The role played by Staffordshire soldiers in the Zulu War of the 19th Century will be explored at a special event in the county town.

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Archive Service is holding the special presentation at Staffordshire Record Office in Eastgate Street on January 22 from 2pm to 3pm.

It marks the 130th anniversary of the conflict between the pith-helmeted troops of the British Empire and the assegai-wielding Zulu warriors under King Cetewayo.

The 80th Regiment of Foot (Staffordshire Volunteers), later the Staffordshire Regiment, served in the conflict in 1879. Some of its soldiers were involved in the Battle of Islandhwana when the British army was defeated and 1,200 troops died. The first of 23 Victoria Crosses awarded in the conflict was awarded to Birmingham-born Private Samuel Wassall, of the 80th Regiment, who escaped the debacle of Isandlhwana pursued by Zulu warriors.

As he made his way down the Buffalo River, the border between Zululand and Natal. Wassall rode his Basuto pony into the river, but upon hearing a cry for help and seeing a man from his own Regiment drowning, he turned and made his way back to the Zulu side of the river.

He dismounted, swam into the river and rescued a private called Westwood as the Zulus were sweeping along the riverbank. The regiment also took part in the battle at Hlobane Mountain suffering 29 casualties despite an attack from 25,000 Zulus.

Brierley Hill’s Colour Sergeant Anthony Booth was awarded a VC for leading a retreat following a surprise night attack in the Battle of Intombi River.

A memorial to the 91 officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the regiment is featured in the regimental chapel at Lichfield Cathedral. It is in the shape of five Zulu shields.

Private Wassall’s VC is on display in the Staffordshire Regiment Museum at Whittington, near Lichfield.

The free event, which will include an audio-visual presentation, at the record office will explore the county’s links to the war and material from the archives will feature.

Places need to be booked in advance by calling 01785 278380.