Lot 44

Rorke's Drift.- Chard (John Rouse Merriott).- Illuminated address presented by "The Borough of Langport, Eastover [Somerset], 1st November, 1879", manuscript on vellum, framed and glazed, 1879; and the original silk-lined presentation case, 1879 (2).

Estimate: £6,000 - 8,000

Description

Rorke's Drift.- Chard (John Rouse Merriott, Royal Engineers, V.C., 1847-97).- Illuminated address presented by "The Borough of Langport, Eastover [Somerset], 1st November, 1879", manuscript on vellum, framed and glazed, 570 x 435mm., 1879; and the original silk-lined presentation case, 1879, v.s. (2).

⁂ The defence of Rorke's Drift fought in the aftermath of the British defeat at Isandlwana by the warriors of the Zulu nation. After the battle, Chard, who was tasked with defending the flying bridges on the river, organised the defence along with Lieutenant G. Bromhead of the 24th foot and J. L. Dalton, acting assistant commissary. After heavy fighting the Zulu army "fell back on the appearance of the British 3rd column. The number of Zulu killed was more than 370 out of about 3000—the wounded were carried off. The British force had fifteen killed and twelve wounded." - (Oxford DNB). Eleven Victoria Crosses and five Distinguished Conduct Medals were awarded to survivors of Rorke's Drift.

Description

Rorke's Drift.- Chard (John Rouse Merriott, Royal Engineers, V.C., 1847-97).- Illuminated address presented by "The Borough of Langport, Eastover [Somerset], 1st November, 1879", manuscript on vellum, framed and glazed, 570 x 435mm., 1879; and the original silk-lined presentation case, 1879, v.s. (2).

⁂ The defence of Rorke's Drift fought in the aftermath of the British defeat at Isandlwana by the warriors of the Zulu nation. After the battle, Chard, who was tasked with defending the flying bridges on the river, organised the defence along with Lieutenant G. Bromhead of the 24th foot and J. L. Dalton, acting assistant commissary. After heavy fighting the Zulu army "fell back on the appearance of the British 3rd column. The number of Zulu killed was more than 370 out of about 3000—the wounded were carried off. The British force had fifteen killed and twelve wounded." - (Oxford DNB). Eleven Victoria Crosses and five Distinguished Conduct Medals were awarded to survivors of Rorke's Drift.

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