A MEMORIAL service to commemorate a Cwmbran hero went ahead without a hitch today - despite the popular parade being cancelled.

The Argus reported last week that Gwent Police had pulled out of policing a road closure, meaning that organisers were left with no choice but to cancel the annual parade.

But crowds of people from across the country were undeterred by this and the wet weather, and turned out for the memorial service to remember the gallantry of John Fielding VC at St Michael's Church, in Llantarnam.

 

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Prayers and readings were delivered by the Reverend Canon Brian Pippen, Reverend Frieda Evans and Canon John Griffiths.

And the solemn tunes from a brass band, which were supposed to have been heard in Rorke's Drift, were in fact heard here against the softly falling rain.

South Wales Argus:

Great Grandson Peter Fielding described the band as "fantastic".

"On this particular occasion, the loss of the trip by the regimental group to South Africa has been a benefit because they have come here," he said.

"A lot of people have commented on how well they performed."

He added: "Despite the weather, it was an excellent turn out and I was very pleased to see so many people come to support us. There must have been more than 100 people there.

"I am aware that there are limited resources out there, but I am disappointed that the parade could not taken place because there was no one to police the closed road."

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LATER YEARS: John Fielding wearing his medals including his VCLATER YEARS: John Fielding wearing his medals including his VC

And Tony Burnett, who is the chairman of Cwmbran and District ex-Services Association (CADESA) which organised the event, said: "It was very successful and so many people were impressed with the band.

"We will be booking them again next year."

South Wales Argus:

The memorial service was particularly significant because it marked 140 years since the Battle of Rorke's Drift in South Africa, which saw the heroic John Fielding hold Zulus at bay with his bayonet, who then proceeded to knock holes in the hospital walls to carry patients to safety.

For his bravery he was awarded the highest accolade in the British honours system - the Victoria Cross.

He died in 1932, aged 75.