DEATH OF LIEUT. GREENSHIELDS.
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MALPAS MOURNING.
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)
