
Over here. Quickly.
Quickly, trooper.
Well done, Vereker. Now, goodbye.
Go on.
Sergeant.
Well fought, gentlemen. It's
time to save the Colours.
Get to Rorke's Drift.
You must warn them.
The Colours.
Carry them to safety, Mr Melvill.
Sir.
Sergeant. Sergeant.
Take my horse.
Off you go. Sergeant,
ride back to Natal.
Tell the bishop, that
is, tell his daughter,
I was obliged to remain
here with my infantry.
Now go. God go with you.
I leave God Jesus with you.
Move it.
Give them to me. Come on.
Come on.
For God's sake, hold them
back. I'll get the horses.
It's all right. It's all right.
Excuse me, my lord, there's
something I must convey to you.
I rode a little along the
track to Rorke's Drift,
the sky is red with fire.
Your orders, my lord?
Do we move to the Drift?