Phil Case died of heart failure in the street while staying with friends in Solihull. He was a much loved character, and will be greatly missed. It was as a serving soldier in the Great War that he came to Badsey (for he was Hampshire man by birth), and here he was one of the guards of the German prisoners-of-war at the Manor House. He came to love Badsey and its people so much that on his return to civilian life, he decided to make his home here and engage in the local industry of market gardening. He was not a man to be disheartened by failures, for he was sustained by a deep Christian faith, and his cheerful courage was like a tonic. One always felt better for meeting him on one of his energetic walks or watching a game of cricket. He was the oldest member of our British Legion branch and seemed to typify the soldierly virtues, with his erect bearing, self-discipline and gentle courtesy. For many years he had been a sidesman at St James’ Church, an office for which his welcoming manner strongly fitted him. We pray and believe that he has entered into the joy of his Lord.
