1874: The Ashanti War had broken out in 1873 when Kofi Karikari attacked tribes under British protection. Sir Garnet Wolseley drove off the first attacks, then, having been reinforced, advanced into Ashanti territory in January 1874. On 17 January, Major Sartorius rescued under heavy fire a badly wounded African non-commissioned officer. Sadly, the NCO died of his injuries, but Sartorius' gallantry was recognised by the award of the Victoria Cross. His brother also won the VC five years later in Afghanistan.

1885: Major-General Stewart was advancing with the "Desert Column" of Kitchener's army attempting to relieve General Gordon besieged in Khartoum, when his 1,400 men came under attack at Abu Klea from some 10,000 Mahdists. The ferocity of the Mahdists' attack initially broke into the large British defensive square, but Stewart's men eventually drove them off with about 1,100 casualties: the British lost 74 men killed. Gunner Smith saved the life of an officer attacked by a Mahdist swordsman, and received the Victoria Cross. Stewart was killed in action two days later, and his successor failed to continue the advance with sufficient alacrity to save Gordon and his Egyptian garrison.

1912: The expedition led by Captain Scott arrived at the South Pole - only to find that the Norwegians led by Amundsen had just beaten them. Conditions on the return journey proved too much, and Scott's party perished only a few miles short from reaching a supply dump.