Synopsis

In January 1879 a force of 4,000 Zulus having wiped out 1200 British soldiers in Natal marched to attack the Rorke's Drift mission station. Against the advice of the missionary, Lieutenant Chard with seven other junior officers and 97 men, extemporised a defence barricade and successfully defended the mission against repeated attacks. The Zulus finally retired saluting the enemy. Eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded to the defenders.