On 21st January 1879, the central column of Lord Chelmsford’s three-pronged invasion into Zululand was attacked at Isandhlwana by 20,000 Zulu warriors. Included in the 1700 British troops and native allies killed in the successful surprise attack, were 581 men and 21 officers from five companies of the 1st / 24th and one company of 2nd / 24th Foot.

The following day the Zulu reserve of 4,000 warriors marched on to attack Rorke’s Drift, held by Company B, 2nd Battalion, 24th Foot, who for their gallant defense, gained the distinction of being the regiment to have won the most Victoria Crosses in one action, seven.