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Drummer James KEEFE, 2-24/2381

Born at St. Clement's, London 1856. Enlisted for the 24 th . Foot at London 3/3/1871. He eventually achieved the rank of Colour Sergeant in the South Wales Borderers in 1892. In his career he served in South Africa in the Kaffir War 1878 and Zulu War 1879 as Drummer in B Company at the Defence of Rorke's Drift. He also served in the Mediterranean, India , Burma and at home.

He married Margaret Bury Ellis at the register Office in Brecon 17/4/1889. They had four children. Son, James Hardy served with the 1st. Battalion 1905-1930. Another son, William George, served with the 2 nd Battalion and was killed at Gallipolli in 1915.

He received the South Africa Medal with clasp 1877-8-9. He died 18/9/1893. His grave is in an area which has been levelled in Ebbw Vale Cemetery , Blaenau Gwent, Wales .

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