The 1879 Group

Sunday 21 July 2019

His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu visited the Regimental Museum of the Royal Welsh at Brecon. His visit marked the 140th anniversary of the battles of Islandlwana and Rorke's Drift.

His Majesty is the reigning King of the Zulu nation in Sout Africa. A group of Zulu warriors joined the King in a march through the town and at the museum.
During the visit His Majesty unvieled an exhibit of the eight VCs won by the Regiment - although some have been exhibited previously this was the first time all eight have been exhibited together. Due to security measures photographing the actual medals is prohibited.

After his visit to open the exhibition in the museum he had lunch, then watched a pagent on the parade ground at the Barracks.

The Victoria Crosses - the highest award awarded acts of extreme bravery - were awarded to:
Lieutenant Teignmouth Melvill,
Lieutenant Nevill Coghill,
Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead,
Corporal William Allen,
Private Frederick Hitch,
Private Henry Hook,
Private Robert Jones,
Private John Williams.
They will on display in the museum gallery until October.

Members of The 1879 Group, together with the Colours, were in the museum for the visit. Members were stationed at the entrance to welcome visitors, with the Colours, and guarding the VC medals as well as being available in the Zulu Room to talk to members of the public. We formed a Guard of Honour for His Majesty and talked to hiom about aspects of the Anglo-Zulu War..

We also met Private John William / Fielding's great grandson, Graham Rock, who was photographed near the VC display.