Frederick Hitch War, aged 22, he fought at the Battle of Rorke's Drift (22–23 January 1879), and was awarded the VC for his actions. The citation was published in the "London Gazette": The soldiers were assisted in passing out ammunition by Padre George Smith. Hitch was severely wounded during the action, and was still in the Royal Victoria Military Hospital, Netley, Southampton when he received his medal from Queen Victoria. He was one of the eleven recipients of the VC awarded for their part in the battle. Hitch's wounds were so severe that they led to his discharge from service. He then
Victoria Park, Whanganui its first first-class match during the 1990/91 Shell Trophy when Central Districts played Northern Districts. Between the 1990/91 and 2002/03 season's, eleven first-class matches were held there, the last of which saw Central Districts play Otago in the 2002/03 State Championship. Between the 1994/95 and 2000/01 seasons, Central Districts played three List A matches at Victoria Park. A single Women's One Day International was played there on 25 February 1995, when New Zealand Women played Australia Women in the New Zealand Women's Centenary Tournament. Central Districts Women used Victoria Park as a home venue in the State League between 1998