Memorial Window Colonel J.M. Chard V.C.

"The Chard Memorial Window.
This was installed to commemorate the bravery of Colonel John Chard V.C., who as Lieutenant Chard, was in command of Rorke's Drift on January 22nd 1879 when it was attacked by 3,000 Zulus. The garrison consisted of 8 officers and 131 N.C.O's and men, 35 of whom were patients in the base's small hospital. Until relief came they defended the base, though heavily outnumbered; and their action saved Natal from a large scale Zulu invasion.
After further service in Cyprus and Singapore, Colonel Chard came to live in Hatch Beauchamp with his brother the Rev. C.E. Chard, who was the rector. He died unmarried on November 1st 1897 and is buried in the churchyard near the south door. Queen Victoria sent a laurel wreath to the funeral. with the inscription: ' A mark of admiration and regard for a brave soldier from his sovereign' For many years the wreath was preserved beneath the memorial window"
Colonel Chard's Victoria Cross is held in the Lord Ashcroft Collection.

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Source

• Text: Sharky Ward/Information Board
• Photos: Anthony (Sharky) Ward