Melville's Ride to Glory by Bud Bradshaw. [Print]

Lt. Melvill rescues the British colours from the field at Isandhlwana, South Africa. For this action, he was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously. Lieutenant Melville was the adjutant of the 1st Battalion, the 24th Foot. Melville collected the Queen's Colour from the guard tent towards the end of the battle and rode out of camp heading for the Tugela River. Melville arrived at the river, and due to the heavy rains the Tugela was in flood. Melville rode into the river but about half way across Melville came off his horse, still clutching the colours. Lieutenant Coghill, also of the 24th Foot, crossed the river soon after and went to Melville's assistance. The Zulus were on the bank and opened a heavy fire on them. Lt Coghill's horse was killed and the colours swept away. Both officers struggled to the Natal bank where it seems it is likely that both men were killed by Natal natives. The colours would later be recovered from the Tugela River Both officers would be later awarded the Victoria Cross.