Malpas, Anglo-Boer War

The 77th anniversary of the Malpas United Friendly Society, which was celebrated on Wednesday, will long be remembered by reason of the fact that with it was associated the welcome home to two heroes returned from South Africa. The menso proudly feted and honoured were Mr. Norman Brassey, of Cholmondeley, and Mr. John Done, son of Mr. John Done, of the Manor House, Malpas, who have served with the 21st (Cheshire) Company of the Imperial Yeomanry, which went out under the command of Major Lord Arthur Grosvenor. Malpas is proud, with good reason, of its contribution to the British Army in South Africa, and the days of their departure, as those of their home-coming, will not easily fade from memory. Local history will record, and future generations will read, how in the days of the great Boer War Malpas and district sent forth quite a little band of gallant fellows to fight the battle of their country and ready to lay down their lives in the cause of justice and freedom. Wednesday's proceedings commenced with a procession. The adult and juvenile members of the United Friendly Society, commonly called "The Rose Club" - presumably on account of its badge of membership being a rose - numbering some 200, lined up at the Wyvern Hotel, and, led by the Nantwich Band, proceeded to the top of the High-street, where they were met by the Malpas contingent of the Shropshire Yeomanry, under the command of Vet.-Major Barnes, who formed an escort to their two comrades who had been on active service with the Cheshires. They then proceeded along High-street to the parish church, passing beneath a beautiful arch of evergreens bearing the words "Welcome to Malpas" on the one side and "Welcome" on the other. Here it may be mentioned that bunting was displayed in the town and a flag floated on the steeple. The church being reached, a short and appropriate service was conducted by the Rev. L. Armitstead (curate). An address was delivered by the Rev. R. W. Wilberforce, of Emral Hall, on the words "Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon earth." He spoke on the self-sacrifice of the men who went out to South Africa, and were ready to die if need be for what they considered right, and in return of some of whom they were rejoicing that day. The hymns, "Onward, Christian Soldiers," "O God, our help in ages past," and "The Church's one foundation," were sung to the accompaniment of the band.

THE LUNCHEON.

The procession was re-formed outside the church, and, headed by two mounted yeomen with swords drawn, marched to the Wyvern Hotel. The luncheon was served in a large marquee behind the hotel. Mr. Evan Langley, who has for many years been a member and supporter of the club, and than whom there is perhaps no more popular gentleman in the district, occupied the chair, and about 190 people sat down to the repast. There was a large number wearing the white badge of honorary membership. The attendance included the Revs. Morris Jones, R. W. Wilberforce, Ogmore Morgans and L. Armitstead, and Messrs. R. Parker, G. S. Morgan, G. Hough, H. C. Parry, G. T. Huxley, H. Edwards, J. W. Wycherley, T. Blantern, J. M. C. Burnett, W. E. Shuttlewood, Charles Chesworth, M. H. Danily (secretary), J. Done, H. Cornes, Thomas Bellinger, G. Weaver, J. Moyle, Jos. Jones, J. Latham, H. Bithell, H. Barnes, J. Done, jun., P. Done, G. Poyntz, T. Huxley, Vet.-Major H. Barnes and the contingent of the Shropshire Yeomanry. The toast list was eventually reached.

[I've omitted some of toasts and speeches here.]

THE TOAST OF THE DAY.

The Chairman submitted what may be described as the toast of the day, namely, "The Navy, Army and Auxiliary Forces." He could have wished, he modestly declared, that it had been entrusted in better hands than his, more especially as on that occasion they had present two gentlemen who had seen active service in South Africa. (Cheers.) Our soldiers had never more gallantly performed their duty than during the South African war, which we hoped was nearing its end. Some of the best and noblest of England's blood had been spent in the cause of justice and equal rights. (Cheers.) The men who had fought at Elandslaagte, Ladysmith, Modder River, Magersfontein and other places in South Africa had shewn the same military spirit, the same power of endurance, and the same fighting qualities as their forefathers did at Alma, Inkerman, Lucknow and Delhi. Speaking of the Navy, the Chairman said that considering our insular position, immense foreign possessions and floating commerce, it was very necessary for us to have a large and powerful navy, and this kept up at very great cost, not only in money but often at the expense of many valuable lives. He alluded to the wreck of the Captain and other ships. Despite all these things England still possessed the finest Navy in the world, and still held the proud position of mistress of the seas. (Hear, hear.) The Navy had also proved its capability on land. He instanced the work of Navy men at Graspan, where Commander Ethelston was killed, and in the operations to relieve Ladysmith, when Captain Scott with great ingenuity brought a 4.7 gun to the front and so, in the opinion of many, was the saviour of besieged Ladysmith. (Cheers.) He now came to the most important part of his toast - the auxiliary forces.





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On Thursday the sad news came that Lieutenant George L. Greenshields, eldest son of Mr. R. L. Greenshields, The Beeches, Malpas, was dangerously wounded at the front by a gunshot wound, near Grootafdeeling. It was devoutly hoped that he would soon be convalescent again, but unhappily this was not to be, for on Saturday afternoon came the mournful intelligence that the much respected young gentleman had succumbed to his wounds. Consternation was created in the town and neighbourhood when the news became known, and soon it spread from house to house, and in each one expressions of heartfelt sympathy were uttered.
The church bells rang out a muffled peal on Saturday afternoon, and they remained muffled all Sunday. Reference to the sad event was made in feeling terms by the Rector at the close of his sermon on Sunday morning. The rev. gentleman said: "Last Wednesday you were greeting with shouts of joy and flags flying the return of two of our neighbours from the war. Last eve the wire flashed the news that our friend, George Greenshields, had on the 9th succumbed to wounds received on the 7th. Herein is the truth strikingly illustrated, 'in the midst of life we are in death.' He, like others, volunteered for active service at duty's call, and now, upon the open South African veldt, away from mother, father, sisters and brothers, he has given up his soul to God! Never did Sunday come round but what he was to be seen in his place, in the middle of the church which he loved, worshipping God in spirit and in truth, and seldom, if ever, was he absent from the early celebrations of the Holy Communion. He, we are confident, prepared himself to meet his God. He has met Him, and he is now at rest and peace 'in the everlasting arms.' Let our prayers at this time ascend to the Throne of Grace, that He from whom all goodness flows will send Divine comfort to the bereaved - mother and father, sisters, brothers, the sorrowful, and to all who mourn him, that He will inspire them with fortitude to endure with patience their heavy burden of distress. And as regards ourselves, may the noble example of this promising life, now suddenly closed, incite us to prepare to meet our God, so that living or dying we may be the Lord's." Upon the church tower floated at half-mast the Union Jack, while upon the Jubilee Hall a similar tribute floated in sad commemoration. Mr. Greenshields was attached to the 13th Company of the Imperial Yeomanry, being second lieutenant in command. He had been out but a few short months, and memory carries one back to the farewell cheer so heartily given at Malpas as he left his happy home to join his company. Little was it then thought that it was the last occasion on which Malpas could demonstrate their esteem and admiration for this gallant young officer. In their sad bereavement Mr. and Mrs. Greenshields, with their family, have the deepest sympathy of all classes in the locality. Mr. Greenshields, sen., has suffered considerably by the present war, having previously lost a nephew in South Africa, while Mrs. Greenshields has had to bemoan the death of a brother at the front.
The deceased was captain last year of the Malpas Cricket Club, in which he took much interest, and was a fine batsman. On the occasion of the visit of the American champions he was one of those chosen to represent the English Universities against them. He was exceptionally popular with all, and his career at the front was being watched with the keenest interest. He was educated at Radley College, near Oxford, whence he proceeded to Oriel College, Oxford, where he took honours in the final school. The deceased was a partner of the firm of Greenshields, Cowie and Co., of Liverpool. He is the fourth officer of the Shropshire Yeomanry fatally wounded in action.

(The Chester Courant, Wednesday, June 26, 1901)
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GREENSHIELDS - June 9, at Grootafduling, near Zeerust, South Africa, of wounds received on the 7th, Lieut. George Lockhart Greenshields, 13th (Shropshire) Company, Imperial Yeomanry, eldest son of Robert Low and Helen Greenshields, of Liverpool, and The Beeches, Malpas, Cheshire, aged 24 years.

(The Chester Courant, Wednesday, June 26, 1901)
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THE LATE LIEUT. GREENSHIELDS. - On Sunday, a window was dedicated in St. Oswald's Church, Malpas, to the glory of God and in memory of Lieutenant George Lockhart Greenshields, of the 13th Shropshire Company Imperial Yeomanry, who was mortally wounded while leading his troop in a charge at Grootafdeeling, South Africa, on the 7th, and died on the 9th June, 1901. The window is by Mr. C. E. Kempe, and the lights are filled by four noble figures representing St. Oswald, St. Sebastian, St. George and St. Edmund. Saints and martyrs, with figures of angels, appropriate of the military character of the Saints, fill the upper portion. Across the window runs scroll, bearing the words "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Underneath is the inscription.

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