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Topic: Remains found on the Isandlwana Battlefield (Read 482 times)
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Isandlwana
RootsChat Member
Posts: 130
Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
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Some of you may have seen the recent reports in the media regarding the remains, possibly of a British soldier, on the battlefield of Isandlwana.
AMAFA, the KwaZulu-Natal heritage group, responsible for the battlefield & its many memorials are interested in tracing any known descendants/relatives of Colour-Sergeant M.C. Keane, of the General Staff, who was killed on 22nd January 1879. This is to enable AMAFA to conduct a DNA analysis on the remains.
Any takers?
Isandlwana
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...Neither praise nor blame add to their epitaph but like it be simple as that which marked Thermopylae.
Tell it in England those that pass us by, here, faithful to their charge, her soldiers lie.
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Pete Keane
RootsChat Member
Posts: 235
Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
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There is a Keane DNA database project - I had an e.mail last week but deleted it, I think it was via A**y, will see if I can find it.
They have identified 3 unique DNA 'types' according to their geographical origin.
He must have been from one of them.
Will let you have the contact if I find it.
Regards
Pete (Keane).
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Pete Keane
RootsChat Member
Posts: 235
Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
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I have sent them the link to the DNA database, and asked them to let me know if there are any communications problems.
Pete.
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Pete Keane
RootsChat Member
Posts: 235
Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
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I have heard back from the AMAFA Chairman, they are going to try to use the DNA database for a comparison, hopefully they will be succesful !
If you see any updates do let me know.
Pete.
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Pete Keane
RootsChat Member
Posts: 235
Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
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Out of interest, are there any details of C/Sgt Keane available? Regiment details etc?
I will post this request seperately.
Regards
Pete.
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Pete Keane
RootsChat Member
Posts: 235
Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
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Isandlwana,
Is it possible for you to check the names Keane (or anything that looks like Keane!) & Doolan against a list of participants at Rorke's Drift - if such a list exists?
The ancestor I am looking for is a brother of either my g-g-gfather or g-g-gmother, the info. came fom my g-gmother (who I knew - she lived to almost 100!) to my g.aunt.
His medal/s for South Africa were held by my g.aunt until approx. 1980 - she moved from salford to the Wirral, and in the move her box of family medals was lost - including her husbands & brothers ww2 medals.
I am getting tantalisingly close, but my lack of military research experience prior to WW2 is hampering me!
Regards
Pete
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Pete Keane
RootsChat Member
Posts: 235
Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
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Hi,
Thanks - I looked through the rorkesdrift site first, honest! I read it as 'the role of the defenders' so didnt look at that page.
That is a good answer, I understood the Keane to have been at Isandlwana, not Rorkes Drift, but I needed to double check. The lack of a Keane or Doolan tends to support my understanding.
Regards
Pete.
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ladysmith
RootsChat Extra
Posts: 88
Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
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The medal roll and casualty roll only show him as being on the General Staff. I also have a notation that at some point in recent years his South Africa General Service Medal with clasp 1879 has been on the market.
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Isandlwana
RootsChat Member
Posts: 130
Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
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Ladysmith,
Yes, I'm aware of that. Keane was a Military Clerk, the unit that he belonged to has been variously described as the Army Staff Regiment; the Corps of Military Clerks; the General Staff & the General Staff Corps.
His medal is apparently in a private collection, despite the Medal Roll stating 'No Trace of Issue'.
Pete,
Here's the list of Keanes who served in the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879:
Private A. Keane 94th Regt.; Private H. Keane 1st/13th L.I.; Private J. Keane 1st/13th L.I.; Private 25 Brig./88 John Keane 1st/24th Regt. (KIA Isandlwana); Private J. Keane 2nd/21st Fusiliers; Private 2-24th/1675 John Keane 2nd/24th Regt.; Private M. Keane 88th Regt.; Clr.-Sgt. M.C. Keane General Staff Corps (KIA Isandlwana); Private T. Keane 58th Regt.; Private T. Keane Army Service Corps; Private W. Keane 58th Regt. (KIA 28th January 1881 - Battle of Laing's Nek.)
Surprisingly only one Doolan served in the campaign - Private J. Doolan, 88th Regt.
Isandlwana
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...Neither praise nor blame add to their epitaph but like it be simple as that which marked Thermopylae.
Tell it in England those that pass us by, here, faithful to their charge, her soldiers lie.
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Pete Keane
RootsChat Member
Posts: 235
Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
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Thanks - I have sent you a pm.
If C/Sgt Keanes medal has been in a private collection since before 1980 then he cannot be the Keane I am searching for - my g.aunt definitely had the medal up to the date she packed to move.
Two John Keanes......one 1st & one 2nd Battalion 24th Regt ?
Interesting stuff, plenty for me to think about.
Regards
Pete
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