Page 21 - WW1 - 1917

Redditch Local History Society Remembering Redditch Residents & WW1

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The Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Redditch Messenger – Saturday 10 February
1917

Memorial to a Redditch Officer – At St George’s Church, Redditch, on Sunday
morning, a large congregation attended a service held in commemoration of those of the
parish who have given their lives in their country’s service during the present war. An
address was given by the Vicar (the Rev. G. L. Michell), and the musical portion of the service
included the singing of the Intercessory Hymn (from the King Albert’s Book) and the Russian
“Contakion of the Departed,” which was sung kneeling. During the service a beautifully
designed tablet, which has been placed in the baptistery in memory of the late Captain
Phillip Henry Milward, was unveiled by the Rev. Canon Newton, former Vicar of Redditch and
Rural Dean. The inscription on the tablet is as follows: “In loving memory of Phillip Henry
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Milward, fourth son of J. F. and F. M. Milward, born Feb. 12 1873; Captain 7 Battalion
Rifle Brigade, who came home from Ceylon in December, 1914, to join His Majesty’s Army,
bringing with him a contingent at eighty men and died a year later at Abeele of wounds
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received near Hooge, Flanders, December 7 , 1915. Laid to rest at Abeele.”
The tablet is the work of the Bromsgrove Guild, and is cast in bronze in a setting of green
marble. At the side is a finely wrought sword, with bay leaf wreath, on which are inscribed
the great battles in which the Rifle Brigade has played a part, the regimental badge, and
beneath are the appropriate words, *“Dulce et decorum est pro patria movi.”
(*Dulce et decorum est pro patria movi – It is sweet and honourable to die for one’s country)

© RLHS 2014 Page: 21