Zulu Wars Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Brimingham, England, he served as a Private in the 80th Regiment of Foot, Staffordshire Volunteers, British Army. On January 22, 1879, between actions during the Battle of Islandlwhana, Africa, when the camp position was taken by the enemy, Private Wassail retreated towards the Buffalo River with his unit. He saw a comrade struggling, and apparently drowning in the river, rode to the bank and dismounted his horse. Leaving his horse on the Zulu side, he rescued the man from the stream under heavy fire, mounted his horse with his comrade and rode to safety. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross at Buckingham Palace on June 26, 1879. He died at age 70 in Barrow-in-Furness, England.
Zulu Wars Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Brimingham, England, he served as a Private in the 80th Regiment of Foot, Staffordshire Volunteers, British Army. On January 22, 1879, between actions during the Battle of Islandlwhana, Africa, when the camp position was taken by the enemy, Private Wassail retreated towards the Buffalo River with his unit. He saw a comrade struggling, and apparently drowning in the river, rode to the bank and dismounted his horse. Leaving his horse on the Zulu side, he rescued the man from the stream under heavy fire, mounted his horse with his comrade and rode to safety. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross at Buckingham Palace on June 26, 1879. He died at age 70 in Barrow-in-Furness, England.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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