Fund set up for Welshpool Rorke’s Drift hero
Evan Jones was one of around 150 British and colonial troops who defeated up to 4,000 Zulu warriors at the South African outpost, a heroic defence that saw 11 Victoria Crosses awarded.
The 1879 battle was made famous by the film Zulu starring Sir Michael Caine.
Evan went on to serve 43 years in the British Military, but despite being buried with full military honours at St Mary’s in 1931, his grave is marked by a modest wooden cross (pictured).
But now, Vincent Morris, himself a former serviceman with the Royal Welch Fusiliers within B.Coy Rourke’s Drift Company, is aiming to raise £2,000 to give Evan the lasting memorial he richly deserves.
Born 1859 at Bedwelty, Ebbw Vale, Monmouthshire, Evan enlisted at Brecon on July 20, 1877. He was previously in the Royal Monmouth Engineers and served until his discharge on February 10, 1920.
He took part in the defence of Rorke's Drift, receiving the South Africa Medal with clasp, one of a number of service medals that he received.
His Welshpool connection began in 1898 when he married Alice Evans, a widow with four children, at the Register Office, Welshpool.
Their residence in 1900 was 7 Bear Yard, Welshpool, and he died at 19 Union Street, Welshpool, on August 12, 1931.
The link to make donations is https://gofund.me/c2f0fbbc
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