The Victoria Cross is the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy and was awarded to Lord William Beresford, the third son of the 4th Marquess of Waterford, during the Zulu Wars in South Africa.
At Ulundi on 3 July 1879, a reconnoitring party had been ambushed and was being attacked by a force of several thousand Zulus. A number of troopers had been killed or injured as they withdrew.
The horse of Sgt. Fitzmaurice of 24th Regiment fell and rolled on him. With the enemy closing in rapidly on both sides, Lord William turned his horse and ignoring the great risk to his own life went back to his assistance. With the help of Sergeant O’Toole, Frontier Light Force, and with the enemy now only 50 paces away, Captain Lord William managed to get the injured man onto his horse and eventually bring him to safety.