John Wyndon Lyon

I have a veteran soldier residing in Queensland Australia who claimed to have served at both Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift. I'm very sceptical of his claims and I'm hoping some learned member could confirm or refute his Zulu War service. His name was John Wyndon Lyon and he declared he served in both the 1st Natal Horse and the 2nd Natal Native Contingent. Any information will be gratefully received.
Rod

Rod,

2nd Regiment Natal Native Contingent served under the command of Major S. Graves, 2nd Battalion, 3rd (East Kent) Regiment “The Buffs” as part of Colonel C. K. Pearson’s No. 1 Column.

There were two battalions of 2nd N.N.C. present at the Battle of Nyezane, on 22nd January 1879, Graves commanded the 1st Battalion, and the 2nd Battalion were commanded by Commandant W. J. Nettleton.

Given that 2nd Regiment were at Nyezane, I feel it would cast an element of doubt of Lyon being at iSandlwana and Rorke’s Drift.

No. 1 Troop, Natal Horse, was formed in February 1879 from officers and non-commissioned officers of the disbanded N.N.C. 3rd Regiment.  The unit was commanded by Captain Ulick de Burgh.  They would serve with Major-General H. H. Crealock’s 1st Division, and subsequently with Clarke’s Column.

I’m doing some research later today for another Forum member on the N.N.C., if Lyon’s name crops up I will add to my reply.

I see Lyon’s name appears in Julian’s England’s Sons in Frauds, Errors and Conundra section. I think that might resolve the matter.

JY

Hi RedRod and JY

John Wyndon Lyon, a Queenslander, claimed to have been Durnford’s Guide & Interpreter in E coy 2/1st N.N.C. and to have fought at Isandhlwana and Rorke’s Drift.  Despite his interviews in and letters to Australian newspapers,(1) there is no evidence for this at all.  As JY wrote, the 2/1st N.N.C. did not fight at either battle.  
Lyon even features in guided walks given at  Toowong Cemetery, Brisbane, Queensland where he is buried (Grave 10-65-30).  He died on 21st April 1931 aged 81.  Perhaps he should feature as simply a 'tall-story teller' instead.

(1)   Morning Bulletin, 9.4.1917; The Queenslander, 3.6.1922; The Brisbane Courier, 5.7.1928, 9.4.1917; The Courier-Mail, 25.4.1934 & 4.5.1934.

Julian

Julian,

Just to clarify matters I was referring to 2nd Regiment Natal Native Contingent, rather than 2nd Battalion, 1st Regiment Natal Native Contingent. As I assumed that is what Rod was referring to.

JY

Re-correcting this post. Lyon claimed to have been in E coy of the 2nd Bn, 1st Regt. NNC.