On 10 January 1879, three columns of British soldiers crossed the Buffalo river into Zululand, South Africa, leaving some 1,800 soldiers of the 24th Regiment of Foot in camp at Isandlwana. On 22 January, the forces of Zulu King Cetshwayo, numbering some 20,000, encircled the British camp. The following battle resulted in one of the worst defeats ever recorded by the British army. Over 1,300 of the camp defenders were slaughtered.

On the evening of 22 January, some 3,000 Zulu warriors, fresh from the massacre at Isandlwana, descended on Rorke's Drift, defended by a force of just 140 men, which included soldiers of the 24th Regiment of Foot, the South Wales Borderers. The ensuing battle lasted through the night and into the day of 23 January. The events of that night and following day were to be one of the British army's finest moments. Against overwhelming odds, the garrison at Rorke's Drift repulsed attack after attack from some of the most ferocious and courageous native fighters in the whole of Africa.

Hostilities only came to an end when, in a demonstration of great humanity, and in acknowledgement of the bravery of fellow warriors, the Zulu prince Dabulamanzi called off his troops, saluted the garrison and withdrew. Subsequently, 11 Victoria Crosses were awarded for the gallant defence at Rorke's Drift, the highest number of Victoria Crosses ever awarded for a single action. On this day, the one hundred and fortieth anniversary of that battle, it is fitting that we remember those on both sides who showed such exceptional courage.