A V.C.'s Lesson in Bravery.

Te Aroha News, Volume XIV, Issue 2075, 5 February 1898, Page 2

A V.C.'s Lesson in Bravery.

The late Colonel Chard, the hero of Rorke’s Drift, used to recount an amusing experience. He had returned to England, shortly after his deed of bravery had sent a thrill throughout the world, and was stationed in a South Coast garrison town, when one day a flaming placard caught his eve above the entrance to a penny gaff:- * This Night. „The Defence of Rorke’s Drift! An lncident of the Zulu War.’ Major Chard, as he then was, paid his penny and walked inside. The thrilling episode; was enacted before huh—bis representative and ‘ Lieutenant Bromhead ’ wrought havoc and des+ruefcion among a crowd of men blackened to represent Zulus, and the curtain descened on the brave officers waving Union Jacks in triumph. The comm ents of the spectators amus ed Chard more even than the spectacle. ‘ Ain’t them coves brave ?’ whispered one grimy and awe-struck boy to bis companion. ‘ Garn !' replied the other, * Call that brave? Why, I sora middy in a play t’other night stab twice as many pirates as them coveil did niggers —and in.’arf the time ! That’s brave, if yer like!’ Major Chard went away a sadder and wiser man.