VC Action: William Wilson Allen, VC ( 1844 ? – 12 March 1890) was about 35 years old, and a corporal in the 2nd Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot (later The South Wales Borderers), British Army during the Zulu War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
Rouke's drift, Natal, South Africa, was established in a trading store-cum-mission station that consisted of a dwelling house and a chapel, both sturdily built of stone. The house was being used as a field hospital, the chapel was full of stores and there were only 104 men who were fit enough to fight. On 22 January and 23 January 1879 the Zulus consisting of 4,500 men attacked. Corporal Allan and another man (Frederick Hitch) kept communication with the hospital open, despite being severely wounded. Their determined conduct enabled the patients to be withdrawn from the hospital, and when incapacitated by their wounds from fighting, they continued, as soon as their wounds were dressed, to serve out ammunition to their comrades during the night. When dawn came at last, the Zulus drew off taking their wounded with them and leaving at least 351 dead around the barricades. Later Lord Chelmsford arrived on the scene with a column of British Soldiers.
11 Victoria Crosses were awarded at Roukes Drift.
Allen later served as a Sergeant Instructor with the 3rd Militia Battalion in Brecon and the 4th Volunteer Battalion in Monmouth. Sgt Allen died still serving in Monmouthlater on 12th March 1890 of influenza. |
