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The Andrews Pages Picture Gallery : War & War Graves
A selection of photographs, prints and postcards. Some have personal or family connections
 
How He Won the Victoria Cross (the Zulu War)
General Buller saving the life of a mounted soldier whose horse was either in distress or injured


General Sir Redvers Henry Buller (1839-1908) was decorated with a VC during the Zulu War for saving the lives of three of his men on 28 March 1879. He is shown here rescuing an unnamed mounted soldier whose horse was clearly distressed.

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".


Ralph Tuck & Sons "Oilette" [Regd.] Postcard 9247. "How He Won the Victoria Cross". Art Publisher to their Majesties the King and Queen. Not posted. Painted by H. Montagu Love and dated 1908 [signature and date bottom left].
The postcard had the usual side bar for the card's title and message that was part of all postcards produced in the first decade of the twentieth century but has been omitted to present a slightly larger image.
In the collection of, provided by and © Ann Andrews.
Intended for personal use only

References:

[1] "The London Gazette", 17 June 1879




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