Private Robert Alexander Smyth

Posts : 30 Join date : 2009-09-29

Does anybody have a photograph of this particular private's grave. I believe it's in Anfield Cemetery, Liverpool, and it would be very interesting to have a look at - i'm led to believe it lists him as a Rorke's Drift defender!

Subject: Re: Private Robert Alexander Smyth Sat Jan 23, 2010 11:26 pm

prm502 as requested.

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But as we know. He did not take part in the Battle of Rorkes Drift.

Posts : 30 Join date : 2009-09-29

Many thanks admin for that confirmation. I'm currently writing a section in my dissertation about soldiers who, caught up with the fervour caused by the war, later claimed to have taken part at Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift - Private Richard Hankinson of the 80th for instance claimed to have been one of twelve survivors of Isandlwana, but was stationed with Wood's column for the entire duration of the war! Would you mind if I include this image in my appendix? (copyright will be acknowledged/paid for of course) :)

Posts : 3182 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

1195 Private R A Smyth
Grave, Anfield Cemetery, Liverpool, England
His grave records him as 'Rorke's Drift Hero'. He was not present during the Battle Of Rorke's Drift but served there before and after as a member of C Company 2/24th which had spent the day and night of the 22nd January with Chelmsford's column
.
Served in ‘C’ Company. Granted Good Conduct Pay at 1 penny per diem 13th February 1879. Served in South Africa. Service continued in South Wales Borderers 1st July 1881. South Africa Medal with Clasp 1877-8-9; India General Service Medal 1854 with Clasps Burma 1885-7, Burma 1887-9. (Regimental Property). His regimental service number was 1195.