RESEARCH being carried out at Glasgow University has helped two heroes of the Anglo-Zulu War gain due recognition.

A relative of of one British heroes who died in the war in 1879 will take delivery of a specially commissioned painting at a ceremony at the East India Club in London today.

Jane Mann is the great-great-great grandniece of Nevill Coghill, who was one of the first soldiers to be awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously.

Coghill and his fellow officer Teignmouth Melvill were killed attempting to save their Regiment's colours from capture by Zulu warriors at the Battle of Isandlwana in South Africa.

Ms Mann will receive the painting, by renowned military artist Jason Askew, and pass it on to the Victoria Cross Museum, where it will assist in promoting the work of the Victoria Cross Trust, which renovates the graves of VC winners.

The painting shows the charge Coghill and Melvill made on the day they were killed.

To uncover the truth behind the story, Ms Mann contacted University of Glasgow archaeologist, Dr Tony Pollard, who has led an extensive archaeological investigation of the Isandlwana battlefield.

Together the pair are researching the battle for a forthcoming book, called 'The Colours of Courage'.

The Battle of Isandlwana famously saw the annihilation of a British invasion column at the hands of around 25,000 Zulus.

The following day, the Zulu army was repulsed by a small British force at Rourke's Drift, as portrayed in the 1964 film, Zulu

Coghill and Melvill were buried together close to where they fell on the banks of the Buffalo River.

stef.lach@ heraldandtimes.co.uk