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Alan
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Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 3:09 pm |
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Tim Needham has supplied information regarding the erection of a memorial to Sgt. Windridge.
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 recently who is willing to provide, inscribe & erect the stone at cost price (�300 instead for the usual �600).
The good news is that most of this has already been raised, therefore if anybody is interested in contributing a small donation to help make up the remaining amount 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 ('Legacy of the Rorke's Drift Heroes') to appreciate the particularly sad life he had on his return home.
Some members will be aware that two other Rorke's Drift men also lie buried in unmarked graves in the same cemetery (Ptes 1495 Robert Cole & 1399 Samuel Parry, also of the 24th Regt), and it is hoped that they too can be commemorated at some point in the form of a memorial plaque - this would be a nice idea if enough money was raised.
As ever, I will endeavour to arrange some kind of rededication ceremony later on in the year.
Regards,
Tim Needham
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Last edited by Alan on Wed Nov 11, 2015 3:26 pm; edited 2 times in total _________________
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Alan
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Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2015 4:53 pm |
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It was a cold, overcast and very windy day for the service. Despite that, there was a good number of people there to remember the
three Rorke's Drift defenders who are buried in Witton cemetery, Sgt.Windridge, and Ptes Cole and Parry.
Present were representatives of various services, Royal British Legion, the young people of the Air Cadets, Army Cadets, The Royal Welsh
and relatives of the defenders. The Diehards provided the guard.
After the welcome by Councillor Anita Ward, Bill Cainan, former Curator at Brecon, gave a brief talk on the events on 22nd. January 1879.
He limited it to two hours due to the weather. (Kidding, it was brief but to the point). This was followed by an account of Windridge's life
and some of his misfortunes given by Graham Mason. The high wind and the noise of the distant M6 motorway weren't helpful.
Finally Father Oliver Cross, Royal British Legion, said prayers followed by the Last Post.
Although none of the three defenders have marked graves, two memorial plaques were unveiled by Mark Thursfield, descendant of
Sgt.Windridge and for Ptes Cole & Parry by Sandra Barker, descendant of Pte.Hitch. Wreaths were laid.
Our thanks go again to Drum Major Tim Needham RM for organising the event and to all those who contributed money and effort.
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