Frederick Hitch, English soldier, Victoria Cross recipient (b. 1856)

Frederick Hitch VC: A Hero of Rorke's Drift

Frederick Hitch (29 November 1856 – 6 January 1913) was an English soldier whose name is indelibly etched into the annals of British military history. He is most renowned as a recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be bestowed upon members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces. His extraordinary bravery was demonstrated during the epic and desperate Battle of Rorke's Drift, an engagement that has become synonymous with unwavering courage and resilience.

The Victoria Cross: Britain's Highest Honour for Valour

The Victoria Cross, often simply referred to as the VC, is a bronze cross pattee, bearing the royal crest of a lion statant guardant on a crown, and the inscription "FOR VALOUR" on a semi-circular bar. Instituted by Queen Victoria in 1856, it was created to recognise acts of extreme bravery irrespective of rank or social standing, a groundbreaking concept at the time. It is awarded for "most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy." The very nature of its criteria means that recipients like Frederick Hitch have performed deeds of exceptional courage, often at great personal risk, making it an incredibly rare and revered decoration.

Frederick Hitch's Role at the Battle of Rorke's Drift

Frederick Hitch served as a Private in the 2nd Battalion, 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot, later famously known as the South Wales Borderers. His defining moment came during the Anglo-Zulu War in Southern Africa. Immediately following the devastating British defeat at the Battle of Isandlwana on 22 January 1879, a force of over 4,000 Zulu warriors advanced on the small British mission station and hospital at Rorke's Drift. The station was defended by a mere 150 British and colonial troops, many of whom were ill or wounded.

Over a gruelling twelve-hour period, from the late afternoon of 22 January into the early hours of 23 January 1879, the defenders of Rorke's Drift endured relentless assaults from the disciplined Zulu impi. Amidst this intense and chaotic battle, Private Frederick Hitch displayed remarkable heroism. He was initially positioned on the barricades, engaging the enemy with his rifle. However, a significant part of his gallantry lay in his critical role in maintaining the supply of ammunition to his fellow soldiers under continuous heavy fire. This was vital for the defenders to sustain their resistance against overwhelming odds. He was severely wounded early in the engagement, receiving a bullet to the shoulder which fractured his arm.

Despite his serious injury, Private Hitch refused to be incapacitated. With incredible fortitude, he continued to assist his comrades, including carrying seriously wounded men to safety within the shrinking defensive perimeter. His actions were emblematic of the collective determination and courage that saw the small garrison successfully repulse the Zulu attacks, a feat that astonished the military world and became a symbol of British tenacity.

Legacy and Recognition

For his exceptional bravery and unwavering devotion to duty during the Battle of Rorke's Drift, Frederick Hitch was awarded the Victoria Cross. This prestigious honour acknowledged his personal courage and his invaluable contribution to the defence of Rorke's Drift. After his military service, Hitch faced challenges but eventually found employment as a commissionaire at the Imperial Institute. He passed away in London in 1913 and remains a celebrated figure in military history, his story a testament to the extraordinary courage that the Victoria Cross represents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frederick Hitch and the Victoria Cross

Who was Frederick Hitch?

Frederick Hitch was an English Private in the 2nd Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot, who earned the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest military award for gallantry, for his actions at the Battle of Rorke's Drift in 1879.

What was the Battle of Rorke's Drift?

The Battle of Rorke's Drift was a heroic defence by a small British garrison against a much larger force of Zulu warriors in January 1879, immediately after the British defeat at Isandlwana during the Anglo-Zulu War. The 150 defenders successfully repelled over 4,000 Zulu attackers.

What specific actions did Frederick Hitch take to earn the Victoria Cross?

Private Frederick Hitch displayed extreme bravery by distributing ammunition to his comrades under heavy fire, despite being severely wounded early in the battle. He also helped evacuate seriously injured soldiers to safety.

What is the Victoria Cross (VC)?

The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for "most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy" to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces. It was instituted in 1856 by Queen Victoria.

When did Frederick Hitch live?

Frederick Hitch was born on 29 November 1856 and passed away on 6 January 1913.