The defence of Rorkes Drift is one of the most renowned actions from the background of the British army. It had been at the little mission station along the border of Zululand and Natal where a few thousand Zulus attacked the garrison of under 140 British soldiers. The soldiers fought for their lives through the night and by the early morning, the Zulus had withdrawn. The highest award for gallantry from the British Army is the Victoria Cross and the Battle of Rorkes Drift saw twelve VCs awarded, more than in every other single action in history.







