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Date	Original Topic
30th April 2001	ROBERT ALEXANDER SMYTHE By ANDY LEE Whilst doing some VC research work in Anfield Cemetery, Liverpool I came across a headstone to Robert Alexander Smythe. The headstone read " Robert Alexander hero of Rorke's Drift ". However according to both rolls taking at Rorke's Drift I can find no reference to any Robert Alexander Smythe. Can anyone out there throw any light on this.
Date	Replies
30th April 2001	Lee Stevenson Possiby enlisted under an assumed name, wouldn't have been the only one... Or, a fraudulant claim that he had been at Rorkes' Drift, or just a simple mistake... again I have come across examples of both where Rorke's drift is concerned. Would be interested in learning more about the inscription, date of death, if you have them. A quick look in the medal roll reveals a Private R Smythe, Regtl. No 1195, 2nd Battn 24th Foot, received medal and clasp 1877-8-9. I suppose this chap might have been at Rorke's Drift at some time during the Zulu War, but not at the actual battle!!!! Lee
1st May 2001	ANDY LEE Thanks for the information Lee. Date of Death was the 23rd February 1920. The headstone was in Section 15 - Grave 267 and the inscription said " Robert Alexander Smyth Hero of Rorkes Drift " sadly the headstone had been broken and was in a very poor state.
3rd May 2001	Martin Everett 1195 Robert Smythe served in C Company 2/24th. Also served with the 2nd battalion in Burma. Medal group is in the SWB Museum. Remember 2nd battalion was stationed at Rorke's Drift for some 6 weeks after the famous action. Many men went home saying they were at Rorke's Drift which was true - the story was good for the extra pint in the pub, but they cannot claim to be defenders.
11th May 2001	Mike Bugge Does anyone know when Colour/Sargeant Frank Bourne died ?? I believe it was only a couple of years back, now. Any other details most welcome, like his resting place. Thanks, Mike
12th May 2001	Peter Critchley Hi Mike, If you click on "Other Defenders" on the left-hand bar, you will see Colour Sergeant Bourne listed. There are full details of his working life, where his final resting place is, and even the blue plaque that was recently awarded to him. Please mail, if you have any problems. Peter Webmaster.
20th May 2001	Ian Woodason We too came across him - the family spelt the name Smyth and the photo of his headstone is on the Anglo-Zulu War Memorials website - www.keynshamlighthorse.com - direct link to his page - http://www.keynshamlighthorse.com/wb2_24/rasmyth1195.html All the best, Ian. (there are two genuine defenders in that cemetery but both have unmarked and difficult to locate graves)