Sometimes I come across such a detailed obituary there seems little I could add to the subject’s life history. Not wishing to rewrite this fulsome account, here is the story of Major Henry Edward Newton Niblett – Mayor of Swindon 1937-38.

Death of Major H.E.N. Niblett

A Fine Record of Public and Military Service

Major H.E.N. Niblett, gallant soldier, an ex-Mayor of Swindon, friend of the poor and the blind, and lover of children, died early on Saturday at the age of 78. He had been ill for just about a month.

Though prominent in many spheres of public and social life in Swindon – and he proved his ability as a local administrator on the Town Council – he was first and last a soldier.

He disliked fuss and show, although he was a stickler for conformity to established rules and proper observance of traditional ceremonial.

He never wanted praise. He disliked it. In fact, it was his last wish that there should be no flowers, no mourning, and no paeans of praise – he knew well that they so often lack sincerity.

He leaves a widow, two sons and two daughters. The sons are Mr A.H. Niblett, who was disabled in the Great War, and Mr R.N. Niblett who lives at Stratton. The daughters are Mrs B.H. Brewer, of Stratton, and Mrs D. Tasker of Andover.

26 Years in India

Born in September, 1861, Major Niblett entered the Army when 22 years of age and remained in the service until April, 1912. During this time he spent 26 years in India and was recalled at the outbreak of war in 1914. It was on 29 May, `920, that he retired with the rank of Major.

His military life was a varied and distinctive one. He served in the Nile Expedition 1884-85 with a Camel Corps and was present at the relief of Gordon.

From 1895 to 1898 inclusive, he was on the Indian frontier and served throughout the Great War.

His honours and medals make a formidable list. They comprise the OBE (military) awarded at the end of the Great War, Distinguished Conduct Medal awarded in 1885; Egyptian medal with bars for Nile, 1884-85, Abou Klea; Indian frontier with bars for Chitral, 1895, Punjab frontier 1897-98, and Tirah.

In the Great War he saw a deal of service in Mesopotamia, where he remained from 1916-1920. His distinctions in this connection comprise two medals with Palms. He also had the Indian Coronation medal 1912, the Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and the Khedive’s Star 1884-85. On four occasions he was mentioned in despatches – once from Egypt in 1885, again from the Indian frontier in 1898, and twice during the Great War.

Masonic Honours

Equally imposing were his honours in Freemasonry and which were: P.M. Lodge, “St. John 486 E.C.,” Calcutta, 1896; D.G.S.B. Bengal, 1896, Royal Arch; P.Z. Holy Zion, Calcutta, 1898, D.G.D.C., Bengal, 1898, also member of Mark Masters and Ark Lodges; founder of first lodge in Baghdad, Iraq.

His early days were spent at Minchinhampton Common and in London. He was in Ireland on eviction and protection duty during the boycott trouble in 1882.

He was a member of the Swindon Town Council for nearly 14 years. Mayor of Swindon 1937-1938, it was during his term of office that the Duke of Gloucester opened the new Civic offices.

One of the oldest and most popular members of Ashford-road club, Major Niblett did work of immense value among the poor, the blind, and the children of the town. He took a keen interest in the hospital, the carnival, and ex-Servicemen, and was an active worked for “The Swindon Advertiser” Poor Kiddies’ Outing.

Major Niblett will be sadly missed and widespread sympathy goes out to Mrs. Niblett, who does much good work in the town, and to her family.

The Funeral

Friends, neighbours, and representatives of various local organisations, attended the funeral on Wednesday.

He was buried with military honours. His coffin, carried on a gun carriage drawn by an Army tractor, was enshrouded with the Union Jack, and bore only one floral tribute – that of a cross shaped wreath of lilies. Six Army Warrant Officers acted as bearers. The service was held at St. Saviour’s Church, Ashford-road, Swindon, and the interment was at Radnor-street Cemetery. The Rev. J.F. Tickner officiated. At the graveside, a bugler played the Last Post and Reveille.

Family mourners were: Mrs. S.J. Niblett (widow); Mr A.H. Niblett (elder son); Mr R.N. Niblett (younger son); Mrs. D. Tasker (elder daughter); Mrs. B.H. Brewer (younger daughter); Mrs N. Boulton (sister-in-law); Mr B.H. Brewer (son-in-law); Mrs R.N. Niblett (daughter-in-law); Miss J. Niblett (grandchild); Miss D. Boulton (niece).

Public Mourners

Representing the Swindon Town Council were: The Mayor (Counc. H.R. Hustings); Messrs. T.C. Newman, J. Belcher, H.H. Wheeler, F.E. Allen, T. Manning, F.E. Drinkwater, A.J. Gray, A. Snow, C. Macpherson. G.H. Hunt, L. Dodson, Mrs May George, D. Murray John (Town Clerk).

The Swindon Conservative Association were represented by: Sir Noel Arkell, and Mr. P. Smith. Representing the Swindon branch of the British Legion were: Lieut.-Col. B.L. Birley, DSO. Messrs R.W. Rice, W.H. Marshall, H.C. Preater, and Corporal Smith.

The Swindon branch of the South African War Veterans’ Association: Messrs. H. Warman, J. Stanton, G. Payton, F. Little, and P. Scott. The Old Contemptibles’ Association: Mr JA. Cresswell and E.M. Ockwell. The local Blind Association by R.L. Robins (president) and Petty Officer J. Walters, of the Royal Navy; Mr K.N. Knapp (Swindon and North Wilts Victoria Hospital); Mrs McGregor Johnson (Women’s branch of the Swindon Conservation Association).

Representing the Junior Imperial League of the Constitutional Association were Messrs. Coun. C.W.J. Streetly, W. Gregory, Mr and Mrs James, and Mr Fred Bishop. Ashford Club: Messrs G. Cottrell and A. Collins. Representing the Gloucestershire Regiment Association was Mr T. Twitchell.

The Mayoress, Mrs H.R. Hustings, and Mrs D. Murray John represented the local branch of the NSPCC.

Among numerous other mourners were: Mr C.A. Plaister, Mr H. Watkins, Mr T.J. Gay, Mr W.H. Masters, Mr H. Baker, Mr W. Clark, Mr G. Hays, Mr W.J. Mantell, Mr D.W. Jones, W. Seaward, C. Parkhouse, W.O. Lavington, F. Pointer, Sergeant-Major T.F. Culley, Mrs. A.C. Booth and Major A. Wingfield.

North Wilts Herald, Friday, 15 March, 1940.