"Lieutenant Chard was promoted to the rank of Brevet-Major, with effect from 23rd.January,1879 and remained in the Rorke's Drift/ Helpmakaar area, rejoining No.5 Field Company, which had managed to reach Helpmakaar,on 26th.January,1879. Major Chard was most probably engaged in rebuilding the defences at the Misslon Station at Rorke's Drift, or constructing the new forts at Helpmakaar or, Nelvill on the River Buffalo. Like many of the troops working and living in the area, Major Chard was struck down with enteric fever and was sent to Ladysmith, by ambulance, on I7th.Feb-ruary,1879,where he was nursed back to good health by a Dr. and Nrs.Hyde, who, incidently came from Aller Park in Somerset. It is notable this illness was reported in the local newspaper, "Natal Colonist",as causing his death in May,1879 and, the rumour gained wide credence at first. However, Major Chard made a good recovery and on 27th.April,1879,he left Ladysmith to rejoin No.5 Field Company,at Landman's Drift, on the River Buffalo, near Dundee, on 29th.April,1879"
Source: Colchard