victoria cross

1200px Elizabeth Southerden Butler Lady Butler 1846 1933 The Defence of Rorkes Drift RCIN 405897 Royal Collection

The Past

This week: Rorke’s Drift

The Defence of Rorke's Drift remains one of the most celebrated engagements in UK military history. On the night of 22 January 1879, a force of just over 150 British and colonial troops held off an estimated 3-4,000 Zulu warriors during more than 12 hours of bitter, hand-to-hand fighting that would result in the award of 11 Victoria Crosses.

ABOVE John Chard (1847 1897). He was awarded a Victoria Cross for his ‘gallant conduct at the defence of Rorke's Drift’.

Military History
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Museum acquires items from defender of Rorke’s Drift

At the auction, the museum acquired three lots belonging to Chard: a small archive of material relating to his life; a manuscript copy concerning the battle; and surveying and drawing instruments in a wooden case belonging to the Lieutenant.