William Allen (VC 1879) (later The South Wales Borderers), British Army during the Zulu War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC. On 22 and 23 January 1879 at Rorke's Drift, Natal, South Africa, Corporal Allan and another man (Frederick Hitch) kept communication with the hospital open, despite being severely wounded. Their determined conduct enabled the patients to be withdrawn from the hospital, and when incapacitated by their wounds from fighting, they continued, as soon as their wounds were dressed, to serve out ammunition to their comrades during the night. He later achieved the rank of sergeant for
Battle of Mhlatuze River river, effectively splitting the attackers into two separate groups which allowed a Zulu victory. Battle of Mhlatuze River The Battle of Mhlatuze River was a battle fought between the Zulu and Ndwandwe tribes in 1820 following the Zulu Civil War. The Ndwandwe hierarchy was set asunder by the battle, and largely scattered their population in response. In 1818, Shaka had been attacked by Qwabe warriors led by Phakathwayo along the same river. The Zulu people prevailed in battle, led by military commander Shaka. As in the Battle of Gqokli Hill, Shaka's superior tactics led his people to victory. When the