THE Peterchurch grave of a solder who fought in the Anglo-Zulu war will be honoured by the Royal Welsh regiment.

The Regimental Band and Corps of Drums of the Royal Welsh are travelling the Principality in celebration of the 140th Anniversary of Rorke's Drift, a major battle in the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879, during which around 150 British and colonial troops successfully defended their station against attacks by some 3,500 Zulu warriors.

On January 22, they will perform a graveside dedication and a wreath will be laid at the Peterchurch grave of Private Robert Jones VC by a commissioned Officer.

Monmouth born Private Jones, who joined the 24th Regiment of Foot aged 19 in 1876, was one of 11 to receive the Victoria Cross for their actions at the Battle of Rorke's Drift.

Aged only 21 Private Jones, alongside Private William Jones, defended one of the wards at Rorke's Drift's hospital against heavy attack, saving many patients from the Zulu onslaught.

Although wounded in the mêlée, Private Jones survived the battle and his bravery was recognised when he received the medal from Sir Garnet Wolseley at Utrecht on September 11 1879.

He settled in Herefordshire after leaving the army, where he married local girl, Elizabeth Hopkins in 1885, going on to have five children.

However, reports from the time suggest that the trauma of the battle never truly left the former soldier, who reportedly suffered nightmares following the hand-to-hand fighting at Rorke's drift.

In September 1898, he was found dead with gunshot wounds after borrowing his employer's shotgun.

A verdict of "suicide whilst temporarily insane" was recorded by the coroner.

Despite the general exclusion of suicides from burial on consecrated ground, as a recipient of the Victoria Cross Private Jones was allowed to be buried in Peterchurch's churchyard, although his headstone was placed facing backwards to signify the nature of his death.

Royal Welsh Regimental Mascot Shenkin and the Goat Major will welcome attendees for the dedication ceremony to St Peter's Church at 2pm on January 22, after which the Royal Welsh Band will play inside the church and the Hub.