Drummer James Keefe


James Keefe was one of four drummers at Rorke's Drift. Although called drummers they were also buglers who could transmit commander's orders with tunes that were known to the men. Keefe is named as one of the wounded in this action but he recovered to continue his service in the Mediterranean, India and Burma. The photo shows him with his bride, Margaret Ellis on his wedding day in 1889. They had four children, one of whom was a son that fought and died at Gallipoli. James Keefe died on 18th Sep 1893 and was buried in Ebbw Vale.


Regimental details | Soldiers at Rorke's Drift


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by Stephen Luscombe