SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL TO PTE. H. RUFFLE, 80TH FOOT (K.I.A. INTOMBI RIVER 1879)

Henry Ruffle was Killed In Action at the Battle of Intombi River. During the early hours of March 12, 1879 on the banks of the river, a huge force of Zulus launched a surprise attack, overrunning the British camped there and slaughtering most of the soldiers before they had time to fire a shot. Sergeant Anthony Booth saw the Zulus emerge from the mist and fire a volley into the tents before issuing a war cry. They quickly overwhelmed the camp, with partially clothed soldiers clubbed and stabbed to death as they struggled from their tents. Some men dived into the river but few reached the safety of the far bank. Booth scrambled beneath the wagons and started firing at the mass of Zulus, having had his helmet knocked off. He steadied his aim on the rear wheel and firing rapidly, Booth noticed that he was next to Lt. Harward’s tethered pony, the officer who would soon untie her and ride off to safety and disgrace. Booth and just eight of his company were joined by some of the men who crossed the river and formed the remaining men into a square and began to retire towards Luneburg. Booth would be issued the Victoria Cross for his gallanty. Henry Ruffle was born in Whitechapel, London in 1849 and worked as a trade clerk before enlisting with the 80th Foot in Westminster on 1 June 1872, aged 24 years 6 months, with a physical description of 5'5" height, dark hair, hazel eyes and dark complexion. Serving in "A" Company according to the Muster Roll and Pay Book and is on the surrender roll for the IGS Perak, not being included in the General Order granting the Decoration. In addition, Ruffle is further crossed through in red on the roll as not having his I.G.S. prepared following his death, with the word 'deceased' next to his name. Three letter home envelopes have survived from Ruffle, two from China and one from Zululand dated 1877 on which is handwritten 'From no.2070 H. Ruffle, 80th Regt. on active service to Mrs Brooks of 137 Ormside Street, Old Kent Road, London, signed by Major Commanding H.M.s 80th Regt.' Henry Ruffle was serving with "C" Company in South Africa according to Major Tucker's Report, and was one of the 62 men of the 80th Foot Killed In Action at the Battle of Intombi River on 12 Mar 1879. Ruffle was issued with the South Africa Medal with clasp posthumously and is commemorated on the Intombi Spruit Memorial.