114 Sportsmen Parsons in Peace and War 



It was growing dark, and, as the burning hospital fell in, the 

 gallant defenders were forced to retire to another defence of 

 heaped-up meal-bags, and a desultory firing was kept up at them 

 all night by the light of the burning hospital. They were 

 completely surrounded, but evidently the enemy had no idea 

 how few were opposed to them, and at dawn on January 23rd 

 moved off, giving Lieutenant Chard time to collect the arms of 

 the fallen Zulus, and fortify themselves in case of fresh attack. 



This was accomplished none too soon, for at 7 a.m. the enemy 

 appeared in sight again ; but Lieutenant Chard succeeded in 

 getting a message taken to Helpmakaar, a few miles away, for 

 help, which arrived about eight o'clock, seeing which, the enemy 

 retired, and thus ended this most gallant defence. 



The third son. Rev. E. Chard, rector of Hatch Beauchamp, 

 in Somersetshire, the parson of whom I write, while his brothers 

 were fighting for their country, was working saving souls and 

 gathering all together for the great Roll Call, loved and respected 

 by all in his parish. 



He was a familiar figure with the Taunton Vale foxhounds, 

 and he acted as their secretary for fifteen years ; all the sur- 

 rounding packs likewise welcomed him. He was a great 

 favourite with the farmers, who were drawn to him through his 

 sporting propensities in a way that might otherwise have been 

 impossible, for here in the field they were on neutral ground, so 

 to speak, and together they enjoyed the beautiful country, fresh 

 air, and all the glorious things the good God has provided for 

 our happiness if we only choose to embrace them. Out hunting 

 it is possible to meet farmers and men who would otherwise 

 fight rather shy of the parson. 



I have heard some sporting parsons spoken of lightly, but 

 never parson Chard. I have thought much of his popularity 

 was due to his wonderful memory, his sympathy, and his gentle 

 voice. The latter had a charm peculiar to itself. His memory 

 enabled him to say the right thing to each person he met, 

 appearing interested, as indeed he was, in the lives of all around 

 him ; one man would be congratulated on taking a prize with 

 his cattle, another on his wonderful crop of beans ; others had 

 sick relatives asked after — everyone receiving a little attention 

 and no favourites made. 



His charities were many, and carried out so as to avoid the 



