Ruthin, South Africa War 1899-1902

RUTHIN VOLUNTEERS.

The volunteers from Ruthin, who have been selected for service at the front, and for the reserve companies, left for Wrexham, on Monday morning amidst a demonstration of enthusiasm from the townspeople. The five men selected for active service are Privates L. W. Cole, H. Brocklehurst, Ebenezer Williams, Isaac Jones, and John Jones. The men returned from Wrexham on Saturday afternoon on two days furlough, and on Sunday, the whole company attended a church parade at Ruthin Parish Church, when an impressive discourse was delivered by the Rev. J. Fisher. The men are to be presented with pipes, tobacco, pocket-handkerchiefs, khaki Testaments, pocket-knives, writing cases, &c., on behalf of the townspeople.


RUTHIN VOLUNTEERS.
A most enthusiastic demonstration was given by the townspeople of Ruthin on Wednesday night to the members of G Company V.B. Royal Welch Fusiliers, about to leave for South Africa. At the station, they were met by the whole company, with their band and escorted to the Drill Hall. A grand torchlight procession was formed, and as the men marched along, accompanied by an enormous and enthusiastic crowd, the band played "Soldiers of the Queen," the populace heartily singing the refrain. At the Drill Hall, each man was served with a glass of beer or other beverage, and at a given signal they toasted the health of their comrades about to depart for the seat of the war. Later on, they were entertained to a public dinner at the Castle Hotel, which was largely attended. The presents given to the men consist of wallets stamped with the borough arms, and containing paper, envelopes, stamps, and indelible pencils, Testaments, pocket knives, tobacco, pipes, sun glasses, handkerchiefs, &c. The men left Ruthin on Thursday morning.

(Carnarvon and Denbigh Herald, Friday 2 February 1900)




Ruthin, among other places, is desirous of giving a hearty reception to the Ruthin Volunteers on the return from the war, and the following circular has been issued by the Mayor: -

The Volunteer service company of the Royal Welch Fusiliers have embarked for England, and are expected to arrive at Southampton on May 7th.

The Corporation of Ruthin have voted a sum of money for the purpose of presenting the men of the Ruthin (G) Company with an Address, and it is also proposed to give them a suitable public reception, as is being done in all other towns upon the return of troops from South Africa.

For the purpose of the reception, I once again appeal to the loyal and generous inhabitants of the borough and district for subscriptions, so that Ruthin may not be behind other places in doing honour to the heroes who have endured the hardships of the war.

Subscriptions may be paid to the credit of the 'Local Volunteer Reception Fund' at the London and Provincial Bank, and the North and South Wales Bank, Ruthin, or remitted direct to
J. Medwyn Hughes, Mayor,
Manor House, Ruthin,
22nd April, 1901.

(North Wales Times, 4 May 1901)

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News reached Ruthin on Sunday morning of the death of Trooper William Henry Phillips, of the Natal Field Force, and only son of Councillor C. D. Phillips and Mrs. Phillips, Elton House, Ruthin. Sincere sympathy is expressed with the parents.

(The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales, Wednesday, 10th September 1902)

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DEATH OF
TROOPER W. H. PHILLIPS
OF THE NATAL POLICE

"HIS GREAT FORTUTUDE: THE ADMIRATION OF ALL"

Whilst gallantly performing his duties in the honour of old England as a member of the Natal Police Field Force, Trooper Wm. Henry Phillips, son of Councillor C. D. Phillips and Mrs. Phillips, of Elton House, Ruthin, met with a sad misfortune which was the cause of his death in South Africa, on Wednesday, August 13th, and verily do the words "In the midst of life we are in death," repeat themselves. How soon the magic word "death" transforms the voice of joy and gladness to one of sorrow and sadness. During the late war how eagerly the periodicals were scanned by those at home, and what a prayer of thankfulness was uttered when it was found that "the dear one" was safe, especially so when the war was brought to a termination. How eagerly the time was looked forward to when he would return home, and then to have all such hopes frustrated by the sad and distressing news that he had passed away; that no more would there be received the joyful news of his safety. Not only so but that his death had been caused by a fearful railway accident which had necessitated the amputation of a limb. And then, in company with the dreadful epistle of Death, that there should also be a letter from him whose earthly career had terminated, written in a joyful and hearty strain. How poignant must be the grief of those at home upon the receipt of such news! Such was the news which Mr. and Mrs. Phillips received on Sunday morning of their son who sailed for South Africa over five and a half years ago, as trumpeter to the Natal Police Field Force. In a little more than three months time he was expected home, after six years' service, which date was being anxiously awaited. Words cannot describe the grief and pain which overwhelmed the family, especially so the mother, to whom the awful news was broken by her sobbing daughter.

When the news became known generally sincere sympathy and condolence were expressed with the family in their sad and sudden bereavement, in the loss of an only son at the early age of 26 years, one who had never caused his parents a moment's uneasiness or anxiety as to his conduct. It must be one item of comfort however to the family to know that, although in a distant land far from home, their only son and brother had many friends and acquaintances who performed the last rites towards him. His funeral was largely attended by his comrades and a number of wreaths were placed on his grave, as a token of respect to the memory of a staunch soldier and true friend. Before his advent to South Africa as trumpeter to the Natal Police Field Force, "Willie," as he was familiarly known, occupied a similar position in the Denbighshire Hussars and was well liked and esteemed by all with whom he came in contact. He was one of the few in the Natal Police who became the proud possessor of one of the chocolate boxes which were sent out by our late beloved Queen.

Whilst in Ruthin deceased had been a faithful attendant at the English Presbyterian Chapel, where he was secretary to the Sunday School. On Sunday appropriate hymns were sung and prayers offered in remembrance of him at the services, and the superintendent (Mr. Edward Roberts), at the Sunday School gathering in the afternoon, spoke of the grief and sorrow which the family had experienced, urging upon the children to follow in Phillips' steps as a worthy example of a dutiful and loving son. He was also a member of the Primrose League, which he joined in 1887.

The following letter and newspaper extracts will fully explain the cause of Trooper Phillips' death: -
"Chief Commissioner of Police, Natal,
Pietermaritzburg,
August 16th, 1902.

Sir, - It is with the greatest regret that I have to inform you of the death of your son, William Henry Phillips, on the 13th instant. On the 11th instant he was at the Railway Station leaving with the rest of the Field Force for Dundee when his leg got badly crushed between the platform and the train which was shunting. He was taken to Grey's Hospital, and it was found necessary to amputate the leg. After the amputation he appeared to be going on well, but his pulse was always weak. His great fortitude, from the time of the accident until he died, was the admiration of all with whom he came into contact. His funeral was largely attended by his comrades, and a number of wreaths were laid on his grave. Any further information I can give you I shall be glad to forward. -
Yours faithfully,
FRED A. CAMPBELL,
Inspector N.P., for C.C. of Police."

The Natal Witness of Thursday, August 14th, reports: - RAILWAY ACCIDENT. A SLIP BETWEEN THE PLATFORM AND THE TRAIN. MAN'S LEG AMPUTATED. - A great misfortune happened to Trooper Phillips, of the Natal Police Field Force, on Monday evening, whilst he and a number of comrades, in charge of three maxims, were preparing to entrain for Dundee to join the Border Police. It appears that Trooper Phillips stepped upon the footboard as the train was in motion. His foot slipped, and his leg dropped between the train and the platform, becoming badly mangled. On the injured man being removed to Grey's Hospital, the limb was amputated; and on inquiry yesterday we were informed that he was progressing favourably. Great sympathy is expressed by his friends and acquaintances in the Natal Police. Trooper Phillips is a re-engaged man having been in the field force about five and a half years. He was amongst those who fought in the battle of Mahlabatini. He used to be trumpeter of the N. P. Field Force, having filled a similar post in the Denbighshire Yeomanry before his advent to South Africa.

The Transvaal Leader, of Saturday, August 16th, says: - A TROOPER'S SAD FATE. AMPUTATION AND DEATH. - Maritzburg, August 13th (Reuter). Trooper Phillips, of the Natal Police, who sustained such severe injuries to the leg at the City Railway Station the other evening that the limb had to be amputated, died in Grey's Hospital to-day. Phillips had been in the Natal Police Field Force for about five and a half years. He was in the fight at Mahlabatini, and before joining the Police as a trumpeter held a similar post in the Denbighshire Yeomanry.

Mr. and Mrs. Phillips and family desire to return, through the medium of the Press, their heartfelt thanks to the many friends who have so kindly and sincerely sympathised with them in their bereavement.

(Denbighshire Free Press, Saturday, 13th September 1902)