As his death isn't mentioned in the Name Search results, I thought I'd post this, should anyone ever look for information on him.
DEATH OF
TROOPER W. H. PHILLIPS
OF THE NATAL POLICE
"HIS GREAT FORTUTUDE: THE ADMIRATION OF ALL"
Whilst gallantly performing his duties in the honour of old England as a member of the Natal Police Field Force, Trooper Wm. Henry Phillips, son of Councillor C. D. Phillips and Mrs. Phillips, of Elton House, Ruthin, met with a sad misfortune which was the cause of his death in South Africa, on Wednesday, August 13th, and verily do the words "In the midst of life we are in death," repeat themselves. How soon the magic word "death" transforms the voice of joy and gladness to one of sorrow and sadness. During the late war how eagerly the periodicals were scanned by those at home, and what a prayer of thankfulness was uttered when it was found that "the dear one" was safe, especially so when the war was brought to a termination. How eagerly the time was looked forward to when he would return home, and then to have all such hopes frustrated by the sad and distressing news that he had passed away; that no more would there be received the joyful news of his safety. Not only so but that his death had been caused by a fearful railway accident which had necessitated the amputation of a limb. And then, in company with the dreadful epistle of Death, that there should also be a letter from him whose earthly career had terminated, written in a joyful and hearty strain. How poignant must be the grief of those at home upon the receipt of such news! Such was the news which Mr. and Mrs. Phillips received on Sunday morning of their son who sailed for South Africa over five and a half years ago, as trumpeter to the Natal Police Field Force. In a little more than three months time he was expected home, after six years' service, which date was being anxiously awaited. Words cannot describe the grief and pain which overwhelmed the family, especially so the mother, to whom the awful news was broken by her sobbing daughter.
When the news became known generally sincere sympathy and condolence were expressed with the family in their sad and sudden bereavement, in the loss of an only son at the early age of 26 years, one who had never caused his parents a moment's uneasiness or anxiety as to his conduct. It must be one item of comfort however to the family to know that, although in a distant land far from home, their only son and brother had many friends and acquaintances who performed the last rites towards him. His funeral was largely attended by his comrades and a number of wreaths were placed on his grave, as a token of respect to the memory of a staunch soldier and true friend. Before his advent to South Africa as trumpeter to the Natal Police Field Force, "Willie," as he was familiarly known, occupied a similar position in the Denbighshire Hussars and was well liked and esteemed by all with whom he came in contact. He was one of the few in the Natal Police who became the proud possessor of one of the chocolate boxes which were sent out by our late beloved Queen.
Whilst in Ruthin deceased had been a faithful attendant at the English Presbyterian Chapel, where he was secretary to the Sunday School. On Sunday appropriate hymns were sung and prayers offered in remembrance of him at the services, and the superintendent (Mr. Edward Roberts), at the Sunday School gathering in the afternoon, spoke of the grief and sorrow which the family had experienced, urging upon the children to follow in Phillips' steps as a worthy example of a dutiful and loving son. He was also a member of the Primrose League, which he joined in 1887.
The following letter and newspaper extracts will fully explain the cause of Trooper Phillips' death: -
"Chief Commissioner of Police, Natal,
Pietermaritzburg,
August 16th, 1902.
Sir, - It is with the greatest regret that I have to inform you of the death of your son, William Henry Phillips, on the 13th instant. On the 11th instant he was at the Railway Station leaving with the rest of the Field Force for Dundee when his leg got badly crushed between the platform and the train which was shunting. He was taken to Grey's Hospital, and it was found necessary to amputate the leg. After the amputation he appeared to be going on well, but his pulse was always weak. His great fortitude, from the time of the accident until he died, was the admiration of all with whom he came into contact. His funeral was largely attended by his comrades, and a number of wreaths were laid on his grave. Any further information I can give you I shall be glad to forward. -
Yours faithfully,
FRED A. CAMPBELL,
Inspector N.P., for C.C. of Police."
The Natal Witness of Thursday, August 14th, reports: - RAILWAY ACCIDENT. A SLIP BETWEEN THE PLATFORM AND THE TRAIN. MAN'S LEG AMPUTATED. - A great misfortune happened to Trooper Phillips, of the Natal Police Field Force, on Monday evening, whilst he and a number of comrades, in charge of three maxims, were preparing to entrain for Dundee to join the Border Police. It appears that Trooper Phillips stepped upon the footboard as the train was in motion. His foot slipped, and his leg dropped between the train and the platform, becoming badly mangled. On the injured man being removed to Grey's Hospital, the limb was amputated; and on inquiry yesterday we were informed that he was progressing favourably. Great sympathy is expressed by his friends and acquaintances in the Natal Police. Trooper Phillips is a re-engaged man having been in the field force about five and a half years. He was amongst those who fought in the battle of Mahlabatini. He used to be trumpeter of the N. P. Field Force, having filled a similar post in the Denbighshire Yeomanry before his advent to South Africa.
The Transvaal Leader, of Saturday, August 16th, says: - A TROOPER'S SAD FATE. AMPUTATION AND DEATH. - Maritzburg, August 13th (Reuter). Trooper Phillips, of the Natal Police, who sustained such severe injuries to the leg at the City Railway Station the other evening that the limb had to be amputated, died in Grey's Hospital to-day. Phillips had been in the Natal Police Field Force for about five and a half years. He was in the fight at Mahlabatini, and before joining the Police as a trumpeter held a similar post in the Denbighshire Yeomanry.
Mr. and Mrs. Phillips and family desire to return, through the medium of the Press, their heartfelt thanks to the many friends who have so kindly and sincerely sympathised with them in their bereavement.
(Denbighshire Free Press, Saturday, 13th September 1902) 
