The 146th anniversary of the Battle of Rorke’s Drift was marked earlier this month with an Act of Remembrance Service for John Fielding.
He was awarded the Victoria Cross for the courage he showed in South Africa during the battle in 1879.
It was held at his grave in St Michael and All Angels Church in Llantarnam on Saturday 18 January 2025. Both the pipe and drum band Piping Hot Cwmbran and The Regimental Band and Corps of Drums of the Royal Welsh played during the service.
Reverend Frieda Evans said: “It is right that we are proud of this man. And although events we are thinking about today took place so very long ago, this man’s story tells of devotion to duty, self-sacrifice, even in the face of extreme circumstances and danger to his self. And we thank God for his courage and his bravery.
“We think of all the conflicts and situations that have taken place since those days and sacrifices made by brave men and women and we might well ponder, wonder whether we too have it in ourselves as individuals and as a society to do likewise, to be brave, to stand up for what is right for the good of others who are in need or trouble of any kind.”
John Fielding’s great-grandson, Colin Fielding, was at the service with members of his family. He told Cwmbran Life: “Smashing turnout. Lovely to see more of the ex-servicemen and the Royal Welsh here. They did us proud. Really good, really enjoyed it. Lovely day.”
John Fielding’s VC is in the name of John Williams, the alias he gave when signing up.
Photo gallery of the John Fielding service on Facebook
Click here to view a set of photos taken at the John Fielding service on Saturday 18 January 2025.