1879, 23 January - Anglo-Zulu War of 1879: Rorke's Drift
Following an overnight battle at Rorke's Drift, 150 British and Imperial soldiers successfully defended this isolated station against a force of more than 3,000 Zulu warriors, at a cost of 15 dead and ten wounded. Hailed as heroes across the British Empire, 11 of the defenders were awarded the Victoria Cross. (It was only in 1999 that a memorial was finally constructed to the brave Zulu warriors who fought for their beleaguered nation.)
1903, 23 January
Colonel Arthur Alfred Lynch is found guilty of high treason and sentenced to death for leading the "Irish Commando" against British forces in the Anglo-Boer War.
1935, 23 January
French colonial troops are massacred by Abyssinian tribesmen in Somaliland.
