It looks a bit like we are a starting to build an archive of historical aspects of Chiswick. Today we walked back through the Old Chiswick Cemetery again.
Here we found an interesting tomb; that of a British soldier who won the VC (Victoria Cross) in the Zulu Wars in South Africa. It was in this 1879 war that Private Fred Hitch’s courage earned him the VC.
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| The grave of Fred Hitch VC at the Old Chiswick Cemetery. |
The Zulu War was fought over the British wishing to united the tribal lands and the Boer Republic into one federation. One obstacle was the powerful Zululand and it’s army (the other was, of course, the Boer Republic). The war is notable for several battles, including an opening victory of the Zulu at the battle of Isandlwanda, followed by the defeat of a large Zulu army at Rorke's Drift by a small force of British soldiers,
It was at the battle of Rorke's Drift that Fred Hitch won the VC, presented to him in person by Queen Victoria while he was still in hospital at Southampton.
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| An artist’s view of The Defence of Rorke’s Drift by Alphonse-Neuville. |
Just over 150 British and colonial troops defended the Rorke’s Drift against attracts by 3,000 to 4,000 Zulu warriors. Whilst wounded Hitch continued, under great duress, supplying his fellow soldiers with ammunition.
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| More photos of the grave of Fred Hitch. |
The 1960s’ film, Zulu, depicts this battle. Hitch was portrayed in the film by one of the actors.
Hitch was repatriated back to the UK where his life proved a little difficult. Unable to physically hold down a labouring job he took up taxi driving, firstly with horse and carriage, and later with a motorised vehicle. The taxi industry has not forgotten him, for on the anniversary of his death a number of taxi drivers meet at his grave to honour his memory.
Just wondering what else might turn up in this cemetery - I’m sure it has many stories buried here. Perhaps another visit in days to come.
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| More buried stories? |
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