Inspiring Business by Sharing Success
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 28 January 2025
Private John Smith was one of the survivors of the Rorke's Drift conflict which was made famous by the 1960s film Zulu staring Micheal Cane.
The 1879 battle saw just over a gallant 150 British and colonial troops defended their station facing certain death against attacks by 3,000 to 4,000 Zulu warriors.
Private Smith returned to Ashby but tried to take his own life - an offence for which he was fined £5 - before committing suicide at Heather Railway Station. It is now recognised that he was suffering from PTSD, but there was no support available as there is today.
A ceremony was held last May 2024 at his grave side to mark the anniversary of the rededication of Private Smith at Ashby Cemetery, following work conducted by Whitwick Royal British Legion. Ashby Royal British Legion then started on work to bring a permanent display to the museum.
They were helped with the costs by LH Financial Planning, based at the Old Cottage Hospital in Ashby, who donated £1,000 towards the service and the display.
Dan Harrison and Graham Allman, from Ashby Royal British Legion, were joined by Laura Hughes, director at LH Financial Planning.
Laura said she has, through her family, experience of PTSD and highlighted a programme that is currently on BBC iPlayer.
A ceremony was held last summer to mark the anniversary of the rededication of Private Smith at Ashby Cemetery, following work conducted by Whitwick Royal British Legion.
Ashby Royal British Legion then started on work to bring a permanent display to the museum.
They were helped with the costs by LH Financial Planning, based at the Old Cottage Hospital in Ashby, who donated £1,000 towards the service and the display.
Dan Harrison and Graham Allman, from Ashby Royal British Legion, were joined by Laura Hughes, director at LH Financial Planning.
Laura said she has, through her family, experience of PTSD and highlighted a programme that is currently on BBC iPlayer.
The Ashby Branch of RBL are focusing on the PTSD crisis confirms Chairman Dan Harrison. Dan confirmed that a record of 11 VCs were awarded “For Gallantry” during the battle.