Film Zulu Quote:Lieutenant John Chard: The army doesn't like more than one disaster in a day. Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead: Looks bad in the newspapers and upsets civilians at their breakfast..
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Posts : 96 Join date : 2010-03-28 Location : England
Subject: Lieut-Col Henry James Degacher Fri Apr 02, 2010 10:55 am
From ' The Frontier War Journal Of Major John Crealock 1878 ' :
"Described as 'an energetic officer ' & ' a gifted sketcher ' Henry Degacher transferred from the 46th to 24th foot regt with rank of lieutenant on 16th April 1858. He was first adjutant of the newly created 2nd battalion of the regiment. He arrived in South Africa 1875 & was sent to keep order during the Griqualand West ' Black Flag disturbances, June 1875. He became lieutenant colonel & commander of the 2nd battalion of the regt on 9th June 1877. He was awarded a CBE for his services in the war. With him was his younger brother, Captain William Degacher who was killed at Isandlwana, 22 January 1879."
Here are 2 sketches by H.J.Degacher of Rorke's Drift :
Wall monuments to Charles Cyril Taylor, Henry James Degacher (d. 1902), The 16th Lancers (d. 1899-1902) and Prince Albert's Light Infantry (d. 1838-1842), in the south aisle of the nave of Canterbury Cathedral.
I persume he was with Chelmsford's column when the battle of Isandlwana took place , but I can't find any other info' on him. So if someone could fill the gaps as in, what battles (if any) he was at etc that would be great. Also if a picture is available please post it as it's always nice to put a face to a name.
1879graves
Posts : 3203 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon
Subject: Re: Lieut-Col Henry James Degacher Fri Apr 02, 2010 11:07 am
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] Henry James Degacher
Colonel Degacher was out with Lord Chelmsford during the Battle of Isandhlwana, whilst camping at Isandhlwana on the evening of the 22nd Colonel Degacher had slept with his arms close to body in fear that if he reached out, his hand might touch the body of his younger brother, who had been left in the camp.
Lieutenant-Colonel Henry James Degacher (1835 - 1902), 24th Regiment, C. B., Commanded 2/24th Regiment throughout campaign of 1879. Commanded No 3 Column, and away during Isandhlwana. Subsequently commanded Rorke’s Drift post, which he fortified, and later built Fort Melvill nearby, in April moved with half the 2’24th to Dundee, where he remained in command while the battalion was scattered at posts along the border to protect the lines of communication and the Dundee District during the advance of the 2nd Division.
Date of Birth - 24th February 1835 at St Omer, France. Named Hitchcock until 1874, at which time he changed his name to Degacher, as did his brother Captain William Degacher, killed at Isandhlwana. Ensign (as Hitchcock), 46th Foot 22nd February 1855; to 16th Foot 21st September 1855; Lieutenant 21st September 1855; to 24th Foot 16th April 1858; Captain 21st October 1859; Major 2nd December 1868; Brevet Lieutenant Colonel 9th June 1877; Lieutenant Colonel 11th November 1878; Colonel 1st July 1881; Half Pay 9th June 1882; Major General 8th July 1891; Retired 3rd May 1893. Died 26th November 1902. Adjutant, 2nd Battalion 24th Foot 16th July 1858 - 21st October 1859. Commandant, Eastern Frontier, Cape of Good Hope 1st January 1876 - 13th March 1876. (CB 11thSeptember 1878). Commanded 2nd Battalion 24th Foot 9th September 1878). Commanded 2nd Battalion 24th Foot 9th June 1877 - 9th June 1882. Commanded Regimental District, Canterbury, Kent. Colonel, South Wales Borderers 2nd November 1900 - 26th November 1902. (CMG). Married 8th July 1880, Eleanor Maud, daughter of the Reverend Gardner Harter of Cronfield Court, Bedfordshire at Knightsbridge, London. Resided at Canterbury. Served as a JP for Kent. Commemorated on memorial tablets in Canterbury and Brecon Cathedrals. Served in the Crimea 28th February 1856 - 20th May 1856. Served in South Africa 2nd February 1878 - 12th December 1879 (WO76/233), including the Kaffir War 1877-78, in operations against the Galekas, present at the attack at Intaba-ka-N’Doda, and in the Zulu War 1879. Despatches, London Gazette, 17th May, 11th and 18th June 1878. Medal with Clasp. C. B. CMG; CB; South Africa Medal with Clasp 1877-8-9.
SirDCC
Posts : 96 Join date : 2010-03-28 Location : England
Subject: Re: Lieut-Col Henry James Degacher Fri Apr 02, 2010 12:06 pm