Sgt Joseph Windridge, Defender of Rorke's Drift - Memorial

Posts : 305 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Hello all,

Just to let you know that plans are well under way to provide a memorial over the sadly unmarked grave of Sgt Joseph Lenford Windridge (2/24th Regiment), defender of Rorke's Drift. He lies buried in Witton Cemetery, Birmingham.

Although he was buried in a communal grave, the cemetery authorities have kindly agreed that a simple 'desktop' type memorial can be placed on the plot; I spoke to a local stonemason yesterday who is willing to provide, inscribe & erect the stone at cost price (£300 instead for the usual £600).

The good news is that around half of that has already been raised, therefore if anybody is interested in contributing a small donation to help make up the remaining £150 do please PM me.

Although one of the instantly recognisable names of the battle, it is worth reading Kris Wheatley's chapter on him from her series of books to appreciate the particularly sad life he had on his return home.

As ever, I will endeavour to arrange some kind of rededication ceremony later on in the year.

Some members will be aware that two other Rorke's Drift men also lie buried in the same cemetery (Ptes Robert Cole & Samuel Parry), and it is hoped that they too can be commemorated at a later date in the form of a memorial plaque - this will possibly be next on the list!

Regards,

Tim

Posts : 2871 Join date : 2010-06-02

Well done Tim. Sergeant Windridge from the photo of B Company on the grassy bank.

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Steve

Good work Tim. For those that didn't know. Sgt Windridge won the lottery. As mentioned in Kris Wheatley's book!

Posts : 2268 Join date : 2010-10-22 Location : France

rusteze wrote:: Well done Tim. Sergeant Windridge from the photo of B Company on the grassy bank.

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Steve

Hello Steve,
Wonderful quality of this bit of the famous photography of the B Coy!
Cheers.

Frédéric

Posts : 2871 Join date : 2010-06-02

Good Evening Frederic

I thought a good image might help the appeal.

Regards
Steve

Excellent work those men ! Very Happy

90th

Posts : 305 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Hello all,

Just as a little update, I'm pleased to report that the money for Sgt Windridge's gravestone has now been raised, a massive thank you to all those who were kind enough to make a donation.

With regard to a separate memorial commemorating Privates Robert Cole & Samuel Parry, I have been broached by another source who is interested in donating money towards it so I'm just awaiting permission from the cemetery office as to where it could be erected - will keep the forum updated with progress.

Regards,

Tim

Excellent Tim .
All the best Salute

90th

I'm very pleased to see Sgt Windridge's Memorial going ahead. I'm glad to have put my tuppence worth in to a worthy cause. You are doing a great job, Tim. Thanks for your efforts. I'm coming over later in the year may get to see the finished product.
Best Regards,
Nitro450.

Posts : 305 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Sorry for the lack of news on this so far, despite chasing them up I'm still awaiting confirmation from Witton Cemetery regarding a location for the second memorial (Cole/Parry) - will let the forum know once I hear anything!

Regards,

Tim

Hi Tim
Thanks Very Happy

Cheers 90th Salute

Posts : 305 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

A little update regarding this, Witton Cemetery have formally agreed to the two memorials being erected and work on them should commence shortly.

Unfortunately, the memorial to Sgt Joseph Windridge can no longer be erected on the actual grave as originally agreed due to it being a public plot - however, both plaques will be positioned either side of the steps leading up to the chapel just a short distance away.

More to follow as & when there is further news.

Regards,

Tim

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

Thanks Tim.. It never goes to plan!!!!! Neutral

Tim thanks for up-date.. Hope your well.

Posts : 305 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Hello all,

I've just spoken to the stonemason and all being well the two memorials will be put in place within the next 2-3 weeks - I will endeavour to organise something in terms of a rededication, however work commitments may be a bit of an issue at present!

I will let you know of any developments.

Regards,

Tim

Thanks Tim, and well done!! Salute

Subject: Sgt Joseph Windridge , RD Defender Memorial Wed Oct 07, 2015 12:42 am

Thanks for the heads up Tim Salute

90th

Good work, Tim, I would have liked to have been able to make a visit part of my current UK trip. It, however, is coming to a rapid close !!
Nitro450:Salute:

Posts : 305 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Hello all,

I'm looking at a very provisional date of Sunday 29 November for a re-dedication event at Witton Cemetery - I will of course keep the forum posted with any developments/changes.

Regards,

Tim

Regretably, Iwill be well and truly back in Oz by then sweltering in the heat. I'm pleased it's going ahead and to have been a small part of it. Thanks, Tim
Nitro450 Salute

Posts : 1261 Join date : 2010-04-12

Thanks Tim!

Posts : 1093 Join date : 2009-01-14 Location : East London

Good work Tim.

Posts : 2593 Join date : 2009-04-24

Tim glad it's come together.

Posts : 305 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Sunday 29 November is now confirmed with a start time of 1130 next to the main chapel (map to follow shortly).

Regards,

Tim

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Photo by Tim Needham.

Posts : 558 Join date : 2012-05-05

Excellent work once again Tim.

Posts : 305 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Hello all,

Unfortunately the ceremony start time has had to be delayed by one hour to 1230pm due to the Padre not being available until then - hopefully this won't cause too many issues for those wishing to attend.

Apologies for the change.

Regards,

Tim

Posts : 305 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

An informal reception will take place on completion of the ceremony at the Perry Common Community Hall, 87 Witton Lodge Road, Perry Common, B23 5JD for teas/coffees etc., all are welcome. This is a little over a mile and a half from the cemetery.

I will ask Admin to post a map/directions.

Regards,

Tim

Posted on behalf of Tim Needham.

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Posts : 38 Join date : 2023-04-30

rusteze wrote:: Well done Tim. Sergeant Windridge from the photo of B Company on the grassy bank.

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Steve

I am led to believe that the photo is actually Sgt. George Smith not Sgt. Windridge who was reduced to the ranks when this photo was taken.

Hi jgregory
Unfortunately rusteze passed away several years ago Sad

90th

Posts : 38 Join date : 2023-04-30

90th wrote:: Hi jgregory
Unfortunately rusteze passed away several years ago
90th

Sorry I did not know.

jgregory you weren't to know , Rusteze did know his stuff the Forum suffered somewhat after his Passing Sad

90th

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