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Date	Original Topic
22nd October 2002	Sgt Bourne By Robert Why did Sgt Bourne decline a VC? I have read that he did so because he was in need of money. But, did'nt the VC mean an annual stipend?
Date	Replies
22nd October 2002	John Young Robert, I think you're confusing a Queen's Commission with the Victoria Cross. In his 1936 broadcast he stated:"...I was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal with an annuity of �10 - the same as awarded to the Victoria Cross - and awarded a commission, but as I was the youngest of eight sons, and the family exchequer was empy, I had to refuse it that time." Even then �10's didn't go too far with the mess bills incurred by officers, and an officer would have to kit himself out. John Young, Chairman, Anglo-Zulu War Research Society.
22nd October 2002	John Young For 'empy' above, please read empty. JY
23rd October 2002	Arthur Bainbridge I think the heroes od Rorkes drift are treated shabbily for their heroic deeds.10 pounds is an insult heroes should be looked after better,10 pounds is easily spent but their deeds live on forever.
23rd October 2002	Martin Everett Dear Arthur, Remember that soldiers were better paid than farm workers in those days. Private soldiers received one shilling a day. The annuity of �10 per annum (over and above any army pension ude) for the holders of VC and in CSgt Bourne's case has to be equated with the annual pay for a soldier of �18.25
27th October 2002	Trevor I personally would have given every man jack who fought there at R.D a decent living pension for them and their families for the rest of their lives. But remember, they were doing their job. They were also in a position were it was kill or be killed. If you know your in a fight were you have no chance of surrender. No real chance of running away. "Once the battle started" Your left with only one choice. Fight like hell.