John Wyndon Lyon

Posts : 303 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

I have come across the obituary to a John Wyndon Lyon who apparently served with the NNC during the Zulu War, although it dubiously claims that he escaped from Isandlwana to Rorke's Drift.

I have found a Private J W Lyon in the medal roll (under NNC) and I have a photo of his grave in Brisbane which states that he served with the 'Natal Horse'; I was wondering if any one has any information on this individual concerning his actual involvement in the campaign?

Regards,

Tim

Subject: Re: John Wyndon Lyon Sat May 18, 2013 1:56 pm

Tim is this the one you have!!

Mr. John Wyndon Lyon

Mr John Wyndon Lyon, who died during the weekend, was a veteran of the Zulu War, and he was accorded a military funeral, fol- lowing a short secrvice conducted by Canon W. Thompson in the chapel at Hislop and Son's parlour. Mr. Lyon was born in Sussex in 1853, and went to Canada, where he spent his early life. Later he went to South Africa, and engaged in mining at Ladysmith in 1878. In the following year he formed up with Colonel Weatherby, and took part in the Zulu War, being at the battle of Isandlwana with the 24th Foot (Royal Warwickshire Regiment). Here many thousands 0f zulus over whelmed a handful of troopers, and it was with difficulty that Mr. Lyon and six others reached Rorke's Drift 12 miles away. The Zulus followed up their attack, but they found the Rorke's Drift men fully prepared and after a long battle the blacks were driven off. When Mr. Lyon landed in Australia he went to the Chillagoe district t0 again engage in mining.

Subject: Re: John Wyndon Lyon Sat May 18, 2013 2:00 pm

Then we have this.

"John Wyndon Lyon (10-65-30)
Lyon was a member of the 2nd Battalion, Natal Contingent and saw action at the Battle of Isandhlwana, Rorke's Drift, Gingalore, the relief of Ekouso and was awarded South African Medal. On 22 January 1879, the 1st Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot was attacked by Zulus and decimated, with some 858 members killed. A few soldiers were able to escape to the mission station at Rorke’s Drift. The Battle of Rorke’s Drift was depicted in the 1964 movie Zulu. Eight officers and 135 men successfully defended the station. Eleven Victoria
Crosses were later issued, the most in any British battle. Lyon died on 21April 1931 aged 81"

Posts : 303 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Hi Littlehand,

Yes, I've come across both of these - the second article was (as I'm sure you know) printed in a heritage trail-type flyer for the cemetery in Brisbane Australia where Lyon is buried. I contacted the 'Friends' group who look after the cemetery & they have sent me a photo of the grave. As it mentions that he was at Gingindlovu & the Relief of Eshowe it would be interesting to ascertain where he did actually serve during the campaign...

Regards,

Tim

» John Wyndon Lyon
» ADMIRAL LYON, HERBERT
» Private 2049 John Mc Millan a.k.a. John Little 1st 24th (The 2nd Warwickshire) Regiment