More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A museum has launched a fundraising campaign to secure a set of artefacts belonging to a man portrayed in the classic war film Zulu.
The Royal Engineers Museum, Prince Arthur Road, Gillingham, hopes to raise £50,000 to purchase the Lt Col John Chard VC collection.
A senior officer in the regiment, he led 139 soldiers who repulsed an attack by more than 3,000 Zulu warriors at the Battle of Rorke's Drift.
The legendary 1879 encounter was the subject of the 1964 film Zulu which is regarded as Sir Michael Caine's breakthrough role.
Chard, who was portrayed in the movie by actor Stanley Baker, was awarded the Victoria Cross for his leadership.
Cited for his intelligence and tenacity, Chard has long been considered as one of the heroes of the corps.
He is amongst 93 others from Kent who were awarded the most prestigious British military title.
The museum hopes to buy artefacts such as a photo book, a handwritten account of the battle from his perspective and a drawing set which he used while he was based in Medway.
The collection is being sold by the Chard family on Thursday and the museum thinks it will need £50,000 to purchase the items.
Museum director Rebecca Nash said: "The documents give a uniquely personal view of one of the most famous British battles of the 19th century.
"They will significantly add to our understanding of the conflict and, by acquiring them, the museum will be able to ensure they are available to educate and inform future generations."
The museum does not currently own any material relating to Chard, although it has previously displayed his Webley revolver and sword as well as Zulu weaponry taken from the battlefield.
It has so far raised £30,741 and the results of the auction will be posted on the museum's Just Giving page, website and social media channels.
To make a donation, visit its Just Giving page.
