1-148-737 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Incident at the Battle of Isandlwana, Anglo-Zulu War, 22 January 1879. Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill (24th Regiment) dying to save the Queen's colours. Isandlwana was a devastating defeat for the British Army at the hands of the Zulus. Of a force of 1400 officers and men only 60 escaped with their lives. Melvill and Coghill were later awarded posthumous VCs for their actions.