In memory of Thomas Thetcher, a Grenadier in the North Regiment of Hants Militia, who died of a violent fever contracted by drinking small beer when hot the 12th of May, 1764, aged 26 years. In grateful remembrance of whose universal goodwill towards his comrades this stone is placed here at their expense, as a small testimony of their regard and concern.
Here sleeps in peace a Hampshire Grenadier, Who caught his death by drinking cold small beer; Soldiers, be wise from his untimely fall, And when ye're hot drink strong, or none at all.
This memorial, being decayed, was restored by the officers of the garrison, A.D. 1781:--
An honest soldier never is forgot, Whether he die by musket or by pot.
This stone was placed by the North Hants Militia, when disembodied at Winchester, on 26th April, 1802, in consequence of the original stone being destroyed.
We give a few of the many curious epitaphs placed to the memory of soldiers and seafaring men. Our initial epitaph is taken from Longnor churchyard, Staffordshire, and it tells the story of an extended and eventful life:--
In memory of WILLIAM BILLINGE, who was Born in a Corn Field at Fawfield head, in this Parish, in the year 1679. At the age of 23 years he enlisted into His Majesty's service under Sir George Rooke, and was at the taking of the Fortress of Gibralter in 1704. He afterwards served under the Duke of Marlborough at Ramillies, fought on the 23rd of May, 1706, where he was wounded by a musket-shot in his thigh. Afterwards returned to his native country, and with manly courage defended his sovereign's rights in the Rebellion in 1715 and 1745. He died within the space of 150 yards of where he was born, and was interred here the 30th January, 1791, aged 112 years.
Billeted by death, I quartered here remain, And when the trumpet sounds I'll rise and march again.
On a Chelsea Hospital veteran, we have the following interesting epitaph:--
Here lies WILLIAM HISELAND, A Veteran, if ever Soldier was, Who merited well a Pension, If long service be a merit, Having served upwards of the days of Man. Ancient, but not superannuated; Engaged in a Series of Wars, Civil as well as Foreign, Yet maimed or worn out by neither. His complexion was Fresh and Florid; His Health Hale and Hearty; His memory Exact and Ready. In Stature He exceeded the Military Size; In Strength He surpassed the Prime of Youth; And What rendered his age still more Patriarchal, When above a Hundred Years old He took unto him a Wife! Read! fellow Soldiers, and reflect That there is a Spiritual Warfare, As well as a Warfare _Temporal_. Born the 1st August, 1620, Died the 17th of February, 1732, Aged One Hundred and Twelve.