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DateOriginal Topic
11th October 2001Pte W. Beckett
By Russell Beckett
Havind watched a documentary on British TV. this week about the Zulu Wars, I was quite surprised to see a Beckett named as one of the dead. I recalll my grandmother saying that one of my ancestors fought at a great battle for the British. I wonder if I may be related to this gentleman. Can anyone help?
DateReplies
11th October 2001Keith Christie
Pvt. William Beckett, born in Jan 1856 was posted to the 2/24th foot in June 1874 having joined up in Manchester in April 1874. Killed at Rorke's Drift by stab wounds to his stomach. Died on the 23rd Jan 1879. He was a patient in the hospital.
11th October 2001Stephen McDonald
I've got him listed in the 1st Battalion, 24th Reg't.
13th October 2001John Young
Just to clarify this point, Private 25th Brigade/135 William Beckett, was posted to 2nd/24th on 17/6/1874, but transferred to 1st/24th on 25/11/1874.

John Young,
Chairman,
Anglo-Zulu War Research Society
29th December 2004Paul Beckett
My family name is Beckett. I have no idea if Pte William Beckett is amongst my ancestors, but my Uncle, Professor William Beckett (deceased), lived a major part of his working life out in Africa.