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Herbert Woodward, 80th Regiment. Killed at the Intombi Massacre, South Africa, on 12th March 1879, aged 25 years. In Christ Churchyard, Barnton, Cheshire.

Like the Isandlwana disaster, the Intombi River massacre was the result of poor leadership and underestimating the capabilities of the Zulus. A further black mark came when the surviving officer took to a horse and fled leaving the survivors to their fate. Fortunately for them, Sergeant Anthony Booth took charge and led most of the men in a fighting retreat to safety. Booth was rewarded with a VC, while the cowardly officer later resigned his commission.

Brett