The desperate attempt to save the Queen's Colour at the Battle of Isandlwana, Zululand, 1879. Join my Membership Channel to get exclusive videos (& more) null During the defeat of the British Army by the Zulus at the Battle of Isandlwana in 1879, two British officers. Lt’s Melvill and Coghill made a desperate escape, trying to carry the Queen’s Colour to safety. But were they really heroes trying to save the colour, or were they merely trying to save their skins? It’s time to uncover the controversies surrounding Melville & Coghill and saving the Queen’s colour at the battle of Isandlwana. Link to the battle of Isandlwana https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ey0NZnld_P8 Link to supporting me by becoming joining my YouTube supporters club. https://www.thehistorychap.com/THC-Supporter #savingthecolours #isandlwana #melvillandcoghill In light of the disaster at Isandlwana, the British public were quick to raise Melville & Coghill to the stars of heros. Two dashing young officers, riding out of the camp, through the Zulu army, in an attempt to carry the Queen’s Colour to safety. That they were killed in the process only added to their myth, which was captured in a famous painting by Alphone De Neuville. But not everyone was happy with their actions. The uncomfortable truth was that not a single man on foot escaped with their lives. All 55 Europeans who did escape the carnage of Isandlwana were mounted. General Lord Wolseley, thought it was “monstrous” that they were being made into heroes, writing: “I do not like the idea of officers escaping on horseback when their men on foot are killed” And by riding away from the camp, it begs the question as to whether Melville & Coghill were really saving the Queen’s Colour or really trying to save their own skins. But against the backdrop of questions, two alternative theories emerge. That the two officers were actually trying to rally the remaining troops or were riding to Rorke’s Drift for reinforcements. The swiftness and completeness of the Zulu victory suddenly put pay to those goals and the only way to achieve any sort of small “victory” was to carry the Queen’s Colour of the 1st battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot to safety. In that task Melvill & Coghill were ultimately successful but they both paid with their lives. Their bodies were buried where they fell, close to Fugitives Drift. In 1907, they were awarded posthumous Victoria Crosses, which are on display at the Regimental Museum in Brecon. The Queen’s Colour is displayed in Brecon Cathedral. So did they deserve their VCs? Were they heroes? Their ride to save the Queen’s Colour at the Battle of Isandlwana 1879 continues to arouse passionate debate. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 0:29 Battle of Isandlwana 2:37 The Colours 4:39 Melvill & Coghill 6:09 Fugitives Trail 9:00 Fugitives Drift 11:31 Deaths of Melvill & Coghill 15:01 Myths and Mysteries 20:04 Alternative Theories 21:57 Melvill & Coghill VCs 23:07 Saving the Queen’s Colour 24:23 The History Chap Sources include: “The Washing of the Spears” - Donald R. Morris “Zulu Rising” - Ian Knight “Isandlwana” -Adrian Greaves “The Tribe That Washed Its Spears” - Adrain greaves & Xolani Mkhize Follow me at: www.thehistorychap.com Instagram:https://bit.ly/3iySrAj Facebook:https://bit.ly/37IUfkH null Support my work at: https://www.thehistorychap.com/THC-Supporter 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 Youtube 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.