Monday August 2, 1937

l Boys’ Brigade at Sudbrook Welcomed at Village Mission

The Rev. R. Lamb extended a welcome to 9th Newport Company of the Boys’ Brigade when they paraded to Sudbrook Mission Church on Sunday.

He expressed the wish that their week under canvas at the Roman Camp in the village would prove enjoyable. Mr. Lamb was himself at one time captain of a company of the Brigade in London.

Nearly thirty boys are in camp, under the command of Captain Charles Humphries, who has the assistance of Staff Sergeant Fred Pursall and Sergeant Hubert French.

The site is ideal for bathing, and there is a tennis court adjacent, together with ample space for other sporting activities.

On Monday forty visitors – parents and friends – were expected at the camp, and a concert was arranged for the evening.

Ninth Company are connected with Corporation-road Baptist Church.

l Fell Into an Open Well – Fate of a Monmouth Soldier in India

Details have now reached Monmouth of how Corporal Thomas Breakwell, of the 13th/18th Hussars, was drowns drowned on the North-West Frontier, India.

He was a well-known Monmouth soldier, who was born at Dingestow. He had been in India several years until last year, when he came home on six months’ leave but was called back before his furlough was up because his unit were going to the North-West Frontier.

Corporal Breakwell’s sister is Mrs. Read, of Granville-street, Monmouth, wife of Mr. M. Read. His mother died some time ago, but in error communications were sent to the soldier’s mother and delivered to his sister.

Mention of his death was made recently in the South Wales Argus.

Corporal Breakwell won the light-heavy-weight boxing championship of the Army in India. He joined the Hussars twelve years ago and was 29 years of age.

A letter which has reached the sister from Risalpur states: “May I express to you my deepest sympathy in the loss of Tom which happened yesterday evening as the result of an accident.

“As his Squadron Commander, I would hasten to say that this sympathy is most profoundly felt by everyone with whom he served.

“The accident occurred about 9pm, when he was leading a patrol out in the country. At the time Tom was talking walking across to a small camp site to rejoin his men.

“It was a dark night and an open well lay in his path into which he fell.

“There was a drop of some fifteen feet to the water level and in falling he must have dazed himself by contact with the water.

“He managed to attract the attention of the remainder of his men, but by the time they reached the well and had lowered a rope he had disappeared from view.

“His men did all in their power to come to his aid and the rope was lowered within a minute of his call for assistance. It is this that leads me to think that his fall had dazed him, and caused him to disappear so quickly.

“He could have suffered little in this brief space of time.

“I know how painful these details must be, but at the time I feel that you should know how the tragedy occurred.

“Before closing I would like to tell you how much Tom’s services were valued, not only in his squadron but by his regiment too. His loss will be keenly felt by his many friends.

“He joined my troop eleven years ago, and I have always regarded him as a loyal, enthusiastic and true friend.”

The communication was signed by Captain H. Givslough, the Squadron Commander.

Lieutenant-Colonel C. H. Milles wrote: “He was a good and gallant soldier. His cheerful disposition and his fine sportsmanship both at work and at play, endeared him to his comrades, and his loss will be deeply felt throughout the regiment, and by his many friends.

“He was buried in the military cemetery at Risalpur with full military honours, where he will lie among other British soldiers.

“A tombstone with his name under the regimental crest will be erected in due course, and I can assure that his grave will always be carefully attended.”

l Sudden Death at Caldicot – Man Expires In His Wife’s Arms

Arthur Thomas Mead, 70, a retired railway fitter, died suddenly while spending a holiday with his daughter at Upper House, Caldicot.

He was accompanied by his wife, who, after returning from a walk in the village with her husband, found him outside the back door in a kneeling position. He died in her arms.

Deceased had complained of shortness of breath.

A post-mortem has been ordered. Deceased lived with his wife at Jesus Hospital, Bray, near Maidenhead, Berkshire.