The VC diary for 22nd January contains three recipients of the highest award for gallantry including two recipients who were immortalised in “Zulu Dawn”. The first recipient (and not related to “Zulu Dawn”) is Charles Groves Wright Anderson VC. Anderson was born in 1897 in Cape Town, South Africa and received his VC for his actions between 18th and 22nd January 1942 in the Battle of Muar near the Muar River, Malaysia. He was in command of a small force which destroyed ten enemy tanks. When they were later cut off, Anderson led his force through 15 miles of enemy occupied territory, being attacked by air and ground forces all the way. Many times in the journey from Muar to Pant Sulong, Anderson had to lead bayonet charges and hand to hand combat with the Japanese. After the war, he entered politics and won a seat in the House of Representatives. He died in 1988 in Red Hill, Canberra and was cremated. His ashes were scattered at Norwood Crematorium, Australian Capital Territory. His medals are displayed at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra. The other two recipients who are linked by the same action on 22nd January 1879 are Nevill Josiah Aylmer Coghill and Teignmouth Melvill VC. Coghill was born in Drumcondra, County Dublin, Ireland in 1852, whilst Melvill was born older by 10 years, being born in Marylebone, London in 1842. On 22nd January 1879, after the disaster of the Battle of Isandhlwana, South Africa, Lt Coghill was joined by another officer (Melvill) who was trying to save the Queen’s Colour of the Regiment. They were pursued by Zulu warriors, and while crossing the swollen Buffalo River. Lt Coghill went to the rescue of his brother officer, who had lost his horse and was in great danger. The two men were eventually overtaken by the enemy and, following a short but gallant struggle, both were killed. They were amongst the first VC recipients to be awarded the VC posthumously. They are both buried in a hillside grave overlooking the Buffalo River. Both of the men’s medals are displayed at the South Wales Borderers Museum, Brecon, Wales.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 05:47:32 +0000