Anglo-Zulu War Victoria Cross Recipient. He received the award from British Queen Victoria on January 13, 1880 at Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, England, for his actions as a as a private in the 2nd Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot, British Army, on January 22/23, 1879 at the Battle of Rorke's Drift, Natal Province, South Africa, during the Anglo-Zulu War. He was one of eleven soldiers who were awarded the Victoria Cross for their courage and bravery during the battle. Born in Evesham, Worcestershire, England, little is known of his early life or when he joined the British Army. When the Anglo-Zulu War broke out in January 1879, his unit was defending the mission station of Rorke's Drift when it was assaulted by several thousand Zulu warriors, fresh from their victory over the British at the Battle of Isandlwana. He and another private, Robert Jones, were posted to a room at the hospital and successfully defended their position against overwhelming odds, and managed to evacuate six of the seven hospital patients to safety. Following the war, he was discharged and pursued an acting career. In 1887 he became a member of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. He died in Manchester, Greater Manchester, England around the age of 74. In addition to the Victoria Cross, he received the South Africa Medal (with 1877-8-9 clasp). His Victoria Cross is on display at the South Wales Borders Museum at Brecon, Powys, Wales. He was portrayed by actor Richard Davies in the 1964 film "Zulu" that depicts the events surrounding the Battle of Rorke's Drift. His joint Victoria Cross citation reads: "In another ward, facing the hill, Private William Jones and Private Robert Jones defended the post to the last, until six out of the seven patients it contained had been removed. The seventh, Sergeant Maxfield, 2nd Battalion 24th Regiment, was delirious from fever. Although they had previously dressed him, they were unable to induce him to move. When Private Robert Jones returned to endeavour to carry him away, he found him being stabbed by the Zulus as he lay on his bed."
Anglo-Zulu War Victoria Cross Recipient. He received the award from British Queen Victoria on January 13, 1880 at Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, England, for his actions as a as a private in the 2nd Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot, British Army, on January 22/23, 1879 at the Battle of Rorke's Drift, Natal Province, South Africa, during the Anglo-Zulu War. He was one of eleven soldiers who were awarded the Victoria Cross for their courage and bravery during the battle. Born in Evesham, Worcestershire, England, little is known of his early life or when he joined the British Army. When the Anglo-Zulu War broke out in January 1879, his unit was defending the mission station of Rorke's Drift when it was assaulted by several thousand Zulu warriors, fresh from their victory over the British at the Battle of Isandlwana. He and another private, Robert Jones, were posted to a room at the hospital and successfully defended their position against overwhelming odds, and managed to evacuate six of the seven hospital patients to safety. Following the war, he was discharged and pursued an acting career. In 1887 he became a member of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. He died in Manchester, Greater Manchester, England around the age of 74. In addition to the Victoria Cross, he received the South Africa Medal (with 1877-8-9 clasp). His Victoria Cross is on display at the South Wales Borders Museum at Brecon, Powys, Wales. He was portrayed by actor Richard Davies in the 1964 film "Zulu" that depicts the events surrounding the Battle of Rorke's Drift. His joint Victoria Cross citation reads: "In another ward, facing the hill, Private William Jones and Private Robert Jones defended the post to the last, until six out of the seven patients it contained had been removed. The seventh, Sergeant Maxfield, 2nd Battalion 24th Regiment, was delirious from fever. Although they had previously dressed him, they were unable to induce him to move. When Private Robert Jones returned to endeavour to carry him away, he found him being stabbed by the Zulus as he lay on his bed."
Bio by: William Bjornstad
Inscription
To the memory of
Private 593
WILLIAM JONES V.C.
B. Coy 2/24th Regt. of Foot.
Awarded the Victoria Cross
for gallantry at the defence
of the mission at Rorkes Drift,
Natal Province, South Africa
22nd/23rd January 1879.
Died Manchester 15th April 1913,
Aged 73 years
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