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Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 11:23 am

I am looking for information about Private George Deacon, 2nd Battalion, 24th of Foot. I believe this man might be my great-grandfather and I know he often used the alias of George Power. Can anyone help?

Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 12:37 pm

Dear Chris,

His entry is in 'The Noble 24th' by Norman Holme. If you buy the book - great, but I am sure someone will quote the entry 'free' for you - to deny supporting the museum.

He was born in Bank in Hampshire - if that fits

Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 3:41 pm

Thank you Martin. When you say "entry" is that merely a mention or does it go into any detail? I'll understand if you feel unable to disclose the information - I just need to know if there are any details. I know absolutely nothing about my great grandfather and he remains a bit of a mystery.

Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 4:44 pm

Dear Chris,
He is thought to have died in Ilford, Essex on 17 Feb 1934 - this should be sufficient to obtain a copy of the death certificate - �8.50? and check whether he fits your story.

Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 8:59 pm

Chris

If you were to obtain a copy of Volume 3 of Kris Wheatley's excellent "Legacy - Heroes of Rorke's Drift" series you will find all you need to know about George Deacon Power.

It's available via the RRW webshop - (now how's that for a plug Martin !!)

Lee Stevenson

Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 12:52 am

Thank you all for the information. I will certainly buy the books recommended. If George Deacon Power does turn out to be my great-grandfather I'll let you know.

Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 2:58 pm

Pte George Deacon Power was actually born in London and not in Yorkshire or Hampshire as has been reported before . I have quite a bit of information as well on Pte Deacon Power including pictures of his grave , i would be happy to assist any person who may be a family member , contact me via this forum, look forward to hearing from you , Graham.

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 3:44 pm

Gents, I have just joined this forum today and note this thread was active a few years ago but wonder whether anyone out there is still interested in George Deacon. Peter

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 9:06 am

Peter

I'm aware his medal came up for sale some time ago. Did you buy it or do you have another interest in him?

Peter

Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 9:13 am

Hi Peter, apologies for not replying earlier as I have been away. Yes, I bought his medal - hence my interest. Regards Peter

Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 6:30 pm

Peter

Congratulations on the acquisition of a very interesting medal. I was formerly the custodian of the medals to Charles Mason, another defender.

Do you have any other medals - South Africa or otherwise - or was this a one-off purchase?

By the way, I think that you are the fourth Peter on here so we might all have to start using numbers like the Joneses!

Peter

Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 9:46 pm

Peter - thanks for your reply and it's good to make contact. Over the years I have had an example of a campaign medal for just about every classic military action. I previously had an Isandlwana casualty to the 1/24th but sold it a while ago. A Rorke's Drift defender was always something I wanted and I was fortunate to have the money when it came along at DNW in 2004. I now specialise in WW2 gallantry - not cheap - and no longer have any Victorian campaign medals - apart from Deacon's, which I think is very special. Regards, from Peter 4