Redeadication to Rorke's Drift Defender James Owen (Pte David Lewis)

Hello all,

This may be of interest.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/campaign-improve-rorkes-drift-heros-7340586

Regards,

Tim

Tim agreed, now your on the case as good as done. Let us know when your setup and where donations should be sent. Good luck!

Tim, I see you have been promoted!   

Well picked up 24th I didnt notice when I read the article on the RDVC Forum   . Congratulations Tim , well done    
Cheers 90th   

Played by Ivor Emmanuel ? Pretty sure Martin would love to contribute   

Is there any photos of the real James Owen.

24th,

If you have a look at his grave in the 'graves' section, there is a photo of him in old age although not particularly clear I'm afraid.

Regards,

Tim

What are the formalities of arranging a redeadication. I don't for one second think it would be easy, but would love to know the procedure.

Hello Ulundi,

There are a few factors to consider when looking into having a grave marked; first, it's a good idea to check with the particular cemetery or church that you have the right grave and that their records match with the known facts (for Rorke's Drift graves, Kris Wheatley's books are a good reference for example as they indicate grave numbers etc. where known).

Once this is established, it is necessary to obtain legal permission to mark the grave - also, there may be regulations dictating things like the colour or material of the proposed memorial.

The most challenging part (as you would probably expect) is obtaining the headstone itself; my general approach is to try & stir up local interest by contacting the local press etc. and appealing for help. I have been fortunate on previous occasions in that local stonemasons have seen the particular article and generously offered their services free of charge, failing that you have to consider the avenue of trying to raise the money (members of this forum were kind enough to help in the case of Gunner Howard).

Where possible it's good to try to contact any known descendants (again, Kris is very much the expert in this field) in order to let them know and take into account their wishes etc.

If and when all this is successful, the rededication ceremony then becomes the focus - I try to involve as many organisations and charities as possible i.e. the Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes, local TA units/cadets etc. and most are usually keen to get involved.

It can be quite a long process with a lot of liaising between lots of different people, but very much worth the effort - if anyone knows of a nearby Rorke's Drift grave in need of some attention, give it a go!

Regards,

Tim

Just a quick update, a company called South Wales Monuments has very kindly come forward to offer an inscribed headstone free of charge to mark the grave of James Owen, I will of course keep everyone posted with regard to a re-dedication ceremony which I imagine will take place a little later this year.

Regards,

Tim

For those interested, a preliminary date for this re-dedication is Sunday 12th October 2014 at Bethel cemetery, further information will follow as & when it is confirmed.

Regards,

Tim

Tim you really are a bloody marvel !

Respect mate.  

Thanks Tim.   

Hi Tim
Once again I'm pleased to say '' Excellent work that man ! " . Hope your well ? .
Cheers 90th

Hello all,

(I'm fine thanks 90th, just a little occupied with the Edinburgh Tattoo at present!)

Just a little update regarding timings, I'm looking at the ceremony starting at around 1230 on Sunday Oct 12th (still to be confirmed but looking likely).

The address of the Bethel Chapel is:

Carnglas Road
Sketty
Swansea
SA2 9BJ

There are in fact two chapels on Carnglas Road (the other being Sketty Baptist Chapel), just to try and allay any confusion.

Bethel Chapel have kindly agreed to lay on teas and coffees etc. on completion of the ceremony.

Further information to follow!

Regards,

Tim

Thanks Tim.   

A further newspaper article on James Owen including an interesting previously unseen photograph of him.

http://portugalresident.com/the-battle-of-rorke’s-drift

Regards,

Tim

Posted on behalf of Tim Needham.

 [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
For those attending the redeadication.