What is the connection between the 24th Regiment, the Sphinx and Egypt?

The Sphinx superscribed Egypt was awarded as a Battle Honour to the 24th regiment in July 1802. The 24th was one of a number regiments that helped to defeat Napoleon's Army in Egypt in the previous year. The Sphinx was later used as the centrepiece of the capbadge and the collar badges of the South Wales Borderers . Today the Sphinx is one of the devices emblazoned on the Regimental Colour of the Royal Regiment of Wales.

How did the 24th Regiment get the name '2nd Warwickshire'?

The Army Reforms of 1782 sought to allocate infantry regiments to specific recruiting areas. The 6th and 24th of Foot were allocated to the County of Warwick - they were given the titles 6th (1st Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot and 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot. The reason for the choice of Warwickshire is not known. However, the scheme failed for the 24th as no permanent recruiting base or depot was established in the County. The 24th continued to recruit where best it could. It was given a permanent depot in Brecon and a recruiting area in the border counties of Wales in 1873. A large number of young men from Wales served in the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879. Interestingly, there were only two Warwickshire-born men at the defence of Rorke's Drift.

Why was Colour Sergeant Bourne not awarded the Victoria Cross?

The film 'Zulu' has had a great influence on our understanding of what happened at Rorke's Drift. The role of Frank Bourne was well portrayed by actor Nigel Green and his performance in the film is a memorable one. Frank Bourne himself was a 'high flyer'; a Colour Sergeant at age 24 after a mere 6 years service. He contributed to the success of Rorke's Drift and was rewarded with a Distinguished Conduct Medal, an annuity of £10 and offered an immediate commission. He declined the commission, but accepted the pension, the same sum as that was paid to the Victoria Cross winners.

Why does the museum contain artefacts from the Monmouthshire Regiment? Is this regiment related to the 43rd (Monmouthshire) Regiment of Foot?

The Army Reforms of 1782 sought to allocate infantry regiments to specific recruiting areas. The 43rd Regiment of Foot was allocated to the County of Monmouth. Later in 1803, the 43rd was given a Light Infantry role. In the reforms of 1881, the 43rd was linked to the 52nd Foot to form the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. This regiment became the 1st Green Jackets in 1958. Its regimental archives are held in the Royal Green Jackets Museum in Winchester. The Monmouthshire Regiment (which never had a link with the 43rd Foot) was formed in 1908 from the three Volunteer Battalions of the South Wales Borderers that were recruited in Monmouthshire. The Monmouthshire Regiment was the territorial element of the South Wales Borderers. The Monmouthshire Regiment disappeared in the Territorial Army reforms of 1967. The SWB Museum is the custodian of the artefacts and archives of the Monmouthshire Regiment.

Who were the defenders of Rorke's Drift? Is there a list? I think I have a relative who was there on 22/23 January 1879.

Nominal rolls of those present during the fighting at Rorke's Drift on the 22/23 January 1879 exist. One was thought to have been compiled by Lieutenant Chard, and the other by Colour Sergeant Bourne. Biographical notes on the soldiers of the 24th Foot who were present at Rorke's Drift are contained in 'The Noble 24th' by Norman Holme, published in 1999. This is obtainable from the South Wales Borderers Museum, Brecon.

Have you details of any of the Regiment's VC holders, particularly those who were at Rorke's Drift?

There are files on each of the Regiment's VC holders in the archives, which are available for visiting at the museum. Brief notes on the VCs awarded at Rorke's Drift in 1879 are contained elsewhere on the site. A roll of all VC winners is contained in 'The Register of the Victoria Cross', published by The England Books, which is held in most Public Libraries. A comprehensive database of VC holders, sponsored by the Ministry of Defence, is currently under construction and will be able via the Internet.

Why is there so little about Lieutenant John Chard in the museum? After all, he commanded the mission station at Rorke's Drift.

John Chard was the senior officer at Rorke's Drift and naturally took command. He was a Royal Engineer. The SWB Museum commemorates the history and soldiers of the 24th Regiment, South Wales Borderers. More on John Chard can be found at the Royal Engineers Museum at Chatham.

What was the song sung by the soldiers in the film 'Zulu'? Have you the words?

The March song was 'The Men of Harlech', which is the Quick March of the regiment today. The regiment officially adopted the tune in April 1880 when it became the South Wales Borderers. It is doubtful whether the soldiers of the 24th actually sang this tune at Rorke's Drift - although we would like to think they did - as the Quick March in 1879 was 'The Warwickshire Lads'. The words of 'The Men of Harlech' are available on museum fact sheet no. 23.