Post by KG on Mar 5, 2010 23:42:36 GMT
Part 3 of Her Name Was “Trevessa”
THE MYSTERY MEN OF ROMILLY SCHOOL MEMORIAL
www.barrywales.co.uk/drhicks/romillyschoolmemorial3.asp
RE: Dr. Jonathan Hicks “There are several mystery men on this memorial. One is Arthur Phillips, who it appears from the inscription was a member of staff at the school. I have been unable to establish any further details on him. Reginald Dew, Henry Edwards, William Howells and Arthur Phillips do not appear on any records and may well be men who died in the years after the Armistice. These men also appear in the commemorative booklet produced for the two-day fete held in Romilly Park in 1927 to raise money for the building of the Memorial Hall. If any readers know who they are I should like to hear from them”.
Second Lieutenant Arthur Phillips of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers was killed in action at the age of 33 in April 1917, during the second battle of the Scarpe, the same action that claimed the life of Harold Hare. He was the son of a well know Bridgend carriage builder and before the war had been an assistant master at Romilly Road School in Barry, where he was a member of the hockey, cricket, and bowling clubs. He joined the Public Schools Battalion in 1914, and served as a corporal in France from 1915-16. He was commissioned as an officer and went back to the trenches. His captain described him as reliable and capable officer. In a letter to Arthur’s parents he also wrote that ‘we were attacking the German trenches and he was hit by a bullet almost immediately and died painlessly’. Arthur Phillips came from Acland Road, Bridgend, and his name is to be found on the Arras Memorial, Bay 6.
www.flandersbattlefields.com/debtofhonour.html
I came across this while researching a Merchant Seaman and “Barrian” of the same name, I cannot see now that this would be the same Arthur and hope the above information will be of use to the continuing work of Dr. Hicks.
During earlier communication with Mr. Terry Sylvester of Barry South Wales with regard to the Paddle Steamer Barry Remembrance / project, report, poem and presentations etc, I was pleased that he could relay some information sought on the SS. Trevessa. We were due to present a copy and details of both Joe Earl’s poem and our research on to Barry Town Council. Mr. Sylvester during our talks was able to confirm details on a Merchant Seaman: Barry boy Arthur Phillips. Arthur was a young apprentice that was believed to have prior to the sinking and loss of the SS. Trevessa, retrieve the ship’s “Red Ensign”.
On going research was meant to both reinforce and confirm the popular local tale of The Red Ensign from the Trevessa being saved from the sinking ship by Arthur Phillips in an act of bravery, an act similar to some extent to saving the Queen’s Colours in military terms. One mention was of him clutching the “Jack”, the Flag of the Merchant Navy and emblem of Trevessa to his chest until rescued.
The ensign was apparently presented to St. Paul’s church, Barry by his late mother Dora Phillips. The ensign for many years believed to have been recovered from the Trevessa in 1923 is hung near the alter in St. Paul’s Church, Barry as a tribute to Arthur and the officers and crew of Trevessa.
Arthur was a Barrian, a Merchant Seaman, possibly a hero, previously a choir boy at St. Paul’s. This youngster it has been for a long time believed, decided at a time when most would wish to abandon ship, escape and fend for oneself etc, to save the flag, the emblem of the Trevessa and crew that he must have loved so much. In doing so his name should live forever more. Let those that come after him, remember him and all those lost.
I wrote at the time that Arthur was recorded as living with his parents on Porthkerry Road, Barry. He attended St. Paul’s Church and a fitting memorial to him and all that sailed, not only in or upon Trevessa, but in open boats from the Indian Ocean to Mauritus is that a little of Trevessa’s tonnage remains. Arthur, must have had such a love for the Trevessa, the forgotten fourth service and his Captain and fellow crewmen. We are certain that his faith in his God carried him safely homeward and the emblem of his faith. A wooden cross that cannot appear on the graves of so many seamen lost, although they float on the oceans and seas now in remembrance. May his act of retrieving and saving a Red Ensign be remembered for evermore, and be forever a symbol of safeguard or remembrance to or for all seafarers in peril on the seas. Let them never be forgotten. (Based on local belief )
As stated earlier Master Arthur Phillips is both remembered and associated with the SS. Trevessa and a long held belief is that he rescued her ensign. I make no attempt to disprove this, more to simply find out more. The Trevessa’s Captain was a Barry resident and the tale of his epic voyage made worldwide news. It is possible that some confusion has taken place. Much more research and help would be needed to clarify all. Until then Arthur Phillips should remain associated with a Trevessa.
Arthur does not appear on the crew list at the time of the ships loss. He is also not mentioned in any news of survivors or those that were in open boats that made the journey of some 1700 miles. Hence, Arthur rescuing the flag of “Trevessa” is not now believed possible. If the flag had been saved prior to the foundering, it is more likely that Arthur may have received the ensign from the rescuer.
Many a Barry man had sailed with the Tre: ships of the Haines Company, Captain Foster lived on East View Terrace, It is quite likely that the two men at least knew each other. Arthur had joined Haines as an apprentice and did serve on a “Trevessa” amongst others of the fleet. Hence, again until more information is found, it can be taken that he may even have received the flag from Captain Foster as a momento of a Trevessa
It is more likely that the mystery will never be solved, without further help. I believe the ensign of a Trevessa that hangs proudly in St. Pauls is both genuine and both part of an important part of the nautical history of Barry. I am uncertain as yet which SS. Trevessa all is actually linked to. Apparently it was normal for shipping companies to rename a ship with a previous vessels name when they suffered a loss or a ship was sold etc. Arthur Phillips did serve on TREVESSA (1). If I had to hazard a guess would assume that the ensign was made a gift to him as a souvenir when Haines sold the ship to another company in South America.
With little knowledge possibly at the time of the former ship being sold and the later foundering of Trevessa (2) and the epic voyage of her lifeboats becoming world news it is possible that the two tales become slightly mixed over time. Barrian, Master Mariner: Cecil Patrick Thomas Foster of Trevessa (2) was received by the king and queen of the day at Buckingham Palace and later wrote a book of the Trevessa’s foundering, in the captains own words Arthur was not mentioned as a crew member.
Recently the grave of Captain Foster has been found at Merthyr Dyfan Cemetery, Barry, this man born in Malta, raised in Kemnay, visitor too many countries and ports, a resident of and at rest in Barry was promised to be remembered, the awful state of the grave does not reflect remembrance. I would hope that Barry will remember and restore / refurbish the grave in honour of all that have sailed from Barry Dock, possibly with a memorial bench or plaque honouring those that will never appear on any other memorial.
Recent calls for a Town Heritage Centre / museum are to be applauded and hopefully Barry one day will be able to include items such as this in a safe and secure building for her people. Her history should be displayed for all. May Second Lieutenant Arthur Phillips, Master Arthur Phillips (MN) and Master Mariner Cecil Patrick Thomas Foster of Trevessa be part of this or at least be forever part of the history of Barry.
I have scoured all available information and seek more, I would welcome any additional information, I can only continue with Part 4 of Her Name Was “Trevessa” if and when we can find new or further information and ask all that can assist further to contact Keith at Tregenna:
hernamewas.ss@googlemail.com
Do not stand at my grave and cry :
I am not there, I did not die.
Do not stand at my grave and weep ;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush.
I am the swift uplifting rush.
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry :
I am not there, I did not die.
Traditional
A QUIET THOUGHT
Count your garden by the flowers,
Never by the leaves that fall.
Count your joys by golden hours,
Never when life’s worries call.
Count your days by smiles, not tears,
And when birthdays come around,
Count your age by friends, not years,
And the gifts of love you’ve found.
Anon