MORE than 100 ex-servicemen and cadets marched in memory of one of Gwent's and Wales' greatest military heroes on Saturday.

John Fielding fought at the defence of Rorke's Drift in 1879 - an event immortalised in the feature film Zulu.

After changing his name to Private John Williams, he fought alongside a handful of comrades and defied incredible odds against a Zulu adversary of thousands.

With 10 others he was awarded a Victoria Cross.

Ex-servicemen, cadets and family members gathered in his native Llantarnam for a commemorative march and service by the side of his grave, in St Michael and All Angels Churchyard, Llantarnam.

The ceremony marked the anniversary of Rorke's Drift, on January 23-24.

Mr Fielding's great-grand-daughter Shirley Thilkins, 60, from Henllys, said she was proud of the family's important connection with history.

"Last year we went to South Africa to visit Rorke's Drift," she said, adding: "It's important for the family and community to remember him."

Also at the service, attended by Torfaen's MP Paul Murphy, were Mr Fielding's granddaughter Kathleen Couzen's, 88, and great- great-granddaughter Claire Callow, 36.

Great-grandson Colin Fielding, 41 and his brother Peter, 48, made the trip up from Essex and Southampton respectively for the service.

Wreaths were laid on the grave of Mr Fielding, who died aged 75 in 1932.