Bancroft, James W. The Rorke's Drift Commanders. Gonville Bromhead and John Chard

Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead and Lieutenant John Chard had fame thrust upon them, as did the place known as Rorkes 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 Britains 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 3000 strong attacked the outpost at Rorkes 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 Rorkes 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 Rorkes Drift. They became major players in a battle which continues to excite interest and cause debate, and is unlikely ever to be forgotten.

During the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879, a British invasion force was massacred at Isandhlwana, whereupon a wing of the Zulu army, some 3000 strong, attacked the outpost of Rorke's Drift. Lieutenants Bromhead and Chard commanded the post, and after overseeing the construction of barricades, they led their men in all-night defences until the Zulus lost heart and returned to their kraals. For their bravery "under the most difficult circumstances", Bromhead and Chard, along with nine of their comrades, were awarded the Victoria Cross. In 1964, the defence of Rorke's Drift was brought back into the public consciousness with the production of the feature film "Zulu". In this film, Chard was played by Sir Stanley Baker, while Bromhead gave Sir Michael Caine his first leading role. Bromhead and Chard epitomised the lives of Victorian officers, with the exception that fate took them to Rorke's Drift. They became key players in a battle that continues to provoke interest and debate and will probably never be forgotten.