Mike Denigan

Michael is a US Army Veteran and a Law Enforcement Officer out of Southern California. He holds a BA in Criminal Justice from Point Loma Nazarene University and currently resides in San Diego, CA. Michael is an ardent military aficionado who has been published on the British Victorian Era and the American Indian Wars. He spends most of his free time sportfishing or sailing with his fiancée.

As well as writing his own titles, Michael has formed a cross-Atlantic writing partnership with Neil Thornton, with several co-authored pieces already in the pipeline.

The Victoria Crosses of Melvill & Coghill: iSandlwana, 22 January 1879

As with many aspects of the Zulu War, many myths surround Lieutenants Teignmouth Melvill and Nevill Coghill, 1st Battalion, 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot, both of whom lost their lives on 22 January 1879, following the Zulu attack at iSandlwana.

Melvill had died after attempting to save the Queen's Colour of his battalion, and Coghill after returning into the fray to save his brother officer. 'The Dash with the Colours' featured in newspapers and magazines up and down Britain, propelling Melvill and Coghill into legend.

The public were captivated. Yet a large amount of what was circulated was not accurate. Here, authors Neil Thornton and Michael Denigan lay out what we know, and what has been muddled along the way, either by fault or design.

Featuring unpublished letters and correspondence between the Coghill family, the War Office and the King amongst others, the authors also show just how and why Melvill and Coghill came to be awarded posthumous VCs some 28 years after they had lost their lives. The answers will shock and intrigue.