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.
