A SOLDIER’S RETURN TO WHITCHURCH. HIS MARVELLOUS ESCAPE FROM DEATH

The return home from Whitchurch of Private George Hughes, 1^st 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 23^rd. He took part in the battle of Colenso, but escaped unhurt. On the 24^th 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 11^th 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 12^th of May, and reached Southampton on 7^th June. He was at Netley Hospital until Tuesday morning and then made straight for Whitchurch.