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

Lieutenants Gonville Bromhead and John Chard were awarded the Victoria Cross for their bravery at Rorke's Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879. The film Zulu! brought the defense of the outpost back to public attention in 1964.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Lieutenants Gonville Bromhead and John Chard, along with the place known as Rorke's Drift, experienced a remarkable surge in fame after being awarded Britain's highest decoration for valor, the Victoria Cross. While both men hailed from families with a long history of military service and church involvement, they became reluctant heroes after receiving this prestigious accolade.

During the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879, a British invasion force was tragically massacred at iSandlwana. In response, a wing of the Zulu army, consisting of approximately 3,000 soldiers, launched an attack on the outpost at Rorke's Drift. Commanding the post were Lieutenants Bromhead and Chard, who oversaw the construction of barricades and led their men in defensive actions throughout the night. Their unwavering courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds earned them and nine of their comrades the Victoria Cross.

In 1964, the defense of Rorke's Drift gained renewed public attention with the release of the epic motion picture Zulu! This film portrayed Chard as played by Sir Stanley Baker, while Bromhead provided Sir Michael Caine with his first starring role. Bromhead and Chard exemplified the lifestyle of Victorian officers, except for the unique circumstances that brought them to Rorke's Drift. They became major figures in a battle that continues to captivate interest and spark debate, and is unlikely to be forgotten anytime soon.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399009966