The Rorke's Drift Commanders: Gonville Bromhead and John Chard

By James W. Bancroft

Reluctant heroes Bromhead and Chard defined survival under siege at Rorke's Drift with unwavering resolve.

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 defense 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 epitomized 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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1399009966
• ISBN13: 9781399009966
• Release Date: September 2022
• Publisher: Frontline Books
• Length: 232 Pages