| Date | Original Topic |
| 1st October 2002 | ROBERT JONES VC
By Andy Lee
As you all know a verdict of "suicide whilst temporarily insane" was recorded for Robert Jones VC after the coroner heard evidence that Jones suffered nightmares following his hand to hand struggle at the South African mission station at Rorke's Drift. Given the lack of actual evidence in my opinion this was extremely harsh and surely an open verdict should have been recorded.
I believe an article appeared in the Sunday Telegraph suggesting that it was about time Robert Jones's headstone be reversed, but this would necessitate overturning the coroner's verdict. Surely this would be worth investigating further and reversing his appauling treatment after death by the church authorities.
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| Date | Replies |
| 5th October 2002 | Martin Everett
Dear Andy,
I can find no evidence that Jones's headstone is the wrong way round. Headstones in Peterchurch for the same period (1898) are all facing the same way. It is later headstones which face the other way. Jones's gallantry was recognised as he was buried in consecrated ground - this was denied to those who committed suicide in those days. A number of soldiers present from RD suffered from PTS - a condition that was not fully recognised until WW1. |
| 5th October 2002 | Ian Essex
Martin,
Without the benefit of going to the cemetary itself, the reversed headstone is confirmed in the Robert Jones link on the left?
Regards |
| 5th October 2002 | Martin Everett
Dear Ian,
In fact I shall be passing through Peterchurch on my way to the museum on Monday. The museum pays for the plot to be kept tidy throughout the year. This is a story which comes up from time to time. There appears to be no substance in it, i.e. there is no documentary evidence. A couple of years ago the local MP - Paul Keetch - promised to pursue the matter - if someone feels strongly about it I suggest they write to him. |
| 10th October 2002 | Peter Critchley
Hi guys,
Not wishing to contradict Martin, but having been there, the headstone is facing the opposite way to certainly all those around it.. Still, there's much uncertainty surrounding this, so I can only comment on what I saw.
All the best,
Peter
Webmaster |
| 10th October 2002 | Alan Critchley
The headstone is certainly facing the opposite direction to those around it. I also heard that the coffin was not allowed through the gates, but had to be passed over the nearby wall.
Alan
[email protected] |
| 10th October 2002 | Andy Lee
Alan
I really think the treatment after death dished out to such a hero was appalling. Having his coffin passed over a wall and not allowed through the gates and his headstone being made to face the opposite direction.
In my opinion the evidence was inconclusive and the coroner should have recorded an open verdict. Personaly I think it would go along way if we could overturn the original report, get recorded an open verdict, turn the headstone to it's rightful position and erase the word suicide from Robert Jones VC's file. |
| 10th October 2002 | Martin Everett
I can only say again, there are a number of stories about the burial of Robert Jones VC.
As I pointed out previously, Robert Jones's headstone is facing the same way as others of the same period (ie. 19th century burials). But 20th century headstones for some reason have been placed the other way round.
The Coroner's file for Robert Jones does not appear to exist in the Hereford Record Office in Harold Street. Without the facts contained in this file would be difficult to change the original verdict - Andy produce the evidence which will stand up in court. As I said, if anyone feels so strongly about this issue then contact the local MP - Paul Keech. Again, if anyone can come up with the facts to prove this story - then at this stage it has to be treated as folklore. Robert jones was a brave soldier and was rewarded with Britain's highest award for gallantry - and this fact is recorded on his headstone. He will not be forgotten. |
| 10th October 2002 | Martin Everett
I forgot to add that the death certificate states 'Shot himself in the mouth being of unsound mind' - the words 'whilst temporarily insane' are not used. |
| 7th November 2002 | Mike McCabe
This traditional formula is humane in its intentions, removing part of the stigma then attached to suicide. Also, it is designed to overcome the reservations of more traditional clergymen who might otherwise refuse a Christian burial service, or burial 'in hallowed ground'. Depending on who signed the death certificate, it sometimes also spared the family the later ordeal of a Coroner's hearing. |
