"Sir - On behalf of the officers, non commissioned officers, and men of the 2nd battalion 24th regiment, I beg to thank you and the gentlemen of the Council of the borough of Brecon for the vote of condolence transmitted to me by the office commanding the 25th Brigade Depot, and which I have caused to be published in this nights regimental orders.
I cannot close this letter Without expressing to you the high esteem which I , in common with all the officers of the regiment, hold the soldier like qualities of the gallant fellows I have the honour to command.
No officer need wish to lead better, and to repeat his excellency Lord Chelmsfords words to me when speaking of the steady, determined conduct of the men on that fearful night of 22nd January. "It is admirable; no troops could have done better.
I am pleased to tell you that three of your countrymen have been recommended to his Majesty the Queen for the honour of the Victoria Cross, and a fourth, No 1,398, Private, Joseph Williams, of St Woolas, Monmouth, would most certainly have been recommended had the poor fellow been spared to reap the reward of his conspicuous gallantry at the defence of Rorke's Drift, - I have the honour to be Sir, your obedient servant, M J Degacher, Lieut - Colonel commanding 2-24th regiment.
The Cardiff Times and South Wales News sat, June 28, 1879.
What a shame he did not get a recommendation because he died, when others did, posthumously.
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