The Rorke's Drift Commanders

Gonville Bromhead and John Chard

James W. Bancroft

• Publisher: Frontline Books
• Year: 2023
• eBook ISBN: 9781399009973
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: Military Biographies
• Index: History

Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead and Lieutenant John Chard had fame thrust upon them, as did the place known as Rorke's Drift, which before 1879 was an unknown homestead situated in the middle of the South African veld. Although both men came from families whose various members were highly distinguished for their military service and for their service to the church, they became reluctant heroes after being awarded Britain's highest decoration for valor, the Victoria Cross. During the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879, a British invasion force was massacred at iSandlwana, after which a wing of the Zulu army about 3,000 strong attacked the outpost at Rorke's Drift. Lieutenants Bromhead and Chard commanded the post, and after supervising the construction of barricades they led their men in defensive actions throughout the night until the Zulus lost heart and returned to their kraals. For their gallantry 'under most trying circumstances', both Bromhead and Chard, along with nine of their comrades, were subsequently awarded the Victoria Cross. In 1964 the defence of Rorke's Drift was brought back to public attention with the producing of the epic motion picture Zulu! In this film, Chard was portrayed by Sir Stanley Baker, while Bromhead provided Sir Michael Caine with his first starring role. Bromhead and Chard epitomised the way of life of Victorian officers, with the exception that fate put them at Rorke's Drift. They became major players in a battle which continues to excite interest and cause debate, and is unlikely ever to be forgotten.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Introduction
• Chapter 1 Ancestry
• Chapter 2 Siblings
• Chapter 3 Military Service
• Chapter 4 The Zulu War
• Chapter 5 The Defence of Rorke’s Drift
• Chapter 6 Reluctant Heroes
• Chapter 7 Homecoming
• Chapter 8 Devotion to Duty
• Chapter 9 Life Goes On
• Chapter 10 Memorials and Commemorations
• Appendix I Memorials to the Bromhead Family at the Church of St Germain
• Appendix II Lieutenant Chard’s Official Report on the Defence of Rorke’s Drift
• Appendix III Rorke’s Drift Defenders Who are Known to have Fought with Major Chard at Ulundi
• Research Sources by Chapter
• Bibliography and Main Research Sources