Lt-Commander James Sholto Douglas
November 1914
Lieut Douglas appears to have had an exciting
time with the Naval Brigade in Antwerp, where he was in command of a
machine-gun section. He made the personal acquaintance of the now
famous trenches and was apparently one of the last to leave the
city, "dodging shells and falling houses" in the progress through
it. But for his resourcefulness, which enabled him to reach Ostend
in safety, he would probably now be interned in Holland instead of
being luminously housed at the Crystal Palace.
Source: Badsey Parish Magazine for
1914 - with kind permission
January 1917
It is with very deep regret that we chronicle the death of
Lt-Commander James Sholto Douglas, late of Badsey Manor House, at
the comparatively early age of 27. As our readers will remember, he
volunteered for service with the Navy immediately on the outbreak of
war, and was gazetted Lieutenant in the RNVR after an interview with
the First Lord of the Admiralty. He went to Antwerp in command of a
machine-gun section, and only escaped internment by his courage and
resourcefulness. When we last referred to him in these columns he
was stationed with the Naval Brigade at the Crystal Palace. He was
subsequently attached to the RNAS as armament officer and was for
some time at Dunquerque, taking up an appointment as Lieut-Commander
near Aberdeen in October last. In November he began to suffer very
much from very severe headaches and was sent home to Chester. He
rapidly became much worse; and was unconscious almost continuously
to the time of his death. A few days before his death he had very
slight conscious intervals; he recognised his mother and asked for
one of his brothers, and on one occasion felt for his crucifix under
his pillow and looked at it. He passed away on Monday morning, Dec
18th, and on Tuesday his body was taken into the Lady Chapel of
Chester Cathedral where it remained until the funeral on Wednesday.
There was a Requiem on Wednesday morning, a watch having been kept
all Tuesday night by relations and friends.
The following
tribute from his brother seems to describe the man just as we knew
him.
I thank Thee, God, for his life here,
For all his
graces, all his ways so dear.
Ready of repartee,
Soul of all
company,
Bright with the love of men because of God;
Strong in
the love of God for other men.
The Sacramental way on earth he
trod,
And now his earthly body’s dead – well, then,
I praise
and thank Thee, still, O God.
Source: Badsey Parish Magazine for
1917 - with kind permission
Any contributions will be
gratefully accepted
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