RORKE'S DRIFT HERO

Subject: RORKE'S DRIFT HERO Fri Mar 22, 2019 10:54 pm

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RORKE'S DRIFT HERO
Malaya Tribune, 9 August 1934, Page 7

Posts : 3379 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

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Nottingham Evening Post 12 July 1934

South Africa Medal with Clasp 1877-8-9. His regimental service number was 1460.

Subject: Rorke's Drift Hero Sat Mar 23, 2019 4:38 am

Can't say I've ever heard of James O'Gorman being a RD Defender ? .
90th scratch

Posts : 3379 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Hi 90th

Not a Rorke's Drift Defender but another one that the Newspaper's claim he was.

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Salute

Subject: Re: RORKE'S DRIFT HERO Sat Mar 23, 2019 9:18 am

Hi

I have always believed that it so easy for someone to say (maybe in the pub) 'I was at Rorke's Drift in the Zulu war' and before you know it, the local press has you 'AT' Rorke's Drift, and then that ball is picked up by larger press groups.....etc etc

Ta

Simon

Posts : 3379 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Hi Simon

I have to agree with you there, Chinese whispers.

An interesting note about O'Gorman is that at the time of Isandlwana & Rorke's Drift, his rank is listed as a Lad.
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Subject: Re: RORKE'S DRIFT HERO Sat Mar 23, 2019 2:23 pm

Hi

Interestingly enough, if (and its only an 'if' because I am not an expert at this sort of thing) James Gorman enlisted under an alias.......

I think (if the chap I am looking at in the family tree site is right) he was plain James Gorman and as 'Oirish' as me.....he father appears to have been born in Hampshire, the same as James

Cheers

Sime

Posts : 1074 Join date : 2009-10-16

Hi All,
James O'Gorman 1891 census Pvt SWB Aldershot, he was not a model soldier he was tried three times between 1882 and 1883, for Theft in a Civil Court, Desertion [AWOL], and finally for Striking a Superior Officer for which he received a two year prison sentence and forfeiting over 6 years service. Went on to serve until 1894, only 12 yrs pension service.
Nothing after he left the army and cannot find any linkage to the name of Gorman.
Rai Keynshamlighthorse.

Posts : 589 Join date : 2013-05-07 Location : Brecon

Rai,

I have some notes compiled by Alan Baynham-Jones which suggest O'Gorman died in South Africa - which conflicts with the service details. Alan suggest he is buried in Stellawood Cemetery in Natal (no date given).

Subject: Re: RORKE'S DRIFT HERO Thu Dec 01, 2022 11:58 pm

Hi
The Dictionary of Irish Biography states that there was a land owner by the name of James O'Gorman 1745 - 1855, that may be his father, but doesn't say where. The original James mentioned above was also a landowner and farmer.

Also a Major Purcell O'Gorman 1820 - 1888, in the 90th foot and MP for the City of Waterford 1874 - 80. This may be a relation.

Eddie

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