The annual commemoration of the Battle of Isandlwana and the defence of Rorke’s Drift was held at Brecon Cathedral on Sunday, January 25.

The service marked the events of January 1879, when around 150 British soldiers and colonial troops defended the mission station at Rorke’s Drift against repeated attacks by an estimated 4,000 Zulu warriors. The 24th Regiment of Foot, based in Brecon at the time, played a central role in the defence, giving the town a lasting connection to the Anglo-Zulu War.

The cathedral service included a speech acknowledging the bravery and loss of life on both sides of the conflict.

Among those attending was Brecon-based writer, historian and veteran Jonathan Morgan, who was invited to the commemoration and later to the lunch at the Sergeants’ Mess at Dering Lines.

Mr Morgan comes from one of Wales’ best-known sporting families, many of whom were educated at Christ College, Brecon. His paternal grandfather was a doctor in Llandovery, while his mother’s family originated from Swansea and previously owned coal mines in Skewen and the Rhondda. His maternal grandfather served in WWI as an Adjunctant in the 15th Welsh.

His father, who used to drink with Dylan Thomas, served with the King’s Royal Rifle Corps during the Second World War and was held as a prisoner of war for five years. He survived the Death March and was later commended by fellow prisoners for his support during captivity. Although decorated by Poland, he received no British honour. After the war, he became chaplain at Christ College.

His godfather, Jim Jones, from a well-known Brecon family, is still alive at the age of 102. He also attended Christ's College and served with the South Wales Borderers. He was awarded the Military Cross for his service in Burma.

Jonathan Morgan followed a military career of his own, attending Sandhurst before joining The Royal Regiment of Wales. He served in Northern Ireland, Belize and Bermuda and was discharged after 10 years’ service at the rank of Captain. He later spoke publicly about the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder.

He has since focused on writing, historical research and charitable work, donating thousands of pounds over the years to causes including Brecon Mind. He is currently working on his eighth book, which will focus on notable figures connected to the Black Mountains.

Following the cathedral service, attendees gathered at Dering Lines.

Lunch was a Sunday roast, followed by apple crumble and trifle.

Seated among the guests was 88-year-old Nicky Morgan of Ystradfellte Farm, a former member of the South Wales Borderers. He said it was his first visit to Dering Lines in 70 years, having last been there during his National Service before being posted to Malaysia.

Others present included historian Huw Thomas of Merthyr, bugler Kelvin Jenkins of Hay, and Royal British Legion standard bearers. Piper Richard Goodwin of Swansea also took part, alongside Phil Whittall, standard bearer for RBL Eardisley and District, Trudy Davies of RBL from Llandeilo, and Roderick Hughes of the Welsh Pilgrims, from the Rhondda.