A group of flag standard bearers

A remembrance service was held today in honour of John Fielding, the Cwmbran war hero who was awarded the Victoria Cross.

People gathered in the graveyard at St Michael’s and All Angels Church in Llantarnam, where Pte Fielding is buried. He was given the top honour for his role in the Battle of Rorke’s Drift in South Africa in 1879. When he enlisted in the Monmouthshire Militia in 1877 he used the name, Williams. Today was the 143rd anniversary of the battle.

He passed away in November 1932, aged 75. The service was led by the Reverend Frieda Evans and included the Last Post, a two-minute silence, and the laying of wreaths.

WATCH today’s service for John Fielding

PHOTOS of today’s service for John Fielding

A former serviceman salutes in front of a graveA former serviceman stood by a graveService veterans in a graveyard

bagpipers at a grave
The Piping Hot band played during the service

service men at a service service men at a service A former serviceman smiles

a bugle player
A bugle player played the Last Post

Former servicemen lower their flags Former veterans at service

The grave of John Fielding
John Fielding’s grave in Llantarnam.

People at a remembrance service two men holding flags at a grave People stood by a grave Group of people at a graveside service A man lays a wreath A former service man about to salute in front of a grave A former serviceman walking with a stick A man kneeling by a grave A service man with a standard A former serviceman salutes in front of a grave A flag bearer A former serviceman A former serviceman walks towards a grave A former serviceman smiles service men at a service service men at a service Group of people at a graveside service service men at a service People at remembrance service around a grave

Copyright- All photos are owned by Cwmbran Life.

📚 Support Cwmbran Life

🙏 One of the ways you can support Cwmbran Life is through a Facebook Fan Subscription. It’s just £2.29 a month and makes a huge difference to the amount of time I can spend out and about on stories for the site. Remember, news isn’t free. Thank you! Click here to become a Fan.

☕️ Or if Facebook isn’t your thing and you’re more of a coffee lover you can Buy Me A Coffee by clicking here. Coffee keeps me going.