William Jones was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He was approx. 39 years old, and a Private in the 2nd Bn., 24th Regiment (later The South Wales Borderers) , British Army during the Zulu War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 22/23 January 1879 at Rorke's Drift, Natal, South Africa, Private William Jones and another man (Robert Jones) defended one of the wards in the hospital to the last, until six out of the seven patients had been removed. The seventh was delirious and although they managed to dress him, they could not induce him to move and when they returned to carry him away he was being stabbed to death in his bed.

Further information

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the South Wales Borderers Museum (Brecon, Powys, Wales).

Reference

See also

External links

• Pte. William Jones (biography, photos, memorial details)
• Location of grave and VC medal (Manchester)
• Rorke's Drift (information within Frederick Hitch site)

This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.