Gonville Bromhead

Major Gonville Bromhead VC was a British Army officer who received the Victoria Cross for his part in the defence of Rorke's Drift in January 1879, during the Anglo-Zulu War. As a lieutenant commanding B Company of the 2nd Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot, Bromhead was thrust into leadership alongside Lieutenant John Chard of the Royal Engineers. Together, they fortified the mission station at Rorke's Drift and successfully defended it against overwhelming odds.

Following the successful defence, Bromhead was promoted to captain and subsequently to major. His actions, along with those of ten other defenders, were recognized with the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Bromhead later served in various postings across the British Empire, including in India and Burma. He died of typhoid fever in Allahabad, India, in 1891, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most famous British military figures of the Victorian era.