Cottered
Death of Sir James Cantlie
The Funeral
We regret to record the death of Sir James Cantlie, the eminent surgeon, which took place in a London Nursing Home on Friday last. The deceased, who had been in failing health for about two years, was 75 years of age.
Sir James, who founded the Volunteer Medical Staff Corps, which later became the Royal Army Medical Corps, was an apostle of physical fitness. He possessed the fine gift of a true sense of humour, and was noted for his outspoken manner. He was knighted for his services in connection with Red Cross work during the war, and he worked untiringly for months in training V.A. detachments. He will be long remembered for the prominent part he took in securing the release of Sun Yat Sen, who organised a plot to seize Canton in 1895.
Sir James' connections with Cottered have extended over the past 30 years. He took up farming in the village as a hobby, and spent many happy days in his residence "The Kennels." He took a keen interest in all local matters, and an hour's chat with neighbouring farmers gave him great pleasure.
Following an impressive service at St Peter's, Vere Street, London, on Tuesday the commital portion of the funeral service was held at Cottered. The coffin, covered with a naval ensign, was borne to the grave by men who had been employed by the deceased, among these was John Parker, an old servant of the deceased's, who dug the ivy-lined grave.
There were nearly 100 beautiful wreathes from various organisations and institutions with which the deceased was connected. Among these were tribute from the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (of which the deceased was the founder), The School of Hygiene (London), The Union of Chinese Associations, The College of Working Women, The Governors of the Polytechnic, The Council and members of the London and Banff and Kncardine Association, 56th Detachment of V.A.D., The London Morayshire Club, The Knomuntong Association, The Hospitallers Club, The A.D.M.S., and Officers of the Medical Units of the 56th London Territorial Division, The 210th Division V.A.D., No. 2 British Red Cross, The British Red Cross Society, Old V.A.D. Members, No. 1 V.A.D., The Grand Principal of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, and thhe Chinese Students of Great Britain and Ireland.
Mourners from a wide area were present, and the service was conducted by the Rev. F.A. Gibbs, of Walkern. The immediate mourners were Commander C.E. Cantlie, R.D.S.C., R.N. (son), Capt. N. Cantlie, R.A.M.C., M.C., M.R.C.S. (son), Miss Allan, Miss Janet Allan, Mr and Mrs Ingall, Mr I. Ingall, Miss M. Roos, Mr Usher, and Nurse Brisley.
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