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I am unsure if this archive newspaper report has been posted before?
I was having a look through my local Shropshire paper archives and came upon this remarkable story of Private 5631 George Edward Hughes. 1st Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers.



Transcription of article. Shrewsbury Chronicle 1900.

The return home from Whitchurch of Private George Hughes, 1st Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, late on Tuesday night, was the occasion of a hearty demonstration. The Volunteer Band proceeded to the station, and very soon a large crowd had collected, which greatly increased on the subsequent march through the town. The band played various patriotic airs, and the utmost enthusiasm prevailed, which even a hearty thunderstorm did not damp. On being interviewed by our correspondent on Wednesday morning, Hughes, a quiet unassuming young man of 22 years of age, whose father is a master shoemaker in the town, had a stirring tale to tell. He went out with his battalion, altogether 1,100 strong, in October, leaving Southampton by the S.S. Oriental on the 23rd. He took part in the battle of Colenso, but escaped
unhurt. On the 24th February he was with a relief column at Pieters Hill, and during the engagement he saw his colonel (Colonel Thorold) killed, also Lieutenant Stubbings. An hour later it was thought he had received his death blow, for a Mauser bullet entered the upper part of his forehead, almost in a line with his right eye, and came out on the opposite side of his head. He was taken to the hospital at Pietermaritzburg, and remained there until the 11th May. For the first ten days he was unconscious nearly the whole time, and it was during this time he was operated on by the doctors, several pieces of bone being removed. Hughes had not the slightest remembrance of being operated upon. For several weeks after, he had periods of consciousness.
The doctors were proud indeed of his recovery, and stated it was the most remarkable case in all their experience. Hughes was visited by many medical men, nurses and others interested in such cases. There is rather a deep dent where the bullet emerged, but the doctors think it will fill up in time. Needless to say, the bullet marks will remain for life. The bullet went through each side of his helmet, and Hughes deeply regrets, naturally, its loss. He speaks highly of the care he received at the hospital, and says he never felt better in his life. Hughes left Durban by the Winifredian with 100 more invalided on the 12th of May, and reached Southampton on 7th June. He was at Netley Hospital until Tuesday morning and then made straight for Whitchurch.

George was one of eight children who lived in Whitchurch, Shropshire.
His father also called George was a master shoesmith. The 1901 Census has George junior aged 22 working as a general labourer. His recuperation must have gone reasonably well for him to be working again. I checked the 1911 census and George was still living with his parents and was an Army Pensioner. If I was lucky enough to own Private Hughes's medal with his Tugela Heights and Relief of Ladysmith clasps, I would have delved deeper into his backstory. . Alas, sadly,I don't. Interestingly, his medal roll does not mention his wounding or his invalidity and return home. Natal Field Force records his wounding on the 24th February 1900. On further checks regarding his pension it seems that Private George Edward Hughes died in 1935.
I wonder if his QSA is still knocking around?

Fascinating Dave. It would have been quite a different story had the rifle firing the bullet not been a Mauser, the deliverer of :humane' wounds!!

Great story Dave - the action described was the one where this recent purchase of mine was WIA - same place, same battalion, same day! www.angloboerwar.com/forum/5-medals-and-...description-of-wound

Rory wrote: Great story Dave - the action described was the one where this recent purchase of mine was WIA - same place, same battalion, same day! www.angloboerwar.com/forum/5-medals-and-...description-of-wound

What a coincidence Rory, they may have been in the same platoon? Your man could have been George's Sergeant? This is what is so good and rewarding when researching medal recipients. I would be very happy to have had George's QSA in my casualty collection for sure.


Dave......