just a coincidence

Posts : 7 Join date : 2011-03-19

My father was on the Normandy landings 1944, before they sailed there was a war propaganda film being made called
The Way Ahead, starring David Niven, who was the Grandson of Colonel Degacher. As they were filming on board ship
they used the troops in a background scene and filmed my father at the side of David Niven. The coincidence is my
Grandfathers brother was Pte 934 John Williams who served under Col. Degacher at sihayo's Kraal where he receaved
prize money for the capture of a considarable amount of cattle, even Lord Chelmsford was rubbing his hands for the
amount of money he was to get. John was a defender at Rorke's Drift and survived the battle only to die in atroious
weather of disease with just a blanket for protection on 5th feb 1879. His name is on the memorial at Rorke's Drift.

DAVID-LL

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

Hi DAVID-LL

Firstly, Welcome to the forum

WILLIAMS, John. 25B/934 Private
Born at Barristown, Glamorgan. Enlisted for 25 Brigade 28/11/1876; trade - collier. Previously Served in the Glamorgan Artillery. Attested at Pontypool 28/11/1876. Posted to 2nd Battalion 15/12/1876. Served in the Kaffir War 1878. Served in the Zulu War 1879, a Private in E Company at the defence of Rorke's Drift. Died of disease at Rorke's Drift 5/2/1879; left the sum of £8-4-6. He is buried in the cemetery at Rorke's Drift and his name is inscribed on the monument.
South Africa Medal with clasp 1877-8-9; issued 29/3/1881; authority Adjutant General's Letter 82.
References: 'Chard' roll; Bourne amended roll.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]