Solved, the riddle of the Rorke’s Drift medal: Researchers confirm Victoria Cross bought by Sir Stanley Baker after he played its recipient in film Zulu IS genuine – after it was dismissed as fake Sir Stanley Baker wore Lieutenant Chard’s medals while filming the movie Zulu He bought the medals at auction for £2,700 only … Read more
Lieutenant John Chard’s handwritten account of the Battle of Rorke’s Drift – where a British garrison held off 4,000 Zulu warriors – sells for £175,000 Lieutenant Chard of Royal Engineers was one of 11 men awarded Victoria Cross Account of the battle was auctioned at Bonhams in London on Thursday The collection, sold by his … Read more
An album of photographs showing the aftermath of the Battle of Rorke’s Drift, belonging to the British officer who won a Victoria Cross for leading the valiant 12-hour defence of a British garrison, has emerged 141 years later. Lieutenant John Chard compiled the album following the battle – which was later immortalised in the 1964 … Read more
Even after 141 years and two World Wars, it remains one of the most celebrated actions in British military history. Thanks in no small part to the 1964 classic film, Zulu — starring Stanley Baker and a young, plummy-toned Michael Caine — the Battle of Rorke’s Drift has become a byword for standing firm in … Read more
Map that shows the terror of the Battle of Rorke’s Drift: Lieutenant’s ‘anxiety-inducing’ notes detail how 139-strong British force held off 3,000 Zulus in infamous siege Lt John Chard’s men held off 3,000 Zulu warriors during the 1879 Battle of Rorke’s Drift in South Africa Queen Victoria was presented with an account by Chard of … Read more