Samuel Wassall, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery at the Battle of Isandlwana, died on 31 January 1927. He was a private in the 80th Regiment of Foot during the Anglo-Zulu War and also saw action in the Battle of Hlobane.
During the Battle of Isandlwana, Wassall made his way to the Buffalo River to escape the carnage. With no regard for his own life, he rescued a fellow soldier who was struggling in the river, and badly wounded. This soldier, Private Westwood, whilst in hospital after the battle, identified Wassall for his action when he overheard two officers discussing an unrecorded event of ‘unparalleled bravery’ – reference Isandlwana, Adrian Greaves.
Wassall was presented with his VC on 17 September 1879.
