Local Hero

I took my dear old dad on a little pilgrimage today. Dad was the centenary historian for our alma mater, King Edward VI Aston School. In that capacity he added to his existing store of admiration for martial Aston Old Edwardians - prime amongst them Robert Edwin Phillips. He died in retirement in Cornwall after a career as a tax inspector, having cheated death in the Great War. This is the citation for his Victoria Cross, earned in battle in Kut, Mesopotamia in January 1917:

After his commanding officer had been mortally wounded while leading a counter-attack, Temporary Lieutenant Phillips went out under most intense fire to his assistance and eventually succeeded in bringing him back to our own lines. Captain Phillips showed sustained courage in its very highest form and throughout he had little chance of ever getting back alive.

This son of Aston was born and brought up in West Bromwich and a little delving (this internet thingy really ought to catch on) taught me that his home town has of late doubly honoured him. At his modest boyhood phone there is a blue plaque and nearby on a pleasant newish estate there is a road named for him. Behind this second tribute lies a tale of modern bureacracy - they got his name wrong (using his middle name rather than the first by which he was always known) and when the local residents were consulted about correcting the error, the majority refused on account of the inconvenience it would cause them. On balance anyone who has ever dealt with utility companies will see their pont of view. There is a happy ending however - the incorrect designation remains but the gallant Phillips has a unique street sign explaining his valour.

A happy ending to a tale of modern maladministration

We completed our little expedition with a carvery lunch and a pint and a half of mild at the Dovecote public house - change from thirteen quid for the two of us.

Sometimes life has more to offer than fulminating at the latest obscenity from the vile gobshite Trump. I know, I know, I shouldn't watch the news but old habits die hard,

Toodle-oo.