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Date	Original Topic
25th April 2002	Unsung heroes By Alan Critchley I'm sure that there are many unsung heroes fo the Anglo-Zulu War. Men who, if posthumous awards were instigated before 1879, would have received posthumous Victoria Crosses. Two did, Melvill and Coghill for their roles in saving the Queen's Colour from Isandhlwana. This was possibly because it was such a high profile incident. One other I would think equally worthy of such recognition would be Captain Reginald Younghusband, 24th. Regt. Having valiantly played his part, along side his men, in the defence of the left of the camp at Isandhlwana, he went on to to display remarkable courage and daring in the face of overwhelming odds. When all seemed lost, he along with 60 of his men, took up a defensive position on the side of Isandhlwana to make a last stand, and fought heroically until their ammunition was exhausted. Story has it, that he went round each of his men and shook their hands. The Zulus on seeing this, paused to allow this to happen. When he was left with only 3 men, they charged down onto the Zulus, bayonets fixed. When the 3 were killed and he was alone, he clambered onto a wagon and killed several attacking Zulus before eventually being shot through the head. One other story which I have heard is that the Zulus had such respect for this brave man, they carried his body on a shield up the mountain and placed him beside his men. Does anyone have any other nominees for the award for valour? Alan
Date	Replies
25th April 2002	Alex Rossiter I agree Younghusband should have got a posthumous award for valour.
25th April 2002	John Young How about Private 25th Brigade/1398 Joseph Williams at Rorke's Drift? Obviously his family did not have the right connections as he was only a lowly other-rank. Did not his actions merit an award? John Young, Chairman, Anglo-Zulu War Research Society.
25th April 2002	Lee Stevenson What about Surgeon Major Peter Shepherd? The Medical Press of 1879 certainly thought his sacrifice was worthy of a VC.
26th April 2002	John Young How about Veterinary Surgeon F. Duck, of 'N' Battery, 5th Brigade, Royal Artillery, at Hlobane? His recommendation for the award of the Victoria Cross, was apparently denied by Redvers Buller words to the effect '...he shouldn't have been there.' Consequently his actions were only mentioned in dispatches. John Young, Chairman, Anglo-Zulu War Research Society.
26th April 2002	John Young To prove I'm without bias - the 12 year uDibi boy, who alone reached the British laager at Gingindlovu, when all around him were killed in the attack. John Young, Chairman, Anglo-Zulu War Research Society.
26th April 2002	Dave Nolan The person who had the most effect on the battle but who was unrewarded has to be the guy who got the Zulus moving again once that attack stalled by exhorting them with the boasts they had given before setting off, who was then shot dead, but he had got them moving again. Without him the result of the battle may have been completely different. Dave