“The tombstone mentioned in “Bill’s Story” in the Big Book.”  |
In Memory of Thomas Thetcher
a Grenadier in the North Reg. 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 you’re hot drink Strong or none at all. This memorial being decay’d 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. The Stone was replaced by the North Hants Militia when disembodied at Winchester, on 26th April 1802, in consequence of the original Stone being destroyed. And again replaced by The Royal Hampshire Regiment 1966. |