Before the Southampton magistrates, on Friday, a lad named William Lloyd, the son of a postal employ at Shrewsbury, was brought up by the transport authorities. It was stated that when the Shropshire Light Infantry sailed for South Africa last year, Lloyd stowed himself away on board the steamer at the Royal Albert Docks. On the arrival of the regiment at the Cape, the lad accompanied the troops to the front, and was wounded in one of the engagements prior to the occupation of Bloemfontein. While in hospital Lord Roberts shook hands with him, and promised to do what he could for him. Lloyd, who is only fourteen years of age, subsequently contracted dysentery, and was invalided home, arriving in the uniform of the Lancaster Regiment. Not until he reached England were the authorities aware that he was not a soldier. Lloyd, who is a smart and intelligent looking little fellow, said he wanted to be a soldier. The police promised to look after the lad while further inquiries were being made to enable him to rejoin the ranks.
The Wrexham Advertiser, Saturday 22nd September 1900
