McCorquodale Memorial Cross, Church of St Sadwrn, Llansadwrn, Anglesey
Set back from the East side of the road running through the village of Llansadwrn, the cross lies directly to NW of the Church of St Sadwrn.
LLANSADWRN. MEMORIAL CROSS - On Thursday, a cross raised through contributions by the residents of Llansadwrn, was unveiled in memory of the late Mr H. S. McCorquodale, Gadlys, who went to the South African war, and was killed at Spion Kop. On the cross is the following inscription "This cross was erected by the parishioners in memory of Hugh Stewart McCorquodale lieutenant. Thorneycroft's Horse, the youngest son of George McCorquodale, Gadlys, who volunteered to serve his country in South Africa, and fell, while bravely fighting at Spion Kop, Natal, January 24th. 1900." [Carnarvon and Denbigh Herald 15 August 1902 page 5]
Lieutenant Hugh Stewart McCorquodale, who was killed at the battle of Spion Kop, was the only son of Mrs. McCorquodale, of Gadlys, Llansadwrn, Anglesey. He was 24 years of age, and was educated at Harrow, where he distinguished himself, and at Cambridge, where he again proved himself a clever scholar, passing with distinction in various subjects. After leaving college he travelled on the Continent, and visited Egypt, and on his return home, at the annual tea party given at Gadlys to the children of the parish and their parents, he gave a magic lantern lecture on his trip, exhibiting views he had himself taken. Subsequently, he joined the firm of Messrs. McCorquodale and Co., Ltd., and went to reside in London, though he spent part of his time at Gadlys, and, as a dutiful son, was very fond of running down to spend a Sunday with his mother, and he greatly appreciated and enjoyed the quiet services at the little church of Llansadwrn. He was an ardent sportsman. Hunting, fishing, shooting, and, in fact, every kind of sport interested him, though trout fishing was one of his favourite pastimes. He, with a friend, went out to South Africa, simply with the idea of having a tour through that interesting country, and not with the intention of taking part in the war. Evidently, he fell a victim to the martial spirit which is abroad among Britons at the present time and, being a good horseman and shot, had no difficulty in obtaining a commission as lieutenant in Thorneycroft's mounted infantry, and, in doing his duty to his Queen and country, he risked and lost his life. His death is deeply lamented by all who knew him, and especially by the parishioners of Llansadwrn, where he was so well-known and respected; his genial disposition and kind-heartedness made him a favourite with everyone. On the death of his respected father, he was appointed to succeed him as the rector's warden, and he took the greatest interest in everything connected with the Church - reading the lessons and that in a most devout and impressive manner, subscribing handsomely to all the Church Societies, making up any deficit in the Church accounts, and always willing to help in any good cause, he indeed "magnified his office," and his loss will be irreparable.
....A memorial service, simple in its arrangement, but deeply solemn and impressive, was held at Llansadwrn church on Wednesday, the 31st ult., at 4 o'clock, and though the notice was short, the service was very well attended. Two hymns were sung, "On the Resurrection morning" and "Peace, perfect peace;" a portion of the "Order for the burial of the dead" was read, together with the versicles and responses used at St. Paul's at the memorial service for those who have fallen in the war. R. I. P. [The North Wales Chronicle and Advertiser for the Principality, Saturday, February 10th, 1900]
The personalty of Lieutenant H. S. McCorquodale (Gadlys, Anglesey), of Thorneycroft's Light Infantry, who was killed at Spion Kop on January 24th has been valued at £123,373 1s 8d. He left £2,000 to charities at the discretion of his executors. [North Wales Chronicle 21 April 1900 page 5]
