1. Frederick Hitch, VC was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross for his actions at the Battle of Rorke's Drift, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
10 Facts About Frederick Hitch
1. 2.
Frederick Hitch was one of the eleven recipients of the VC awarded for their part in the battle.
3.
Frederick Hitch's wounds were so severe that they led to his discharge from service on 25 August 1879, having served 2 years and 6 months.
4.
Frederick Hitch then moved from job to job, unable to perform manual work due to the damage to his arm he had received during the battle.
5.
Frederick Hitch had eight children, and managed to land a steady job as driver of a smart horse-drawn cab, which he later exchanged for a motor taxi cab.
6.
Frederick Hitch collapsed and died at his home whilst talking to a neighbour.
7.
Frederick Hitch was buried in St Nicholas' churchyard in Chiswick, with full military honours.
8.
Frederick Hitch's funeral was attended by a large number of London 'cabbies' and he is commemorated by the Fred Hitch Gallantry Award for cab drivers.
9.
Frederick Hitch is buried in the centre of the churchyard of St Nicholas Church, Chiswick.
10.
Frederick Hitch was portrayed by David Kernan in the 1964 film Zulu.