Old soldier from Maesteg

Subject: Old soldier from Maesteg Fri Aug 19, 2022 7:04 pm

The Glamorgan Gazette, Friday Mar 26th 1915.

Old Soldier from Maesteg
Tells Justices of his young days.

"Im' an old soldier Sir" said David Jones (69), who was charged at Newport on Friday, with begging.
I come home from Africa, Sir, in '85, an I had a slap here (pointing to his head)"with a Zulu Knobkerri'. I come from Maesteg, Sir. I'm a poor old man now, Sir, and I worked hard in my young days.
The Chairman (Mr Martyn), If we let you off, will you go back to Maesteg? Prisoner: Yes Mr Magistrate.
He was discharged.

Subject: Re: Old soldier from Maesteg Fri Aug 19, 2022 9:27 pm

Eddie,

Assuming David Jones with his comment “…Sir, in ‘85…” is referring to 1885, there is every possibility that he was serving with the 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment, formerly the 41st Regiment. The 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment served in Natal from 1881 until 1886.

There were obviously Zulu disturbances during that period, but the circumstances of Jones’ blow to the head - might I suggest - may not have been delivered whilst “on active service”.

Just my conclusion.

JY

Subject: Re: Old soldier from Maesteg Sat Aug 20, 2022 9:10 pm

Thank you John that could be the case.
But could also be the fact that he is playing the sympathy card with the courts and never was a veteran.

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