The Real Story of Henry Hook VC - Zulu

Henry Hook VC, "Zulu" - Battle of Rorke's Drift.

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Henry Hook was one of 11 defenders at the mission station at Rorke's Drift (battle of Rorke's Drift, Anglo Zulu War 1879) who were awarded the Victoria Cross.

Controversially, his character was misrepresented in the 1963 film "Zulu".

His character, played by James Booth, was depicted as an insubordiante barrack room lawyer, a drunk and a malingerer.
This was far from the truth.

Hook was actually a model soldier, who was teetotal, and who would serve as a regular and volunteer for over 40 years.

His family were upset by the film, although contrary to popular stories, their is no evidence that Henry Hook's daughters walked out of the premiere.

Nevertheless, in this video I aim to share his real story.
Not just of his service in the army (and at Rorke's Drift) but of a humble man from Gloucestershire, who returned home to find his wife had run off with another man, who found love for a second time and who worked in the British Museum.

Henry Hook VC, 1850 - 1905


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Chapters
0:00 Introduction
1:26 Early Life
3:10 Rorke's Drift
3:56 "Zulu"
5:00 Defending The Hospital
7:45 Assegai wound
9:47 Making Tea
10:23 Victoria Cross
11:07 After Rorke's Drift
13:11 Failing Health
15:10 The History Chap

Where is Henry Hook buried?
Henry Hook grave can be found at St. Andrew's church in the hamlet of Churcham, Gloucestershire.
it is about 5 miles west of Gloucester.

Who played Henry Hook in Zulu?
private Henry Hook was played by James Booth (1927 - 2005).


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My name is Chris Green and I love to share stories from British history. Not just because they are interesting but because, good or bad, they have shaped the world we live in today.

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 in Medieval & Modern history from the University of Birmingham.

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