Frank Bourne trivia. Film Zulu

Subject: Frank Bourne trivia. Film Zulu Tue Nov 08, 2011 7:08 pm

Just found this bit of trivia on a website about the film Zulu:

"The Epilogue, narrated by Richard Burton, states that 11 soldiers from the battle were awarded the Victoria Cross, which is correct. However, 12 soldiers were actually nominated for the award - the 12th being colour sergeant Frank Bourne (played in the film by Nigel Green). On being informed of his nomination he requested that he be given a commission instead, which the army agreed to do, awarding him instead with the Distinguished Service Medal. Bourne was the youngest colour sergeant in the British Army at the time and went on to have a distinguished career, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. When he died in 1945 he was the last surviving British soldier from the battle"

2 points.

1. He was awarded the Distinguished CONDUCT Medal, not the "Distinguished Service Medal" as stated above.
2. Is there any truth/evidence whatsoever, in his asking for a commission instead of a VC? I have heard this story many times before and am wondering if it is just another myth. I just can not believe that if a lad was recommended for any kind of award, the army would ever sanction this being commuted for a promotion - this is simply not how the system works. (Not these days anyway, don't know about back then)

Posts : 2008 Join date : 2011-08-01 Age : 27

Hi Tasker

Bourne was never reccomended for a VC

He was awared a DCM and £10, the same ammount given to the VC winners.

Colonel Glyn offered him a commision, but he had to refuse on the grounds that he
did not have enough money to fund being an officer.

Have you heard the radio broadcast Bourne he did about Rorkes Drift???

Cheers
DB14

Posts : 1261 Join date : 2010-04-12

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Subject: Frank Bourne Trivia. Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:49 pm

Hi Tasker .
DB14 Is correct , Bourne indeed turned down a commission as he said he couldnt afford the money required to be an officer. Tasker , I notice when you are drawing comparisons to the army of today and yesterday you go with what is today :lol: . As you are no doubt learning / learnt , things were much different in Queen Victoria's armies ! . Shocked

The realization of these facts are starting to hit home , agreed ??. :) .
I dont wish to sound condescending in way , shape or form . :lol:
cheers 90th.

Subject: Re: Frank Bourne trivia. Film Zulu Wed Nov 09, 2011 6:45 pm

90th wrote:: Hi Tasker .
DB14 Is correct , Bourne indeed turned down a commission as he said he couldnt afford the money required to be an officer. Tasker , I notice when you are drawing comparisons to the army of today and yesterday you go with what is today :lol: . As you are no doubt learning / learnt , things were much different in Queen Victoria's armies ! . The realization of these facts are starting to hit home , agreed ??. :) .
I dont wish to sound condescending in way , shape or form . :lol:
cheers 90th.

No, very true. Learning all the time!
But I still don't believe that even back then, the army would have bartered a recommendation for an award with a commission. Would they?

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