Thomas Henry Vile

(Photo and text from "Who's Who In Newport" 1920.)

Vile, Thomas Henry was born in Newport in 1882, educated at the Newport Intermediate School, and at Portishead College; he then joined his brother in business, and is to day the junior partner in the firm of Vile Brothers, originally established more than 40 years ago, the well-known manufacturers of aerated waters. He has always been an enthusiastic Rugby footballer, playing first with the Pill Harriers about 18 years ago, in the season when they secured first place in the Monmouthshire League; then he played for the Newport Seconds, before reaching the goal of the Newport Firsts and the captaincy thereof, which he held for three years; perhaps the summit of his sporting ambition was reached in 1912 when he captained Wales in the Rugby internationals. In 1904, as a member of the British team, he visited Australia, and New Zealand. On the outbreak of war he joined up under the Derby scheme, was trained in the Artists' Rifles, gazetted 2nd-Lieut., and then Ist-Lieut; went to France in the early part of 1917, invalided home with poisoned feet; in October of the same year he sailed from Southampton for Egypt in connection with the campaign in Palestine; returned home in 1919, and has resumed his position in the business-life of the town. He still maintains his connection with sport, having taken up the duties of referee, and through his first-class work in this direction has gained a well-deserved popularity. He is married, and the father of one daughter. Address: 109 Alma Street. Tel. 2649. Residence: 9 Dewsland Park.