The Torpoint Archives is a registered Charity: 1043650
President: Tremayne Carew Pole
TORPOINT STORIES
The Story Behind Torpoints Ellis Memorial
In 1897, Reporter George Warde from Torpoint was appointed as the Western Morning News representative for the town and immediate area.
He kept copies of all his published reports in a notebook, which the Torpoint Archives now has in its collection of local artifacts.
Amongst his press cuttings are a series of articles detailing the tragic events of 1897 which led to the erection of the monument located in Sparrow Park, outside the Post Office, known as the Ellis Memorial.
Thanks to George Wardes reporting, we can now bring you the tale of how the Ellis Memorial came to be:
James Ellis with his family
Sad Fatality At Torpoint
Reported 20th July 1897
About 8 o'clock last evening, three lads, named Hudson, Travers, and Cowling, were bathing near the ballast pond. Hudson got into difficulties. Travers went out to his assistance, and he was dragged under by Hudson .
The cries of the boys were heard by a woman, who begged James Ellis, who was in his garden, to go to their assistance. Without divesting himself of his garments, he went to the assistance of the lads, and he saved them. Just afterwards he exclaimed, "I've got the cramp, and am going," and sinking, was drowned .
The body was not found until 9.15, and it was taken to his house close by. Ellis, who was a seaman, and a son of Mr. Ellis, ropemaker, Torpoint, had only just returned from the Naval Manoeuvres, and was to have been on board his ship (H.M.S. Cambridge) at 10 o'clock last night. He leaves a wife and one child. The event caused much sorrow in the town, as deceased was highly respected
The Torpoint Fatality
Reported 20th July 1897
Mr. A. C. L. Glubb, county coroner, held an inquest at Torpoint yesterday touching the death of Benjamin James Ellis, ropemaker, R.N., who was drowned on Monday evening .
Ronald Walters, 14, said F. Hudson, E. Cowling, W. Travers, and himself were bathing at 8.30 p.m. near the Ballast Pond. Hudson was being carried away by the tide, when witness went to his assistance. He did his best to help him, but was being pulled under. Cowling and Travers also came to help, when, finding they were in danger through Hudson clutching them, they shouted for assistance .
Ellis came running down without coat and cap, but had on his boots. He swam out and told Hudson to take hold of him, Cowling went away, and witness then helped Travers. A boat came up and took Hudson and Travers in, and witness got into Mr. Salt's boat. He did not see Ellis sink, but they searched about .Henry Lean deposed to being in a boat with three others. Hearing cries, they went to the spot and took in Hudson and Travers, who were unconscious. He saw Ellis disappear and not rise again. The boat did not touch deceased, nor did witness hear him shout .
Henry John Horrall said he got Mr. Salt's boat and went to the assistance of Ellis, but he had disappeared when he had got to the spot where he last saw him. With the assistance of Mr. Tambling, they procured grappling irons, and after half an hour's search found the body about fifty yards from where he took the water .
The jury found that deceased was drowned while endeavouring to save some lads who were in peril. They expressed sympathy with the wife and friends of deceased. The boy Hudson was unable to attend the inquest, but is progressing favourably .
The Funeral of James Ellis
Reported 23rd July 1897
The remains of the late Mr. James Ellis, who lost his life in trying to rescue two lads from drowning on Monday evening, were interred at Antony yesterday. The bearers were first-class P.O.'s of H.M.S. Cambridge. Besides the immediate relatives, representatives of the Pride of Cornwall Lodge of Oddfellows, of which deceased was a member, and others attended the funeral.
Handsome floral tributes were sent, including one from his messmates, consisting of a large artificial wreath with the inscription, "A token from his messmates. He gave his life, others to save." At the prize distribution at the National School the Vicar feelingly alluded to the sad event, Ellis having formerly belonged to the school.
Gallantry At Torpoint
Reported 4th August 1897
At Torpoint last night a meeting was held to promote a memorial in recognition of the gallantry displayed by Mr. James Ellis, of the gunnery ship Cambridge, who lost his life whilst attempting to rescue two youths who were bathing a fortnight ago.
Mr. J. Shepheard presided, and said such an act of valour and self sacrifice should be recognised by the deceased's fellow townsmen. Whilst attempting to save the lives of two lads he lost his own life. Such gallantry could not fail to meet with general appreciation from Englishmen, who always admired a courageous act.
Mr. T. E. Reynolds moved the appointment of a committee to form a memorial, the balance of the fund to be invested for the benefit of the deceased's child. The general feeling was that the memorial should take the form of a headstone over the grave.—Mr. Harris seconded.
Dr. Samuel said the widow was unwilling to receive anything from the public, as she was not left in destitute circumstances. Mr. Ellis died a heroic death, simply because he lived a life of heroism.—Mr. A. F. Holman and Dr. Vinter concurred in the resolution, which was carried. A committee was formed as follows:—Drs. Vinter and Samuel, and Messrs. T. E. Reynolds, Holman, R. Nodder, Jazo, Harris, T. Crocker, and Whitelock.—The Chairman hoped the funds would be raised voluntarily, and that there would be no house-to-house canvassing.
GALLANTRY AT TORPOINT.
SIR,—As the report under the above heading which appeared in the "Western Morning News" of to-day of what I said at the public meeting last night is likely to be misunderstood, I should esteem it a favour if you would permit me to explain myself.
What I said was that the widow was unwilling to receive anything which was wrung out of the public by a house-to-house canvass, and which she could hardly acknowledge as a voluntary gift, but that it would be more pleasing to her that whatever was done should be done spontaneously. I have but to add how pleased I was to be allowed the privilege of putting such enlightened views before the meeting. I feel that this act of the widow is a worthy sequel to the noble example which was set by the life and death of her husband.
The Story of the Three Lighter Lamp
You may be interested to know that the wrought iron “light” by the war memorial outside St James Church is known as the “Three Lighter Lamp”. It was presented to the town by the Pole Carew family c.1900 in gratitude for the safe return of Sir Reginald Pole Carew from the Boer War.
It was originally sited at the top of Fore Street, but was moved when the main road was widened.
Sir Reginald Pole Carew Bart K.C.B, C.V.O., born on 1st May 1849 was the grandfather of Sir Richard Carew Pole OBE DL. Sir Reginald was a career soldier commissioned into the Coldstream Guards in 1869. He was appointed Staff Officer under Lord Roberts in the Anglo Afghan war in 1878 and again served under him in the Second Boer War. He was promoted to Colonel in charge of the 9th Brigade for the Battle of Modder River on 28th November 1899. In Feb 1900 he was appointed Commander of the Guards Brigade shortly before the Relief of Kimberley. He later commanded the 11th Division of the South African Field Force. For these services he was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (K.C.B.) on 29th November 1900. About that time he was warmly welcomed back to Torpoint.
At the age of 51 Sir Reginald married Lady Beatrice Frances Elizabeth BUTLER at the Guards Chapel in Knightsbridge on 19th February 1901. Less than a month later he was made a Commander of the Royal Victoria Order (C.V.O.). Sir Reginald continued serving as General Officer commanding the 8th Brigade Division in Southern Ireland in 1903.
When he retired Sir Reginald followed in the footsteps of his father and became a Member of Parliament serving the Constituency of Bodmin 1910-1916.
Sir Reginald Pole Carew died on 19th September 1924
He was succeeded by the older of his two sons, Sir John Carew Pole.
Torpoint Coronation Celebrations 1953
This film was found by one of our volunteers amongst the artifacts in the Torpoint Archives and Heritage Centre.
It shows rare footage of how Torpoint celebrated the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
It also shows the Brand-New Torpoint Junior School, and the construction of houses on Hamoaze Road, Roberts Avenue and Coronation Cottages The Comrades club under construction, Sparrow Park Antony Road, and more!
Please enjoy, and remember, the Torpoint Archives is a registered charity situated within the Torpoint Library and Community Hub. It is run entirely by volunteers and relies on your donations to keep it going! (Hint, Hint!)
