Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Frederick Henry and Jessie Melva TOTHILL

"THE LATE TROOPER TOTHILL. GAWLER, August 2.

- A general feeling of sadness prevails at the news of the death of Trooper F. J. Tothill, consequent on an encounter with the enemy near Bethlehem, in South Africa. He was the only son of Mr. F. H. Tothill, the Manager of the Gawler Branch of the National Bank. The young man only completed his three years' course at the Roseworthy Agricultural College a week or two before he enlisted. He was of steady habits and genial disposition, and was regarded with much promise. His demise is a great blow to his parents, for whom the deepest sympathy is felt. The deceased young man was one of a number connected with this district who were farewelled at a social in the Institute Hall prior to their departure. Several flags are flying half-mast in the town." - from the Adelaide Observer 11 Aug 1900 (nla.gov.au)

"Original Poetry. IN MEMORIAM — TROOPERS TOTHILL AND NICHOLAS.

They sleep in beauty side by side, On Africa's rolling veldt,

The men whom Gawler sent, to fight For honor, Queen, and right.

We thought not when we said good-bye, Nor when we wished God-speed,

That ere six months had passed away, Two of our best would lie,

Victims of the bullets hate, Asleep till Judgment Day.

We shall not see them home return, But God knows what is best;

He gave the life which now has gone, To live with Him again.

The best and bravest often thus, Are taken from our side,

To join the victorious army, Marshalling now on Zion's walls.

O, God of love, have pity on, The mourners left behind,

And by Thy love omnipotent, Give grace the cross to bear,

And when our time has come to join, Our loved now crossed the bar,

At duty's post may we be found, To answer "Lord ! I'm here." — H.J.C." - from the Gawler Bunyip 24 Aug 1900 (nla.gov.au)

extract from Diary of Frederick H Farley:

July 24th ½ past 2.  There has been a great go in to-day south of the town.  The guns & the pom poms have been at it continually for the last four hours.  Five Boer waggons have been brought in & a lot of prisoners  All the men with the convoy were called out & stationed on a hill near the town as it was thought that the Boers would retreat or try to break away that way, but they did not & we had our tramp for nothing.

Trooper Nicholas of Lyndoch S Australia was shot dead to-day & Tothill & Moore are shot through the body & not expected to live.  Tate, Thorn & Catchlove, are wounded & a lot of horses shot, it has been the worst day we have had yet.  My horse is just about done.

July 26th  Camped here on the hill all day, & spent the morning in finding wood got three pieces after walking about three miles.  Sergeant Harrington and Coulter went out washing at a pool & were fired on by Boers.  Tothill & Moore are dead.