TOPIC:

In St Deiniol's Churchyard, Hawarden.



The upper inscription reads: -
To the /Glory of / God and in / memory of / the following / who laid down
their lives for / their country / this cross / is erected / by many / friends

Lower step: -
C.Sgt John Jones 5th Batt. Grenadier Guards aged 30. Brugspruit 5 August 1900
Sgt Thomas Rogers Jones 1st Batt. Coldstream Guards aged 33. Hawarden 12 Sept 1900
Sgt Llewellyn Griffiths M. Kaffrarian Rifles aged 28. East London 11 Jan 1901
Tpr George Frederick Fox 21st Coy. IY aged 23. Cape Town 16 May 1900
Pte Samuel Bailey 2nd Batt. Royal Welch Fusiliers aged 22. Potchefstroom 23 June 1900
Tpr Chas. Richard Alfred Toller 28th Coy I.Y. aged 22. Heilbron 30 June 1900









...."Tuesday was a day full of tender memories for the Hawarden people, for it witnessed the dedication of the church memorials around which must ever cluster the beautiful associations of noble and devoted lives, young lives sacrificed in the country's service and older lives whose beneficial influence survives in the parish. The services on Tuesday marked the culmination of schemes for the perpetuation of these memories, and while the proceedings were tinged with sadness it must have afforded those present some satisfaction to contemplate this and that "rosemary" in stone, for each will carry its message to posterity.
....First there is the churchyard cross, which is a memorial of Hawarden Volunteers who have fallen in the South African struggle. When the country called for volunteers Hawarden contributed of her best, and she has, too, borne her share of the life tax exacted by the war. This churchyard cross is the parishioners' tribute to those lives nobly laid down. It is an elaborate work in stone, standing about eight or nine feet high. The pillar of the cross is placed on a six-sided stone-base, which bears the inscription: - "To the glory of God and to the memory of the following, who laid down their lives for their country, this cross is erected by many friends." Mr. John Lee, of London, was the architect, and Mr. Thomas Lee, president of the Church Crfts League, gave his valuable help and advice. The cross is worthy of those whom it commemorates, and whose names are inscribed. they are: -
....Trooper George Frederick Fox, 22nd (Cheshire) Company Imperial Yeomanry, May 16th, 1900, buried at Capetown, aged 23 years.
....Private Samuel Bailey, 2nd Vol. Batt. Royal Welch Fusiliers, June 23rd, buried at Potchefstroom, aged 22.
....Trooper Charles Richard Alfred Toller, 28th Company Imperial Yeomanry, June 30th, 1900, buried at Heilbron, aged 22.
....Colour-Sergt. John Jones, 3rd Batt. Grenadier Guards, August 5th, 1900, buried at Brugspruit, aged 30.
....Sergt. Thomas Rogers Jones, 1st Batt. Coldstream Guards, September 12th, 1900, buried at Hawarden, aged 33. www.angloboerwar.com/forum/17-memorials-...toria-6-8-1900#62098
....Sergt. Llewellyn Griffiths, Mounted Kaffrarian Rifles, January 11th, 1901, buried at East London, aged 28.
....Among those who have subscribed to this tribute to faithful service are the Rev. H. Drew, Miss Helen Gladstone, the Hon. Mrs. W. H. Gladstone and Mr. William, Miss Evelyn and Miss Constance Gladstone, Mrs. S. E. Gladstone and Miss Catherine and Mr. A. C. Gladstone, Lady Olvia Fitzpatrick, Mrs. Wickham, &c."
The Cheshire Observer, Saturday 14th December 1901



* There may be a further name, Evans, added to the north side of the memorial, but all my attempts to photograph it failed because I was facing direct sunlight. Another time....

....A stirring scene was witnessed at Hawarden Station on Saturday night, when the men of the Hawarden Company who are leaving for South Africa took farewell of their relations and friends. They are expected to leave now almost at any moment, having been in training at Wrexham for a fortnight. The men were attired in khaki, and were escorted to the station by a tremendous gathering, and the band accompanied them. Immense enthusiasm was displayed, some of the men being carried shoulder high. During the time of waiting for the train the band played a series of patriotic airs and the people cheered themselves hoarse. At last the train drew up at the platform, about 11.30, the last good-byes were said, and the men took their seats for Wrexham amid roars of cheers. Miss Helen Gladstone presented each of the men with a silver pencil-case, suitably engraved, and the Hon. Mrs. W. H. Gladstone gave Testaments. Bibles were also given by Mr. Charles Hurlbutt, some of the men having been former members of his Sunday school class.
The Chester Courant, Wednesday 7th February 1900


....Information reached Hawarden on Monday, that Trooper George Fox, brother of Mr Fox, of the Castle Hill Brewery, who joined the Cheshire Imperial Yeomanry at Chester, has died at the front.
The Flintshire Observer, Thursday 14th June 1900


....Death of a Yeoman. - On Wednesday morning a solemn memorial service was held in Hawarden Parish Church by the Rev Stephen Gladstone in connection with the death of Trooper Fox, brother to Mr. Fox, of Castle Hill, Hawarden. Trooper Fox joined the Cheshire Imperial Yeomanry, and the information was received in Hawarden on Monday morning by telegram that he had died at the Cape. The bells of the church rang a muffled peal, while the flag on the church was flying half mast. Strangers arriving at the village thought that the peal indicated that Mrs. Gladstone had died, but they were speedily informed that the peal, &c., were connected with the death of Mr. Fox. The memorial service was attended by the sorrowing relatives and friends, and Miss Helen Gladstone was also present. We might mention that Trooper Fox's mother is a native of Denbigh, being a daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Smedley, pig dealer, Henllan Place.
The North Wales Times, Saturday 16th June 1900


....Our Hawarden correspondent informs us that the sad news was received in the village late on Friday evening that Mr. Charles R. Toller, son of Mr. C. B. Toller, of Acton Bank, who was a trooper in the 59th (Oxfordshire) Imperial Yeomanry was killed in action at Heilbron on June 7th. Deceased was highly popular in the village, and his early death has caused general sorrow. He was at College at Oxford when he joined the Imperial Yeomanry. We believe that had he returned from the war it was his intention to join the Hawarden Company of Volunteers. Mr. Toller was a frequent player on the golf links at Hawarden Bridge. Great sympathy is expressed for his family in their heavy bereavement. Deceased's father, who is a manufacturer at Widnes, is always to the fore in every good movement affecting the welfare of Hawarden, and is highly respected.
....MR. GEORGE FOX, HAWARDEN. - We are glad to learn that the report that Trooper George Fox, of Castle Hill, near Hawarden, a member of the Cheshire Imperial Yeomanry, had died at the Cape, of pneumonia, was incorrect. Mr. Fox's family cabled to South Africa, asking if the report were true, and on Sunday evening they received a reply to the effect that he had been discharged from the hospital convalescent. It is supposed that the mistake arose through the death of another yeoman bearing the same surname. The good news that the announcement of Mr. Fox's death was incorrect has been received with the greatest satisfaction by his many friends in Hawarden and Chester.
The Chester Courant, Wednesday 20th June 1900


....Much regret is expressed in Hawarden and Widnes at the sad intelligence of the death of Trooper C. R. Toller, son of Mr C. B. Toller, of Avon Bank, Hawarden, whose manufacturing business is at Widnes. Trooper Toller, who was greatly respected, joined the Oxfordshire Imperial Yeomanry (69th Company), and was killed in action at Heilbron, on June 7th. Members of the Gladstone family have offered their sincere condolence with the bereaved parents of the late Trooper Toller.
....Amid pervading gloom at Hawarden, good news came on Monday in the form of an announcement that Mr George Fox, member of a well-known Hawarden family, and a trooper in the Cheshire Imperial Yeomanry, had not died in South Africa as reported. Mr Fox's family have been informed by the authorities in South Africa that he had been discharged from hospital convalescent last week. A memorial service for Mr Fox was held at Hawarden Church. Pulpit references were made to his supposed death on Sunday.
The Flintshire Observer, Thursday 21st June 1900


....The supposed death of Trooper Fox. - In our last issue, we inserted particulars of a memorial service held in Hawarden Church, in connection with the death of Trooper Fox, grandson of an old Denbigh tradesman - the late Mr. Smedley. We are now in a position to state that the news was not true. The authorities have just informed Mr. Fox's family that he was discharged convalescent from hospital last week. All who know him will rejoice over this welcome news.
The North Wales Times, Saturday 23rd June 1900



....We regret to state that the hopes that had been raised that Trooper George F. Fox, of the 21st Company Cheshire Yeomanry, had not died in hospital at Capetown have been dashed to the ground. It has been definitely ascertained that Mr. Fox, who was only 23 years of age, died on May 16th. The greatest sympathy is expressed for his mother and relatives. The following appears in the Hawarden Parish Magazine: -
...."We had hoped against hope; for the news of George Fox's death in hospital, which only reached the family unofficially, was apparently contradicted by a cable message from the authorities, in reply to an enquiry. It was only on June 23 that the family heard officially that the sad news was true. George Fox was in the best of health and spirits shortly before he left England; but rheumatism set in on the voyage, followed by attacks of pneumonia and pleurisy, which proved fatal. A devoted friend was with him all the time; and he was attended by the Welsh Hospital Staff. The writer will never forget his last interview with him, when he kindly came to say good-bye. Never did a young man look more full of the finer traits of manly character. As one remarked, "Everybody loved him." Could they help loving so bright, affectionate, and dutiful a nature? He was well known to many in his old home at Hawarden, and amongst the poor round about Ewloe. In 1899 he was vice-captain of our cricket club, and vice-president in 1900. It was only from a sense of duty that he volunteered to go as a trooper; and in that duty he has fallen. If a bright and hopeful life is cut suddenly short by death, at least we may praise God that it came as the direct result of conscience listened to and duty done.
..........................Thy way, not mine, O Lord,
..........................However dark it be;
..........................Lead me by Thine own Hand,
..........................Choose out the path for me."

....The magazine also contains the following tribute to the memory of Mr. Charles R. A. Toller, 59th (Oxfordshire) Co. Imperial Yeomanry, who was killed in battle at Heilbron, on June 7th, aged 22 years 5 days: - "How true it is that events reveal and build up character. Till a crisis comes, we may not be aware of some high quality really there but as yet unrevealed. We knew young Charlie Toller well, and he was a general favourite. 'He will be sadly missed (writes a friend) in Hawarden; his cheery hail-fellow-well-met nature, combined with a beautiful devotion to home, and the locality of his home, were sufficient to ensure this. He would never sit, as most people do, in shy awkward silence in a railway carriage, but was always ready to open a genial conversation. I once asked him whether he vwas intending to stay at Oxford for "Commemoration," which many consider the jolliest week in University year, and he at once answered that he was happiest at home, and took the first opportunity to return there. Many of his friends know by experience how hard it was to draw him away from the family circle even during a four months' vacation.' That is well, and lately we have seen what is still better, a listening to the claims of a difficult and dangerous call, a steady and persistent intention to offer himself if he was allowed, a cheerful preparation, and a loving and hopeful farewell to his beloved home. There is true and tested nobleness. The thought of this and of the honourable share which they had in the offer of himself at duty's call, will, we know, above all else afford comfort to those who chiefly have to mourn his loss. Let it also be a high lesson of conscience and duty for us all. We have also to grieve over the death of three of his Oxford friends, who, like himself, had volunteered to go out as troopers.
..........................Death will come one day to me,
..........................Jesu, cast me not from Thee,
..........................Dying let me still abide
..........................In Thy heart and wounded side."
The Chester Courant, Wednesday 4th July 1900


....Our Hawarden correspondent writes: The news has arrived of the death of another of the Hawarden contingent of Volunteers, Private Samuel Bailey, son of Mr. T. Bailey. In a letter from a companion it is stated that he died of enteric fever at Potchefstoom on June 23rd. The flag was placed at half-mast on the church tower on Sunday. The "Dead March" in Saul was played by the organist on Sunday morning at the morning service, the choir and congregation remaining standing throughout. The rector was the preacher at the evening service, and referred to the sad event in touching terms. He spoke of the splendid self sacrifice shown by the deceased and his fellow Volunteers.
The Chester Courant, Wednesday 25th July 1900



....On Monday morning last the inhabitants of the village were shocked to hear that the eldest son of Mr. E. Griffiths (foreman boiler maker) had died of fever in South Africa. Mr. Griffiths was an engineer in a gold mine, and when the war broke out he gallantly volunteered to uphold the honour of the old country. He joined the Kaffrarian Mounted Rifles as a private, and rose to the rank of sergeant. He went through the whole campaign without a scratch. His company was disbanded at the end of last year, when Mr. Griffiths wrote home stating that he was in good health, and that he thought of resuming work. It therefore came as a painful surprise to all when Mr. E. Griffiths received the fatal news that his son had died in hospital on January 12th, after a short illness. He was a general favourite. Although he had ceased to be a soldier, he was given a military funeral. Great sympathy is felt for Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths in their terribly sudden bereavement.
The Cheshire Observer, Saturday 9th February 1901


....THE LATE MR. L. GRIFFITHS. - On Sunday afternoon a memorial service was held in Hawarden Church in memory of the late Mr. Llewellyn Griffiths, who died of enteric fever at Frere Hospital, East London, South Africa, on January 11th, 1901. The church was well filled. The service, which was conducted by the Rev. W. T. Williams and the Rev. T. Caine, was most solemn and impressive. The hymns "Thy way not mine O Lord" and "Now the labourer's task is o'er" were feelingly sung by the choristers. At the close of the service the organist (Mr. Pringle) played the "Dead March" in "Saul," the whole congregation standing. Among those present were Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths (parents), Miss Mould, Messrs. Albert E. Griffiths, Percy R. Griffiths, Herbert, George F. and Thomas A. Griffiths (brothers), Mr. Thomas and Mr. Adam Griffiths, Miss J. Griffiths and Mrs. Bromhall, of Nantwich (aunts), Mr. and Mrs. George Roberts (Broughton), Mrs. J. Fellows and Miss M. Bromhall (cousins). The Hawarden Company of Volunteers was present, under the command of Captain Swetenham. Mr. Griffiths was a member of this corps before he left for foreign lands. Deceased's fellow-members of the Mancott Male Voice Party were also present. The following account of Mr. Griffiths's death and funeral is extracted from the "East London Daily Despatch": - "There have been several deaths in East London during the past week, among them being several soldier friends. On Friday, at midnight, Mr. L. Griffiths, until recently a sergeant in the Kaffrarian Rifles, passed away at the Frere Hospital. The deceased, who was a refugee from Johannesburg, where before the war he held an important mining position, came to East London and joined the Kaffrarian Rifles fourteen months ago. By hard work and strict attention to duty he rose to the rank of sergeant. Only a few weeks ago he resigned this position, and was holidaying in town when he was taken ill, and never recovered. The late Mr. Griffiths, who was only 28 years of age, was beloved by many, and his genial spirit and kindness gained for him many friends. He was a native of Sandycroft, near Chester, England, and had only been in this country a few years. As a soldier he won distinction for many brave acts at Johannesburg, and at Zeerust. The funeral of the late Mr. Griffiths took place on Saturday afternoon last, and in view of his having served her Majesty so recently a military funeral was arranged. The mournful procession assembled at the Frere Hospital at three o'clock. A firing party of Kaffrarian Rifles led the way. These were commanded by Regimental Sergeant-Major A. Longmore. Then followed the band of the Somersets and the Kaffrarians. Next came the hearse containing the coffin, which was folded in the Union Jack. The following non-commissioned officers of the Kaffrarian Rifles acted as pall-bearers: - Sergeant-Major J. C. Cowell, Sergeants E. Truscott, P. Hargeaves, T. Guerney, W. Mackenzie and Corporal A. H. B. Pengelly. The chief mourner was Sergeant Jenkins, of the Railway Pioneer Regiment. A detachment of the Railway Pioneer Regiment, and a large number of civilians also attended. Several members of Driscoll's Scouts and the Commander-in-Chief's Bodyguard were also in attendance. Lieutenant-Colonel H. B. Cuming and Captain E. E. Webb were among the followers. The cortege proceeded from the hospital to the cemetery, the band playing the "Funeral March" and "Dead March" in "Saul" on the way. The service at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. Mr. Bickford, and at its conclusion the usual three volleys were fired over the open grave. We tender our sincere sympathy to the relatives of the deceased in England, and to his many friends in East London and elsewhere." In another column of the "Despatch" are some touching verses by a comrade to the memory of deceased, together with the following: "In memoriam. In affectionate memory of our dear, faithful comrade, Llewellyn Griffiths, of the Kaffrarian Rifles, who died of enteric at the Frere Hospital on the 11th of January, 1901."
The Cheshire Observer, Saturday 23rd February 1901


....Mr. R. Darbyshire, of the Glynne Arms Hotel, has received a letter from his son, Mr. H. Darbyshire, who is serving in the company of Sharpshooters of the Imperial Yeomanry. The letter, which is dated Willowmore, February 8, reads: - "A few more lines to let you know we have had another fight near this place, having two killed and four wounded, including one guide and one mule driver. Our orders were to occupy a pass on the Zwartzenburg Mountain, near Port Elizabeth, and on our way we had to leave one troop, which includes about 14 men, at a farm, and another troop about eight miles away, of 15 men, leaving us with about 40 odd men to go to the pass, which was about six or seven miles away. When we got about three miles from the pass we were in for it fairly. The Boers, numbering about 300 to 400, lay in the kopjes each side about 300 yards from the road. My troop (C) was the advance party and A troop rear guard. We only had two wagons and a water barrel with us. When we got about 400 yards from a farm we "spotted" a party of Boers coming our way. No sooner had we got our orders for dismounting duty than they started putting volleys into us. I was told off as number 3, and my work was to sling my rifle on my back, remain mounted, take my section's horses, gallop off and get under cover as quickly as possible. The first thing was our guide was wounded. We couldn't get our horses along any road, and then we had to dismount and drag them on account of the cross-firing of the Boers. I had left my troop in the river bed, and then the news came that one was shot ; the bullet passed right through his bandolier and then through his heart. We managed to get the horses into the river bed, and after we had been there about five minutes the boers found us again and poured volleys among our horses, killing three. We had orders to retire further down into the river bed and then to hold that position. On our way there we lost six horses and four mules, a mule driver also being shot in the foot. We got the horses and wagons in the river bed, and then they took the remainder and split them up into two or three, which numbered nine altogether, and sent them up different kopjes. The Boers kept up the firing, and at dusk they sent in a white flag to see if we would surrender. We refused, and then they kept on firing, and they came the second time and we surrendered. I hid my glasses under my jacket and two of us buried my rifles. They took us about ten miles to their laager and kept us there all night. At six o'clock in the morning we could see Colonel Williams's column about six miles away. Then they made us climb the mountain. Each Boer had three or four led horses. When we got part of the way up the kopjes I stayed and lay down, trying to escape, and I did too. The Boer rear guard fired six shots at Colonel Williams's advance party. I was frightened, thinking that the column would throw a few shells, but they did not, and when I came from my hiding place I could see five more of our men had escaped. We have met the other men who were at Willowmore. We are all going on well."
The Cheshire Observer, Saturday 16th March 1901


A seventh volunteer died after the installation of the memorial: -
...."A GOOD SOLDIER." - The "Hawarden Parish Magazine" contains the following: - We have to deplore the sacrifice of another noble life. Corporal Evans (Vol. Co. R.W.F.) died on December 16th, 1901, and was buried at Germiston Cemetery, in South Africa, on the 17th. His captain bears a testimony which alike does much honour to both. He writes to his father, "During the time he has been under me, he has always proved a good soldier and comrade; and his sudden death has been a blow to all of us. Hoping that you will be able to meet the loss with forbearance. He died while serving his country and King. I feel with you in the loss, as all my men are my children." This noble sentiment of the officer is a precious one to be able to record. It is proposed to place Corporal Evans's name on the memorial cross in the churchyard.
The Cheshire Observer, Saturday 8th March 1902