20th October 1900 Nantwich Guardian

RETURNED FROM THE WAR – Private F.W. Heatley, one of the Whitchurch Volunteers who, with others left for South Africa on March 1st last, had a great reception when he returned on Monday evening. His father went to meet him at Shrewsbury, and the train arrived in good time, about 8.20. An immense number of persons were in the vicinity of the station, whilst the road to the town was densely packed. On getting outside the station, he was carried, surrounded by a great crowd, to the town, followed by the Volunteer Band and nearly the whole of the members of the company and the officers, the band playing tunes suitable to the occasion. He was escorted to his home – which, of course was soon invaded by his many friends. “Fred”, who is only 22 years of age, was always a favourite with his “brothers in arms,“ and they all recognised his pluck in volunteering. Since he has been in “foreign lands” he has seen a great deal and suffered much hardship. On one occasion a shell fell close to him & he was blown in the air and was unconscious for a long time after, but he was not actually wounded. It was during a march in the month of July that he was suddenly taken ill. Without any delay, he was taken to hospital at Bloemfontien and remained there suffering from rheumatism. On arrival at Southampton he was, on account of smallpox, seven days in quarantine. Three or four more Whitchurch Volunteers came by the same boat, and are now, we understand, in hospital. No doubt they will be seen in Whitchurch before very long.

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