Who says this happen

Could someone please show me the source where it says the British were laughing and jokingan during the Battle of Isandlwana. I have heard this many times, but I don't think its based on fact.

hi 24th.
I think Essex and or Cochrane mention it . Will try and find the exact source for you . I know Mike Snook also mentions
it in ' How Can Men Die Better ' . Pressed for time at the moment .
cheers 90th.

It originated from a letter written to Dyson’s father with reference to the last person to see his son alive, that being Capt: Essex.

Five companies had joined together firing volley after volley into the, mass ranks of the Zulus. Here is was claimed that the men were laughing and chatting and thought they were giving the blacks an awful hammering, until the Zulu’s broke in from the rear.

Source: Mackinnon & Shadbolt

Hi 24th.
This from ' Zulu - Isandlwana & Rorkes Drift 22nd - 23rd Jan ' by Ian Knight ( It's the large Silver book )
Far away on the left , Essex thought the fresh Zulu advance ominous ; " Affairs now looked rather serious
as our little body appeared altogether insignificant compared with the huge masses opposed to us . The
24th Men , however , were as cheery as possible , making remarks to one another about their shooting , and
the enemy opposed to them made little progress ; but they were now within 500 yds of our line "
cheers 90th.