HUNDREDS braved the cold weather to honour a Victoria Cross recipient as part of the 138th anniversary of the Battle of Rorke’s Drift.
Cwmbran’s John Fielding, who signed up as a private under the name of Williams, was one of 11 recipients of the highest military decoration awarded for valour for his role in one of the most famous battles of the Anglo-Zulu conflict in January 1879.
He received the Victoria Cross for defending a remote station against 4,000 Zulu warriors.
A march took place along Newport Road in Llantarnam
The annual service takes place to honour the soldier in Llantarnam, where he is buried in the graveyard at St Michael and All Angels Church.
Peter Colsey, the secretary of the Cwmbran and District Ex-Services Association (CADESA) was pleased with the 138th anniversary celebration.
“I think it went very well. It’s a big event for Cwmbran and it is very popular with the local people,” said Mr Colsey.
“He’s a local hero – local and national really. Not even the cold weather could deter people from coming along.
“It’s a big event to organise and I am thankful for all the support that I got in doing so.”
Standbearers at Llantarnam's St Michael and All Angels Church
Reverend Frieda Evans, referencing a modern context of similar actions displayed by service personnel with the actions of Pte Fielding at Rorke’s Drift.
“Those who protect our shores, those who battle extremism and hatred in all its forms, who stand up for the weak and the oppressed, this is service like that of Pte John Williams,” said Rev. Evans, who conducted the service.
“We pay tribute to him and those who like him served and stayed faithful, even when their friends and comrades were falling around them, and kept on going until it was over.
“They surely lived with their experiences to the very end of their lives,” she added.
Wreaths were laid at the gravestone of the Victoria Cross recipient
Joined by his predecessor Lord Murphy, Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds attend the service of remembrance in Llantarnam.
"John Fielding's courage, bravery, and dedication to others in the most difficult of circumstances remain an inspiration today.
“He deservedly won a Victoria Cross - a rare honour indeed - and the annual parade is a fitting tribute to him.
“Thank you to all those whose work makes the event possible, and it was wonderful to see such strong support from the local community,” said the MP.
The 138th anniversary memorial of the Battle of Rorke's Drift to honour Cwmbran's John Fielding
The leader of Torfaen council, cllr Anthony Hunt, was one of a number of councillors from the local authority and communities councils, who visited the graveyard to pay tribute to Pte. Fielding.
“I was pleased to join the mayor in offering our respects on behalf of the council,” said cllr Hunt.
“The story of John Fielding VC is one that local people are rightly proud and inspired by.
“It was good to join with the veterans and others to mark the occasion.”
Pte Fielding died in 1932, aged 75, and has a number of establishments named in his honour in Cwmbran.
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