1900 - Private Arthur Ackland Perkins, Essex Regiment, died from enteric fever today.
....Pt. A. A. Perkins, one of the eleven members of the Romford Volunteers who went to South Africa, died from disease at Earste Fabricken on August 5th. Preaching at St. John's Church on Sunday the Rev. F. B. Feist feelingly referred to the sad news. He said: "A bellringer and communicant of St. Edward's, Arthur Perkins was respected and liked by all. He went out to South Africa, I rejoice to say, with the blessings of Holy Church upon his head, and with the 'sword of the Spirit' - the Word of God - in his breast. What comfort he found in the pages of that precious book we shall never know - though in moments of sickness such comfort would be unspeakable. He went out to South Africa willing, if called upon, to lay down his life for his country, and this he has done. May he rest in peace." The bells of St. Edward's Church were rung muffled in memory of the deceased.
Essex Newsman, Saturday 18th August 1900
