The Victoria Cross is the most prestigious medal that British
military personnel can be awarded and Buller's courage is perhaps
best summed up in the announcement placed in the London Gazette[1]:
"War Office, June 17, 1879.
THE Queen has been graciously pleased to signify Her intention
to confer the decoration of the Victoria Cross on the undermentioned
Officers and Soldier of Her Majesty's Army, whose claims
have been submitted for Her Majesty's approval, for their
gallant conduct during the recent operations in South Africa,
as recorded against their names, viz.:-
Regiment: 60th Rifles ...
Name: Captain and Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Redvers H. Buller,
C.B.
Acts of Courage for which recommended: For
his gallant conduct at the retreat at Inhlobana, on the 28th
March, 1879, in having assisted, whilst hotly pursued by
Zulus, in rescuing Captain C. D'Arcy, of the Frontier Light
Horse, who was retiring on foot, and carrying him on his
horse until he overtook the rear guard. Also for having on
the same date and under the same circumstances, conveyed
Lieutenant C. Everitt, of the Frontier Light Horse, whose
horse had been killed under him, to a place of safety. Later
on, Colonel Buller, in the same manner, saved a trooper of
the Frontier Light Horse, whose horse was completely exhausted,
and who otherwise would have been killed by the Zulus, who
were within 80 yards of him".