In 1879 the British invaded Zululand. The central of the three major invading columns forded the Buffalo River at Rorke's Drift. Within days Lord Chelmsford's invasion was in jeopardy. Part of his central column had been almost annihilated at Isandlwana in a battle rated as one of the greatest military disasters in British colonial history. A few survivors struggled back into Natal across the mighty Buffalo River. Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill died in a gallant attempt to save the Queen's colours, earning the first posthumous Victoria Crosses in history. A great wing of the Zulu army went on to attack the British garrison at Rorke's Drift, and these warriors were beaten off in a battle that lasted all night. More VC.'s were awarded for valour in this battle than in any other battle in history. There never was another day like this one 

While disaster struck the British Army at Islandwana, an action of extreme bravery occurred at the small missionary station of Rorke's Drift. Hospital staff and sixty casualties, and eighty one men from B Company, 11/24th Foot, under the command of Lieutenants Chard and Bromhead, hastily built defensive works and successfully held the Station against a force of 4,500 Zulus.

After 2 days of intensive and often hand to hand fighting the Zulus eventually withdrew, thus ending an action that resulted in eleven VC awards being presented, the Eleven before Breakfast! of the Regimental history, and the highest ever for a single action that the British Army were engaged in. It should also not be forgotten that Colour Sergeant Bourne was offered either a VC medal or an Officers Commission, and that he eventually opted for the Commission in lieu of his medal.