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
Battle of Cocos the German High Seas Fleet, in November 1918, "Sydney" was assigned to escort the new "Emden". "Sydney" remained in service until 1928, and was broken up for scrap in 1929. For the battle, "Sydney" was awarded the battle honour ""Emden 1914"". This was the first honour for a single ship action awarded to a RAN vessel, and one of only three awarded to any British Commonwealth ship during the 20th century. Glossop was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath. After being abandoned, the German shore party returned to Direction Island, placed the territory under German martial law,