Bromhead's Broken Grave

Posts : 3349 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Info for all

I have just come across the following dated Saturday, January 2, 2010
RECIPIENT OF VICTORIA CROSS MAJOR GONVILLE BROMHEAD FINALLY DOWN IN INDIA

Hero of Rorke’s Drift, Major Gonville Bromhead, VC of the 2nd Battalion 24th Regiment (later South Wales Borderers) might have never imagined during his life span that one day his Memorial at grave in "The New Cantonment Cemetery, Allahabad, India" would be left broken on the earth surrounded by animal waste. This is what the beautifully sculpted historical monument stands today at Allahabad completely in a bizarre condition. To all, it gives a feeling of shame after visiting this site; one may also think on the fate of a gallantry soldier sacrificing his life for the honour and pride of the nation. That one day, the same nation would put your honour in the dust. Major Gonville Bromhead was not a politician rather a true patriot who obeyed the will of the nation in the highest tradition. A true soldier of the great Army, for whose deeds, the entire nation owes a lot.

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Posts : 747 Join date : 2009-10-18

Mate. You know what I say “Dig in up and bring him home”

Just noticed you have changed your Avatar (Nice One)

Subject: Re: Bromhead's Broken Grave Thu Jan 28, 2010 8:18 pm

1879graves. Thanks for posting this on the forum.

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Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead, Commanding Officer, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot – Bromhead came from a distinguished military family – his grandfather had fought the French at Waterloo. He was 33 years old at the time of Rorke’s Drift, although he had purchased his commission as a 2nd lieutenant in 1867. The reason for his slow promotion was likely the fact that he was profoundly deaf (which was not depicted in the movie Zulu). Bromhead was promoted to brevet major after the battle. He later served in India, also participating in the 3rd Anglo-Burmese War of 1885-1886. He died of typhoid fever on February 9, 1892 at the age of 46; he is buried in the north Indian city of Allahabad.

OldH. I agree with you totally.

Subject: Re: Bromhead's Broken Grave Thu Jan 28, 2010 8:29 pm

1879Graves. Out of courtesy would you mind posting this on the RDVC. After all we are all interested in the Zulu War of 1879. And articles such as these must be highlighted.

Regards

Pete.

Posts : 747 Join date : 2009-10-18

Admin/ Graves what a great idea. I would go with that.

G

Posts : 1604 Join date : 2009-09-21

Was this vandalism? Or as in been neglected. Either way it’s a shame to see the grave in this state. If it was vandalism as anyone been arrested.

Posts : 3349 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

I have posted the above on RDVC forum Idea

Posts : 3349 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Hi Mr Greaves
I thought it was time to change the Avatar :lol!:

Posts : 1604 Join date : 2009-09-21

Love it. ( Guess what. I might change mine) Anyway its a shame, I think Mr G, makes a good point. Bring Bromhead back to England. Where he belongs.

Vandals desecrate 14 missionaries’ graves 26 January 2010

Sadly its not just Bromhead’s Grave
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VIOLATED: Vandalised graves in the Norwegian Cemetery near Eshowe in KwaZulu-Natal. PHOTO: Amafa

Vandals have destroyed 14 graves at the Norwegian Cemetery near the historic town of Eshowe on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.
The chief executive of the province’s heritage body, Amafa, Barry Marshall, condemned the destruction of the graves of missionaries and other Norwegians who came to the province in the 1850s.
Stone crosses and headstones have been dislodged and left lying alongside and on top of the graves.
“It is inexplicable why anyone would want to damage these graves, which are mainly those of missionaries and other Norwegians who first came to Zululand – by permission of the Zulu King Mpande – in the early 1850s,” he said.
According to Marshall, Reverend Ommund Oftebro and the Norwegian missionary-settlers established the KwaMondi Mission in 1860, but all that remains of the original site is the cemetery, which is adjacent to the British fort besieged by the Zulus during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879.
“These places are an important part of the history of the town and its visitor attractions,”
The area is frequented by tourists. “We deplore the vandalising of the province’s heritage and we are restoring the graves,” he said.

Posts : 1095 Join date : 2009-01-14 Location : East London

For God sake. What is this epidemic!!! People should just leave things alone scratch

Posts : 2558 Join date : 2009-04-06 Age : 61 Location : UK

Well said old H. I suppose it would be near on impossible, to organise rededications in foreign countries.

Posts : 629 Join date : 2009-01-20 Age : 45

It’s not just contained in these countries, and it seems to be worldwide. My local cemetery has been vandalised beyond repair. Most of the head stones have been pushed over. It’s a bloody disgrace.

I’m going to have a couple of claymore’s strapped to my headstone.

sas1

Posts : 2594 Join date : 2009-04-24

Bromhead: "Looks bad in the newspapers and upsets forum members at their breakfast." (To Right it doe's)

Subject: Bromheads grave. Fri Jan 29, 2010 12:38 am

hi sas1 .
Like it , :lol!: , Is it possible you can send a couple to Oz . With the state of our defence force I"m not sure
they can spare any. :lol!:
cheers 90th.

Posts : 2594 Join date : 2009-04-24

Posted on the RDVC. Graves go for it you deserve some recognition.

"Hi there,

Jonathon Owen of the Independent on Sunday has contacted me, as he wants to do a story on this.

Could Graves1879 contact him ASAP on the following:

Jonathan Owen
Home newsdesk
Independent on Sunday
Direct line: 0207 005 2613

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ATB,

Peter"

Posts : 629 Join date : 2009-01-20 Age : 45

I don't normally agree with CTSG. But on this I do. Go for it 1879Graves. Or i'll find you and kick your ass. And I can. (Trained)

sas1

Subject: Bromheads grave. Fri Jan 29, 2010 10:25 pm

hi ctsg.
I saw that on the RDVC forum , Should become very interesting , I"m sure " Graves " will keep us informed .
cheers 90th.

Posts : 1095 Join date : 2009-01-14 Location : East London

1879Graves. Don’t forget to mention this forum. And good luck.

Posts : 2594 Join date : 2009-04-24

"Allahabad, India" would be left broken on the earth surrounded by animal waste."

I wonder if it could have been knock over by an animal.

Posts : 3349 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Hi All

I have contacted Mr Jonathan Owen of the Independent on Sunday and passed on the Source of the information in India. Idea

Posts : 527 Join date : 2009-02-28

Gravestone and their inscriptions are a wonderful source of information for both the local historian and for the genealogist. In the case of Bromhead’s grave, there is nothing to say it was damaged deliberately. Hopefully 1879graves may receive further information.

Posts : 1604 Join date : 2009-09-21

If only we knew how to contact Michael Caine the actor. I sure he would do something about this. Maybe campaign for a rededication. Anyone got his number.

Subject: Re: Bromhead's Broken Grave Sat Jan 30, 2010 1:55 pm

I879Graves / Dave. I have spent the last couple of hours posting the topic on various Michael Caine websites. Hopefully this may get someone's attention who can pull a few strings.

Posts : 1604 Join date : 2009-09-21

Fingers crossed. Would be great if Michael Caine got involved.

Posts : 3349 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Hi Dave

What a great idea and lets hope Admin pulls it off. Idea

Posts : 1095 Join date : 2009-01-14 Location : East London

This will be a join effort hopefully, all on the forum will do there bit. But if it wasn't for 1879Graves none of us would have known about it. Hopefully if we can get enought people interested something may get done. Let's hope the media keeps intouch with Graves.

Posts : 3349 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

The story has been published in today's Independent on Sunday page 23

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Posts : 1604 Join date : 2009-09-21

Nice one 1879Graves. I see Admin has left a comment on the story inquiestion . Click on 1879Graves link to the independant and view all comments.

Posts : 2558 Join date : 2009-04-06 Age : 61 Location : UK

1879Graves. Weldone for bringing this to the pubic notice.

Posts : 747 Join date : 2009-10-18

[quote]The story has been published in today's Independent on Sunday page 23[/quote]

Good to see we are doing some good... Idea

Well done 1879Graves.

Guest

That's awesome! Congratulations!

Thankyou.

Coll

Posts : 2594 Join date : 2009-04-24

Well that was quick work; story goes out yesterday and in the paper the next day.

That is truly awesome! Nice one 1879Graves. Keep checking those Graves.

Posts : 629 Join date : 2009-01-20 Age : 45

Way to go graves, it’s all down to you mate that it got into the British papers. Lets hope some good comes of it. Idea

Subject: Re: Bromhead's Broken Grave Tue Feb 02, 2010 3:57 am

Great stuff mate, congrats of the highest order for high lighting the issue.

Regards

Subject: Bromheads grave. Tue Feb 02, 2010 4:48 am

hi Graves ,
You living legend :lol!: , very well done , hope something comes of it.
cheers 90th.

Posts : 1095 Join date : 2009-01-14 Location : East London

I gather this is the person who first brought this matter to light, and then with the help of 1879Graves, It appeared in the Britsih new-papers

Comment posted on the Independent uk website.

Rorke's Drift hero's grave lies in ruins
surendersingh wrote:
Tuesday, 2 February 2010 at 03:30 am (UTC)
Dear Jonathan

"I am satisfied to have been able to bring this matter into light. Major Broamhead's gallantry is incomparably and a treatment like this is disgraceful. Being a soldier myself I can understand that.

I have few more pictures of this cemetery which have been published on my blog. I hope something is done for restoration."

Best regards

Major Surender Singh
New Delhi, India
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Posts : 3349 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Hi all

old historian2 you are correct, if it was not for Mr Singh then the story would not have been told.

Thank you everyone for your kind words Idea

Posts : 3349 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Update

From Martin Everett

Dear All,

Just to let you know that BACSA, the British Association for Cemeteries in South Asia, have been alerted. They will undertake a survey, ascertain costs of refurbishment and report back to the Regiment.

Subject: Re: Bromhead's Broken Grave Wed Feb 10, 2010 9:33 pm

Excellent !! News.

Subject: bromheads grave. Thu Feb 11, 2010 5:48 am

hi graves .
That is good news , surely something will be done .
cheers 90th.

Posts : 2594 Join date : 2009-04-24

Has anything been done yet to put right Bromheads Grave.

Posts : 2594 Join date : 2009-04-24

"This is the state of "New Allahabad Cantonment Cemetery", right in the heart of military presence where fallen soldiers are put to rest. One may also wonder, if it can happen under the nose of army than who else would restore the dead soldier's pride?

The Cemetery contain Graves and Memorials of fallen Indian Army soldiers who fought unto their lives to defend the honour of nation as far as south Africa, Egypt, East Africa, Burma, Afghanistan, NWFP...It is endless. Hero of "Rook's Drift" at South Africa, Major Broamhead of South Wales Boarders is also buried here. He was one of the Fifteen Victoria Cross recipients who were honoured with the the prestigious medal, a record for a single military battle in such adverse scenario."

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Subject: bromheads broken grave. Mon Jul 26, 2010 1:43 am

hi all
Bloody Disgusting Suspect

. Sorry about the French , but thats what it is . Rolling Eyes

.
cheers 90th.

Posts : 1261 Join date : 2010-04-12

Is this a recent photo.

Subject: Re: Bromhead's Broken Grave Wed Feb 22, 2012 4:32 pm

Hi all,
I am just back from India and i spent a 10 hour drive from Delhi to pay my respects to Major Bromhead in Allahabad.
I am very happy to report that the grave is in very good condition after its repair. It is has a small iron railing with a gate surrounding it which might help keep it in good condition. The memorial is starting to fade but is still readable.
It was a great experience and i feel very priviledged to be one of the few people to have paid my respects to this hero.
any questions then please don't hesitate to ask.
JCAWG.

Guest

Hi all

All this vandalism would not exist if all the remains of these soldiers were repatriated to their countries of origin and even underground, where they were born ...

Cheers

Pascal

Posts : 2008 Join date : 2011-08-01 Age : 26

Pascal MAHE wrote:: All this vandalism would not exist if all the remains of these soldiers were repatriated to their countries of origin and even underground, where they were born ...

It wasn't vandalism.

Guest

This does not change the case ...

They would be better in their country of origin ...

Posts : 1862 Join date : 2009-03-25

10 hour drive, worth every minute, I can imagine how you must have felt when walking towards his Grave. I envy you in the fact that I will probably never get to see his grave in person, unless I win the lottery was anything on or near the grave to show who had the grave repaired. Not sure if you know, Bromhead's grave on the grave section as been up-dated a few days ago, and it does show the protective railing you mentioned.

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» Defence Districts
» Bromheads and Chards VCs
» Bromheads report of Rork's Drift