Isandlwana - The Story of the Victoria Crosses

Three Victoria Crosses were awarded for actions at the Battle of Isandlwana.
Two of them were posthumous. Learn all about them in today's video.
And stay tuned to find out about the mysterious "forgotten" VC recipient who was also killed in the battle.
If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
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[@DaDaW9762]

I was in the army with a white South African, a Boer, we shared a room for 3 years, he was my best friend, but time moves on and he left the British army and went home and I stayed in the army, we never stopped being friends and in 2019 I went to visit him at his farm in South Africa and he had British war graves by his farm, near Dulstroom.. He saw my interest and drove me to see the battle ground of blood river, then to where the battle of Mount Majuba then to Islandswana, and then to Rorkes Drift.. The best trip of my life.

[@thewwiiprofessor5808]

The Royal Welsh Regimental museum located in Brecon, Wales is amazing....with all their Isandlwana/Rorkes Drift artifacts...including the colours at Rorkes Drift. The Queen's Colours from Isandlwana is at Brecon Cathedral. The museum is one of the best in the UK.

[@T.S.Birkby]

It’s a difficult one however Coghill could have escaped and lived but he went back to help his fellow officers. As Lt. Williamson said “Coghill, who had got his horse over all right, came riding down the bank to help Melville. As he put his horse in close to us, the Zulus, who were about 25 yards from us on the other bank, commenced firing at us in the water. Almost the first shot killed Coghill’s horse, and on his getting clear of him we started for the bank”.

[@leemoore5751]

The two left the camp separately, and only met up a short time before their deaths. Coghill's VC was awarded for his attempt so save Melvill's life when the latter got into difficulty in the Mzinyathi - Coghill had reached the 'safe' Natal side of the river, but turned back into danger to help the struggling Melvill. Melvill's VC was for his attempt to save the Colour. As the 1/24th Adjutant (he was not a company officer, so had no men directly under his command), he was responsible for the battalion's discipline and morale. The safety of the Colours was his responsibility, and if anyone in the British camp were to take them away to safety, it was him. You don't need me to point out that the loss of a regiment's Colours was the ultimate dishonour. Carrying them was a burden (especially amidst the enemy), and if Melvill really did want to 'flee for his life', he would have been wise to ditch them ASAP. But he didn't.

[@BobSmith-dk8nw]

Yes. These details matter. I was always under the impression that they were Staff Officers - and as such - didn't leave their men. Another factor would be whether or not Pulliene had ordered them to save the colors. .

[@lyndoncmp5751]

And we know that Melville brought the Colour from the Guard Tent in the Saddle towards the left of camp because he was seen by private Williams at the Headquarters tents riding back from the left of the camp towards the Saddle, with the encased Colour. So he clearly didn't just grab the Colour from the Guard Tent and then flee with it. He brought the Colour towards the fighting. Very possibly Pulleine then ordered him to save the Colour after a rally was deemed impossible.

[@tonygoodall3063]

Hear hear....he was brave to try and save his regiments colour.

[@admiralsquatbar127]

Another informative video, thanks for making my lunch break less boring.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate

[@paladinmr7626]

About 35 years ago, I read microfilm copies of the London Times that were published at the time of the battle. It took about 2 weeks after the battle before the first reports showed up in The Times, the big news being the war in Afghanistan. (The Second Afghan War). 12:58 You really get into the Victorian mindset reading those articles, which you have to do to understand the views being expressed at that time. What you say about the regimental colors is spot on, because one of the articles published in the London Times during those last weeks in January 1879 actually focused on the occasions when the 24th had previously lost their colors, so the deeds of Coghill and Melville would have been viewed as greatly honorable, at least in the press.

[@alexc8209]

I love this battle so much. I have my own ideas and understandings but ive learnt over the years that there are many who know more than me and who can argue their position very well so I wont harp on here. All I want to say is that every man who dies serving his country deserves the Victoria cross and Melville and Coghill should not be robbed of that honour.

[@redcoathistory]

Hi Alex, thanks for the message. I respect all men who die fighting for their country and all should be remembered though I think there has to be strict criteria for a VC. But you are certainly right that no one should have it taken away from them. All the best and keep in touch.

[@mancity179]

Hi Christian I'm Alan Spain from Bray in Co Wicklow Ireland love been fascinated with the Zulu wars since I was a child in the 70s watching Zulu I love your channel and your work thanks

[@redcoathistory]

Hi Alan, thanks a lot for the message. Have a few more Zulu war videos planned in the next few months. Keep in touch mate

[@eddiemuir9818]

Thanks Chris another great video. One which certainly got the comments flying in lol. Keep up the good work 👍👍👍

[@user-ud4pn8it9z]

Great episode. Must confess I've always thought they should have remained with their men but can see that losing the colours would have been seen as a disgrace. Can't wait for the next episodes the battle. Will take a look at the merch now. Keep up the Great work. Cheers MrC@1966

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot mate - hope you are well.

[@arkdeniz]

Surely it would not be a disgrace if the colours were lost after the battalion was wiped out to a man.

[@keithagn]

Excellent, and thought provoking video. I think Wolsely had a point which crossed my mind even in the past. Although, the Colours were recovered in the following search for them so that was a good thing. Thanks, Chris for this video! Regards!

[@redcoathistory]

Cheers, Keith

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Wolseley also complained about the Rorkes Drift defenders getting VCs. He seemed bitter. Perhaps envious.

[@richardprescott6322]

MY nearly 18 year old daughter on the 22nd having a film and food day.- always love watching movies, cinema being dafties together with her.. Her brother is serving in British army. He has been nagging his sister and his girlfriend to watch it She wants a Dad day and she uggested Zulu - not going to push for Zulu Dawn but its on her list of films 😂

[@ElBearsidente]

I'm kinda with Wolseley on this and he put it this way: "I don't like the idea of officers escaping on horseback when their men on foot are being killed." As LTs they were junior officers and the British army, even today, the junior officer in a company carries the Colours. It can be argued that their attempt to save the Colours could fall under the "extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy" as the VC requires, but there were greater deeds done that day.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Wolseley was cynical about the Rorkes Drift defenders too. Im with Mike Snook. On yer bike, Wolseley.

[@tonygoodall3063]

There is no doubt there would have been very many brave deeds done that day. But sadly no one lived to tell the tale. As for the 2 Lt's....you have to ask yourself...if you were in their shoes ? Would you have turned your horse around to go back and help your fellow officer ? And also, riding thru thick undergrowth, rocky terrain, down a steep incline...with the heavy leather flag holder slowing you down. ....would you have kept hold of it ???

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@@tonygoodall3063 Quite right.

[@jimhicksuk]

I believe there were a few VC’s awarded both here and Rorkes Drift, as a British face saving measure to win back the public

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Melville and Coghill weren't awarded until many years later, so it can't have been face saving to win back the public.

[@jimhicksuk]

@@Iason29 you clearly haven’t read much about the background of SA. If you had, you would see what it took to get troops into there ( greed, poor planning, ill equipped troop) , whilst there were more priorities, for example in Afghanistan. To a lose British soldiers and in the manor they were lost, you totally needed public backing from a political sense and at the time the support wasn’t there. To get people back on side you make people hero’s against the so called savage nation, which they were not. Also id like to know name of soldier, you talk about. As someone who spent 24 years in the Brit Army, was in Iraq and many more places in the 80s & 90s. I don’t remember the story as you describe, so would be interested to read

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@jimhicksuk Why weren't VCs dished out to those at Nyezane (same day as Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift) if was just an exercise to appease the British public? In actual fact, next to nothing was made about Nyezane.

[@jimhicksuk]

@@lyndoncmp5751 remember that this was actually the 1st pitched battle on Jan 22. The British pushed the Zulu back…So unsure what your point is, this was recorded as a victory.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@@jimhicksuk I would have thought my point was obvious. That point is, if the dishing out of VCs were nothing but a face saving exercise then why weren't they dished out for the Nyezane battle as well, further bringing attention to another British victory? Nyezane was more or less ignored. If the point was to save face, why not highlight and commemorate Nyezane too?

[@duncannapier318]

Dude you awesome and your vids rock. I’m aiming to visit the KwaZulu-Natal battlefields by year end including Islandwana, Rorke's Drift Spioenkop as a start… 🇿🇦👍

[@redcoathistory]

It's a fantastic trip and one I'm sure you will love.

[@FranciscoPreira]

Another great video, thanks for sharing.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate. It's a difficult subject to discuss as people can be emotional about it but I hope I got the tone correct.

[@UkrainianPaulie]

As a historian and as 3 war combat vet, it is a tough question. Was Melvill acting in the interest of his Regiment or himself? Same for Coghill? I'm not in a position to speculate. But there were far more deserving people of VC's that day. Capt. Younghusband's last stand charge at the foot of Isandlwana comes to mind. Thanks Chris. Great as always.

[@adamp5879]

The problem with providing Younghusband a posthumous VC was there is no conclusive evidence it was actually him leading the charge. It was his company for sure.

[@user-ud4pn8it9z]

Definitely agree 're Younghusband from the Zulu accounts

[@lyndoncmp5751]

The point is, both Melville and Coghill COULD have escaped and saved themselves if they didn't sacrifice themselves.

[@tonygoodall3063]

Where is the proof of Younghusbands final stand ?.....a lot of it is just hearsay !!

[@daverankin2246]

In a separate incident Captain Carey faced the same criticism that Wolsley made against Melville and Coghill. I his case the death of the French crown prince. The idea of bravely dying against overwhelming odds was very Victorian

[@brokenbridge6316]

I can understand those two soldiers wanting to save themselves and the Queen's colors too.

[@Clipgatherer]

The negritos who inhabit Sentinel Island, one of the Andaman Islands, remain hostile and murderous even to this day. A few years ago they murdered a Chinese-American missionary. An Andaman islander was used to great effect in the Sherlock Holmes story “The Sign of Four”, as many may recall.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

The Sign of Four with Jeremy Brett as Holmes is an excellent adaptation. 👍

[@cuthbert246]

Did know about the awards. So its good to hear about it. Thankyou for the upload.

[@Matty10thDVN]

Another brilliant video. Well done sir!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Jubilo1]

It seems saving th e colours would have been the primary concern. Two more soliders could not have defeated the enemy.

[@adamp5879]

I have a baby due in a few months, apparently you are supposed to read to them in the womb so I’ve been reading him Mike Snooks book on Isandlwana, not sure that’s what they meant 😂. Another great video, personal opinion, only Wassell should have gotten the VC.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

A wise choice of book. Might as well start with the best.

[@adamp5879]

@@lyndoncmp5751 I thought it was a good place to start. I had to buy my wife some new headphones though or the marriage may have ended before the baby is born 🤣.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@@adamp5879 😁👍

[@tomtaylor6163]

Dude your like The Kid Rock of British Redcoat History

[@redcoathistory]

Lol I've no idea if that is a good or bad thing...😅

[@tomtaylor6163]

@@redcoathistoryit’s good Redcoat History rocks man!

[@Etainshewolf7140]

It’s interesting that he got a VC for what could of been seen as running away in the face of the enemy and possibly shot in WW1. It’s like dying with your men trying to hold a position or running away with the colours. But then I don’t understand the importance of The Colours and this Regiment had already lost them 3 times so you could ask were they so important that you would leave your men to die while you try to save yourself and The Colours. Or lose them again and die with your men trying to hold a position. Also is running really going to save your life?

[@Blueboy0316]

"It is monstrous to make heroes of men who saved themselves by bolting"

[@JamesLaserpimpWalsh]

To be fair they did stop the enemy getting hold of the colours at the very least. I wouldn't say a man didn't deserve a medal that died in action. That would just be churlish.

[@redcoathistory]

I think its an interesting debate. Thanks for commenting.

[@SeanRCope]

As a U.S. veteran I always thought that one had to Change the course of an engagement by personal action. For the highest award. So by this metric, no. Saved the regiments Honor in a “way” but they did not succeed.

[@gap9992]

Coghill was incapable of fighting on foot due to his injury so it makes total sense he would be sent to find any reinforcements he could muster at Rorke's Drift. At the time he departed it would be reasonable to assume that what remained of the force could mount some kind of defense within the camp so any distracting help from Rorke's Drift would be valuable - They were not to know that a force leaving Rorke's Drift would be picked off in the open before they got anywhere near Isandlwana. I also doubt Melvill would have left the battle without orders and his aim was indeed to save the colour. If he just wanted to save his own neck he could have conveniently lost the colour quickly making his "escape" a lot easier. Coghill showed amazing courage when he went back into the river to rescue the others when he could have carried on and survived. I honestly don't think either of them would have departed the battle purely to save their own neck. Imagine if the camp had somehow survived and someone could confirm that they had simply deserted. If they weren't shot, their future lives and those of their families, would be worse than death. That said, Harward nearly got away with it at Intombe Drift until Wolseley added his own opinion to the acquittal

[@jeffbruin5487]

Although I do not have much time for Worsley, he was I think, very harsh with his thoughts regarding the VC's awarded to at Rorkes drift but i'm on his side on this one with Coghill and Melville. My view is that if you're an officer you live and die with your soldiers.

[@peacefulpleb]

The two officers did not deserve the VC.

[@redcoathistory]

I think many will agree.

[@MarkK-hs1xc]

It's a tough one to say whether the two earned the VC or not. Seems arguments can be made both ways. It's part of the whole fascination around the battle and what happened later at Rorke's Drift. It comes down a bit to what each individual would do. I guess there's always the personal side of these battles and "what would I do" in the circumstances remains an issue for us all.

[@quirkygreece]

It’s understandable that anyone would try to escape when defeat and certain death appeared to be the alternative. But the question is, should running away be considered an act of bravery, much less, an act of valour in the highest degree? I don’t think so, but then, there are several VC awards from that era that I don’t believe were truly earned . . . but that’s another matter for another day, of course.

[@redcoathistory]

Yep, it's a really tricky one. I generally would agree with your point though and appreciate you sharing.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

They got the VCs for sacrificing themselves for the other. Each could have escaped to safety if they didnt do what they did. Their selfless actions got both killed.

[@valperks5416]

As its officer's that mention in dispatches for awards its no suprise that officers make up the majority of medal awards as a former Soldier l have served under some amazing officers but also a majority of poor ones

[@wyworri2984]

i have never served in the forces but i should imagine the sight of the regimental colours being unfurled would have been a much needed boost to the troops and so if that had been the officers intention it would truly have been a just one I have heard it suggested that the colours were perhaps taken by the officer to excuse his flight and provide a legit reason for escaping but i would imagine the colours were cumbersome and in a life or death situation for him to have kept on to them for so long does not seem like the actions of an officer who would do anything just to flee as fast as he could. All those soldiers who were present must have been terrified and the flight of the fugitives only happened when the battle was lost so who can apportion blame they were all brave in the face of such carnage . On the topic of whether the vc should have been awarded i personally feel not . But only because ive firmly believed that a vc ought to be like in the case of colonel jones in the falklands that of taking on the enemy above and beyond the standard advance and at great risk to ones own life a determined selfless act. But then in battle so many give of their lives for the good of the regiment and their fellow soldiers so who can say if they all ought to recieve such an award Thanks Redcoat for your on location films ,to see the terrain truly brings home the herculean task those exhausted soldiers had to face .

[@user-mu6sr6ve4d]

I think your t-shirts should be red!

[@redcoathistory]

It's a good idea - I think you can order them in any colour you like on teh website.

[@daviddavid5880]

There I was, just minding my own business, in my own back yard, only 6000 miles from my back door, and not bothering anybody...

[@redcoathistory]

Oh the old "they shouldn't have been there in the first place"? Well, soldiers don't choose where they fight so this attitude bothers me. I'm not here to talk politics but to remember the men of both sides who died for their monarchs.

[@iansinton3110]

Did they not receive the VCs for acting to save each other when either officer could have made good their escape. The VCs were not, I believe, awarded for saving the colours whilst we will never know the circumstances of them leaving the camp.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

You are quite right.

[@leemoore5751]

Coghill's for was for attempting to save Melvill. Melvill's was for attempting to save the Colours.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@@leemoore5751 Melville, as well as trying to save the Colour, also remained to assist the hobbling Coghill when he could have left him to his fate. Wasn't that factored in as well?

[@BillsWargameWorld]

Got it on

[@redcoathistory]

Cheers Bill!

[@BillsWargameWorld]

@@redcoathistory btw last week we played and posted two miniature war games on my channel of Isandlwana

[@1921liam]

Don’t you have to change the outcome or something to get a VC? Could be wrong. Interesting thought. Not to say any of these people weren’t brave.

[@BobSmith-dk8nw]

A few things ... There was one British Officer who caught a loose horse and was mounting it - when the enlisted man whose horse it was came up to him and said something like _"That's my horse, Sir."_ The Officer - dismounted - gave the horse to the Enlisted Man - and died while the Enlisted man lived. Many, if not most, of those who survived were mounted. Another factor in those who lived was the Zulu's had received instructions that they were not to kill people who were not dressed in Red. I don't remember why but it may have had something to do with an idea that those not dressed in Red - were in some way non-combatants. The Zulu's were trying to maintain an aspect of being the innocent victims and may not have wanted the deaths of possible civilians on their hands. There were of course - a number of British Military Men - who were not wearing Red - for whatever reason. There tended to be more of these men who survived than those dressed in Red though not being dressed in Red was no guarantee of safety. There are a number of incidents where - for the day - Modern Military Units were defeated by Natives. Here - the Military Units had technology on their side - but - they could not afford to make any mistakes. As to the Validity of Medals Awarded ... we will never know how many people would have gotten an award had the right person seen them do it - or - had the person who saw them do it lived themselves. For myself - I would not begrudge a Medal Awarded to anyone who was killed and for those who lived - I'm just glad they didn't die. I remember one day I was walking down a hallway in one of those cheap but pristine Head Quarters buildings the Marines like - when this Corporal came walking the other way. He had this little pale blue ribbon with all these little white stars on it. I nodded my head to him and he to me and we went on about our business. My thought was _"What the hell did he do to get that ..."_ ... At least he wasn't dead. .

[@lyndoncmp5751]

The Zulus killed everyone they caught, regardless of what colour their tunics were. Surviving largely depended on if you had a horse or not. The fact is the redcoats were largely on foot and those who weren't redcoats largely had horses. You might be talking about Vereker giving up the horse?

[@stuartsinclair-smith9140]

Please advise. Every time I see the buffalo river, in a documentary, it is not flowing fast or deep. Plus, when soldiers are reported taken out on the natal side, how did the zulus navigate it without much of an issue.

[@redcoathistory]

It gets very deep and fast when it has been raining - especially between Dec-Feb. The Zulus would link arms and forge across in a group...Zulus generally weren't strong individual swimmers.

[@stuartsinclair-smith9140]

@@redcoathistory thanks I appreciate the answer

[@kes18631]

This is tough one. All the soldiers at this battle showed incredible bravery and honor. But, and this is not a shot a Melville and coghill. But , I feel they were no braver or honorable than the men who fell at the camp fighting. I feel it may have been more political to try and put some kind of positive spin on this distaster to the public. I totally agree on the small monument that marks where they fell. But if you give them the vc for bravery , then it should go to all the brave souls who fell that day.

[@mancity179]

Ive 1 ? About Isandlwana after the fighting was over how long were the Zulu warriors in the camp louting and mutilating bodies?

[@redcoathistory]

A few hours more or less. Chelmsford's army were back in the camp by the end of the day.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Timely coverage. This is always controversial but both men were clearly brave and sacrificed themselves for the other. We don't know if Pulleine did or didn't order Melville to save the Colour but we DO know that Melville certainly didn't just grab the Colour from the Guard Tent and ride off with it. The Guard Tent was in the Saddle. We know Melville at first brought the Colour to the left side of the camp (likely where Pulleine was) because Melville was actually seen by Private Williams who was at the Headquarters tents. He saw Melville riding past from the left of camp back towards the Saddle with the encased Colour. Possibly Pulleine ordered Melville to fetch the Colour and bring it to the left of camp as a rally point. We won't ever know what then occurred after Melville brought the Colour to the left of camp. Melville gamely struggled many miles clinging to the cumbersome Colour. He even tried to cling to it when he ended up in the river. Coghill turned back under fire to help Melville and Melville in turn remained with Coghill to help him, as Coghill could only hobble. High bravery and sacrificing oneself for the other as far as I'm concerned. Cheers.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Just noticed I was unsubscribed here (and some other channels). I wondered why I got no notifications for a while. Some posts have disappeared too. Must be a You Tube glitch. I've heard of this happening to others. Strange.

[@redcoathistory]

@@lyndoncmp5751 That is weird mate - but it's good to have you back. I've noticed that KZbin hardly ever reccomends me videos to channels I subscribe to - very odd. If I was a conspiracy theorist I'd think they are trying to minimise films like mine but that can't be the case as other channels are still going strong. Very weird.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@@redcoathistory Thanks mate. It really is weird how this happens. Like I said it wasn't only your channel so don't feel singled out. I've been unsubscribed from a few other channels too. Different subject matters to yours. Posts disappearing too. I really should have been paying more attention then I would have sorted it out and re-subscribed earlier. Doh. Cheers. Keep up the good work 👍

[@66kbm]

Facebook sending a "Returned Error" on my post?

[@redcoathistory]

Hi there - im afraid I don't use facebook so I can't advise.

[@66kbm]

@@redcoathistory Sorry, i am getting ahead of myself and getting myself confused. KZbin returned an Error on my reply/post to your video above. I have no idea why so i sent the reply to your mail. At least you can then forward this to the video. Very sorry for the confusion.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

I've had problems with You Tube as well. I don't know what is going on.

[@graemer3657]

I thought officers especially were supposed to “die hard” not run away and leave there men to die.

[@Jeffybonbon]

Govt always manipulates a situation the British got a hiding and govt and the PR machine went into over drive VCs awarded in this and Rourkes drift they were brave men but i think its hard to support all the VCs that were won on the two days

[@lyndoncmp5751]

So why didn't they dish out lots of VCs for the battle of Nyezane on the same day?

[@normanwood1994]

Wolseley was right - it was a disgrace for officers to flee whilst other ranks are still fighting. And I've seen some discussion about if Coghill joined Melvill to save the flag or cos it was an open option to save himself.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Wolseley was bitter and probably jealous. He complained about the Rorkes Drift defenders getting VCs too. He never did get one himself.

[@user-yf7gj4xz1s]

Please tell me again, why Britain invaded Zululand without provocation, en later die Oranje Vrystaat en die Transvaal? Diamond and gold loot for London? No.......way!

[@ThePerfectRed]

This was simply a war of aggression. They entered enemy territory and were annilihated. No honor there.

[@redcoathistory]

As opposed to most wars which are generally wars of peace?

[@mrtecsom6951]

Winds me up nearly as much as it was only 300 Spartans who held Thermopylae. VCs for two men fleeing the battlefield on horseback whilst the entire regiment was massacred. I think 🤔 but will stand corrected that Wolsley said they should have been tried for cowardice. No dispute Pte Wassell but consider the virtually unmentioned last stand of Capt Younghusband and the remnants of his company with Melvill and Coghill. F**kin joke. There were probably hundreds of actions even that day that were more deserving than those two and thousands in the history of the British army. Think Paddy Mayne with his 4 DSOs. IMO they were cowards fleeing the disaster who had rich and influential friends back in Blighty who demanded those gross and unjustified awards. I have knocked them off my VC list Rant over.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Melville very possibly was ordered to take the Colour to safety and warn Rorkes Drift. We know he brought the Colour from the Guard Tent in the Saddle towards the fighting on the left of the camp (likely where Pulleine was), so he didnt just take it from the Guard Tent and flee. They weren't cowards. Both men sacrificed themselves to help the other.

[@mrtecsom6951]

“Sacrifice” to save others is an absolute bare minimum requirement for soldiers helping their brothers in arms. If VCs were awarded for every occurrence in the British army history there aren’t enough cannons ever made to make the medals. It was reported that Wolsley thought “it was monstrous” giving VCs to men fleeing the disaster trying to save their own skins and had they survived he would have tried them for cowardice

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@@mrtecsom6951 Wolseley was bitter and perhaps jealous because he never got a VC. He even criticised the Rorkes Drift defenders getting VCs. Wolseley is not the last word on this. It's just his opinion. You referred to Melville and Coghill as cowards. They clearly weren't, as their selfless sacrifices shows. They gave their life for the other.

[@JayM409]

No, they were deserters.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Melville may have been ordered to save the Colour and warn Rorkes Drift. I don't know about Coghill.

[@brianford8493]

No way did they deserve the VC chap cutting and running colours or not and leaving the Rankers to the Zulu was pretty shameful....a salutory lesson of how the press can change a narrative.✌️

[@lyndoncmp5751]

What if Melville was ordered by Pulleine to save the Colour and warn Rorkes Drift?

[@brianford8493]

@@lyndoncmp5751 Everyone mounted ran....I would have.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@brianford8493 Well I think the horses did the running hehe. 😉