The first VC awarded for an action on South African soil was to Brevet-Major H. G. Moore of the 88th Regiment (Connaught Rangers), who was seconded to the Frontier Armed and Mounted Police, a South African Colonial Unit near Kingwilliamstown, during the Gaika-Galeka War in 1877. This Victoria Cross was gazetted only after those awarded for the action at Rorke's Drift, although it was the first Victoria Cross actually won in South Africa
Date of act of bravery 29th December 1877 south Africa
For his gallant conduct in risking his own life in endeavouring to save the life of Pte Giese,of the Frontier Armed Mounted Police,on the occasion of the action with the Gaikas ,near Kongha on the 29th Dec 1877
It is reported that when a small body of mounted police were forced to retire before overwhelming numbers of the enemy, Major Moore observed that Pte Geise was unable to mount his horse, and was thereby left to the mercy of the Kafirs Preceiving the mans danger Major Moore rode back alone into the midst of the enemy and did not desist in his endeavour to save the man until yhe later was killed Major Moore having shot two Kaffirs and received an assegai wound in the arm during the gallant attempt
london gazette 29th june 1879
regards Martin
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