LIEUTENANT JOHN CHARD HONICKNOWLE LAD BORN IN PLYMOUTH FOUGHT IN THE ZULU WAR ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT 👏

Описание: John Rouse Merriott Chard, born near Plymouth in 1847, was the Royal Engineer officer famous for co-leading the heroic defence of Rorke's Drift in the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War, where a small British garrison repelled thousands of Zulu warriors, earning him the Victoria Cross (VC). His Plymouth origins and role in this legendary battle, immortalized in the film Zulu, make him a significant figure in both British military history and Plymouth's local history. 

Key Facts about John Chard & Rorke's Drift:

Birthplace: Born in Plymouth, Devon, in December 1847.

The Battle: He commanded the defence of the Rorke's Drift mission station alongside Lt. Gonville Bromhead against an overwhelming Zulu force (3,000-4,000) on January 22-23, 1879.

Victoria Cross (VC): Awarded for his gallantry and leadership, helping to organize the makeshift defences (using mealie bags, biscuit boxes, and wagons) and directing the defense.

Plymouth Connection: He was educated at Plymouth Grammar School and received a Sword of Honour from the people of Plymouth after the war, showing strong local pride.

Zulu Film: His story, and that of Rorke's Drift, was famously depicted in the 1964 film Zulu, where he was played by Stanley Baker.