A memorial service and a display at Ashby Museum is being planned to mark the first anniversary of the rededication of Rorke's Drift survivor, Private John Smith.

Last May, a service was held in Ashby Cemetery for Pte Smith who was buried there in an unmarked grave on 11 July, 1899. 

Representatives of the Royal Welsh Regiment - which played a major role in the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 - were part of the solemn occasion which was to remember the life of a former soldier, who suffered a form of PTSD on his return to England, and later took his own life.

Wreaths were laid and the Last Post played by a Royal Engineers bugler, before a minute's silence was held.

Pte John Smith's rededication took place at Ashby Cemetery last May

Pte Smith was wounded by a spear but survived his wounds, but until last year, he was in an unmarked grave at Ashby Cemetery.

When discovering this, the Royal British Legion was donated an engraved headstone and a ceremony in his honour took place with the Welsh Regiment in attendance.

Now, 12 months on, a commemorative service is set to happen, also being held in May.

But a display, along with weaponry from the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, is being also planned for the museum in North Street.

Former Ashby Mayor, Graham Allman, has arranged for a four-figure sponsorship to finance the exhibit.

He told Ashby Nub News: "We will be able to use a spear and a rifle from the battle, which can be leant to the Museum for the display.

"There will also be a display board and we'd like it to be permanent as we hope it can be an annual event.

Dan Harrison, Ashby town councillor Pejman Zamani, Graham Allman and Whitwick Royal British Legion member, Craig Smith, at the memorial stone for Lt Col Philip Bent at Ashby's Remembrance Garden

"It'll be great for the town, as well as the history and tourism connected with it.

"This is one of those things we hope will grow.

"The date of the commemoration is still to be confirmed, but it'll be in May and, with the museum display, it'll work in a lot of ways.

"But with the Michael Caine film Zulu on every Christmas, this will be familiar to a lot of people."

Former Ashby town councillor, Dan Harrison, is also involved with Ashby British Legion and says another commemoration is being planned for Lt Col Philip Bent VC, who went to the former Grammar School in the town, with a provisional date of June 8.

Lt Col Bent already had a road named after him off Moira Road.

His VC was awarded for his service in the First World War - his citation reads: "For most conspicuous bravery, when during a heavy hostile attack, the right of his own command and the battalion on his right were forced back.

"The situation was critical owing to the confusion caused by the attack and the intense artillery fire. Lt. Col. Bent personally collected a platoon that was in reserve, and together with men from other companies and various regimental details, he organised and led them forward to the counter-attack, after issuing orders to other officers as to the further defence of the line. The counter-attack was successful and the enemy were checked.

"The coolness and magnificent example shown to all ranks by Lt.-Col. Bent resulted in the securing of a portion of the line which was of essential importance for subsequent operations.

"This very gallant officer was killed whilst leading a charge which he inspired with the call of 'Come on the Tigers'."

The memorial stone for Lt Col Philip Bent in Ashby's Remembrance Garden. Photo: Ashby Nub News

Dan said: "He lodged at Ashby Grammar School and he's someone who was within our community and then displayed extreme bravery, for which he was recognised with the Victoria Cross.

"He now has a memorial stone in the Remembrance Garden at the back of the Ashby War Memorial because of his historical links to the town.

"It's right and proper that we recognise these two projects as the Ashby Royal British Legion, along with Pte Smith. We have two people connected with the town of Ashby."