A museum has won its bid 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, purchased three items from a collection owned by Lt John Chard VC at an auction in London yesterday.

The first lot secured was a set of surveying and drawing instruments enclosed in a wooden case, owned by John Chard which relate to his time in Chatham.

It also bought a manuscript, thought to have been written by one of Chard's sisters, titled 'Rorke's Drift - Jan 22nd-23rd 1879.'

The third item was a small archive of materials about the Victoria Cross winner's career and family, entitled 'Rorke's Drift, Somerset and Family.'

It was particularly pleased to have won the survey and drawing instruments which represent brilliantly the work of the Royal Engineers and their professionalism.

This set has particular local resonance as it is accompanied with an address to Chard from High Constable of the manor of Chatham, noting the local pride that his military education was undertaken at the School of Engineering in Chatham.

These items will be placed on public display in the museum, and will be available for researchers to view from August onwards, with the opening of the its new research centre.

Museum director, Rebecca Nash, said: "We are really very happy to have secured these historic items for the Corps.

"They will bring the events of the Battle of Rorke's Drift to life for our many visitors, enrich our understanding of a remarkable man and inspire future generations of Royal Engineers."

Sadly, in the face of determined competition, the Museum was unable to purchase Chard's manuscript report on Rorke's Drift or his photograph album; two of the items that it had been most interested in securing.

However, without the public support, it wouldn't have been to secure any of the collection and the Corps of Royal Engineers and Trustees of the Royal Engineers Museum would like to thank all those who donated.

The Museum would also like to thank Mr Mark Smith for his advice on the auction, the Army Museums Ogilby Fund, V&A Purchase Fund and the Friends of National Libraries for their support and generosity.

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