STEPHEN THORNTON PHILLIMORE,DEPUTY COMMISSARY, ORDNANCE STORE DEPARTMENT.

"Deputy Commissary Stephen Thornton Phillimore, who died at Utrecht on 7th April 1879, was the third
surviving son of the Rev. George Phillimore, rector of Rednage, Bucks. He was born on 15August 1853, and
was educated at Christ’s College, Finchley. In April 1872, he entered the Ordnance Store Department (Called at
that time the “Control”), taking fourth place in order of merit among forty successful candidates at the
competitive examination. He served at home station for a period of some five years, being quartered at
Chatham, Woolwich, Devonport, and Edinburgh, until 1877; in the month of February of that year he embarked
for South Africa.

He remained stationed at Cape Town from the date of his arrival till the following July when, in
consequence of the illness of one of his colleagues, he received order to proceed to Natal. Arriving at
Pietermaritzburg, he was appointed senior officer in charge, and discharged the arduous double duties of that
post for a period of six months. In January 1878, he was released from the appointment in order that he might
return to his original station, Cape Town; owing, however, to the outbreak of the Cape Frontier War, he was
detained at King William’s Town, where there was a heavy strain on the Department; and eventually, in
February received orders from General Sir. A. Cunynghame to proceed direct to Ibeka, in the Transkei. There he
remained until July having the entire charge of the ordnance stores, and the heavy responsibilities incident
thereto, living under canvas, and seeing a good deal of the surrounding country in various expeditions on duty.
In July 1878, in view of the impending invasion of Zululand, he returned to Natal and the Transvaal, and
being attached to General Wood’s column from the time of its formation, remained on active service as long as
his strength lasted. On 14 January 1879, the “temporary rank during the hostilities” of Deputy Commissary was
conferred upon him, in recognition of his services. The difficulties in the way of transport inherent to the
prosecution of the campaign rendered the strain on his department incessant and sever. Unsparing of self and
devoted to his work, he suffered from the consequences, and early in March he was placed on the sick list at
Utrecht. After several weeks of illness, through which he was attended with unceasing care by his friend
Surgeon-Major Cuffe, C.B., and tenderly nursed by his soldier servant, Leece, of the 90th, he died at Utrecht, on
7th April of the enteric fever with which he had been stricken while faithfully discharging his duty.
The following extracts from two out of many letters testifying to his worth will serve to show the
estimation in which Phillimore was held by those with whom he came in contact: - “I desire,” wrote General
Wood, “to record my warm appreciation of this officer’s devoted energy while under my command. Though he
was most careful to guard against any unauthorised or unnecessary expenditure, he exerted every effort to
supply all my demands, smoothing over difficulties to the best of his ability;” and Deputy Commissary-General
Wright, in a letter to the Rev. G. Phillimore, bearing date 21st April 1879, from Natal, wrote: “The feeling of
regret for the loss of your son in universal in these parts. He had made himself a favourite with all whom he met,
and I can personally, as his senior officer, vouch for his ability, zeal, and anxiety at all times in the performance
of his duties.”

Over his grave at Utrecht a headstone has been erected by his family, and a tablet has been placed by his
brother officers to his memory in the parish church of Radnage, Bucks."

Source: The South Africa Campaign of 1878/1879 By Ian Knight and Dr Adrian Greaves.



There is a known Grave of this chap. But try as I might i can't find it. Here are some details. Help appricated.

Address
ST MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCH
RADNAGE
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
England

Type: Board/Plaque/Tablet
Denomination: Church of England
OS Map Ref: SP 786 979

Inscription
IN MEMORY OF/ STEPHEN THORNTON PHILLIMORE/ DEPUTY COMMISSARY HM ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT/ SON OF REV GEORGE PHILLIMORE/ RECTOR OF THIS PARISH/ BORN 15TH AUGUST 1853/ DIED OF FEVER AT UTRECHT TRANSVAAL/ SOUTH AFRICA/ ON THE 7TH APRIL 1879/ WHILE SERVING HIS COUNTRY WITH/ "WOODS FLYING COLUMN"/ OPERATING AGAINST THE ZULUS/THIS TABLET IS ERECTED BY HIS BROTHER OFFICERS/ SERVING IN SOUTH AFRICA DURING THE/ ZULU CAMPAIGN OF 1879 IN TOKEN OF THEIR/ REGARD FOR HIM AND OF THE ESTEEM IN WHICH/ THEY HELD HIS MANY STERLING QUALITIES

Components
Component Material(s) Height Width Depth Condition
PLAQUE MARBLE - WHITE 125CM 87CM Good

Physical Description

Wars Commemorated & People Remembered
War Zulu Wars (1879)
Total names on memorial: 1
Served & Returned 0
Died 1
Is this an exact count? Yes, an exact count
How are the names ordered? Not known
What information is listed on the memorial? rank, year died, regiment, place of death, forename, place of birth, manner of death, relationships
Is a list of names on the memorial held by the UKNIWM? Yes

Maintenance
Are the letters difficult to read? No
Who is responsible for the memorial?

Maintenance History:


Ceremonies
Not known

Sponsorships
Sponsorship Type: None
Did this include a trust or scholarship? No
Did this include a roll of honour? NOT APPLICABLE
Cost of Site: Not known
Cost of Memorial: Not known
Comments on Costs:


Craftsmen
Not known

References
Co-ordinator's Comments:

Comments:
Photographs: 2
Other Documents: None
Form / Letter: F
Negatives: Yes
Drawings / Plans: No
Minutes: No

Thanks, Pete. Quick work didn't expect both Grave and Memorial.