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.
