South Yorkshire Times, January 26th, 1934
Saw The Duce
Wath Boy’s Visit To Rome
Impressed By Mussolini
An interesting distinction has come to Phillip Walton, the 13-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. L. Walton, “The Mount,” Stump Cross Road, Wath, who were among the first party of English boys to have an interview with Mussolini. They were seventeen boys drawn from all part of the British Isles, and students at Mount St. Mary’s Catholic College near Sheffield, who went about a fortnight ago on a Holy Year pilgrimage to the Pope.
In a description of the visit which he has written, Phillip says he will never forget the interview with Mussolini. They had toured the churches of Rome and been kindly received by the Pope, then came the news that they were to see Mussolini. They went in rejoicing.
“Marching into the Duce’s palace, we passed dozens of sentries. It was a marvellous palace, gilded and beautifully painted. After travelling up and down corridors for what seemed an eternity, but was only a minute or two, we came to a large mahogany door. Before we had time to knock it was swung open.
That room I shall never forget. Long, nearly twice the length of our school swimming bath; magnificent carpets which, as you walked silenced your footsteps; paintings, every one master-pieces so I have been told, adorned the marble and gilded walls. Looking to a corner where the sunlight fell on to a desk, I saw a man. He stood up. Automatically all of us raised our hands and gave the fascist salute. Mussolini acknowledged this, and as he walked towards us raised his right arm. It was a moment I will always cherish. What a great man! His face was very stern, but kindness could be seen in those eyes.”
In the ten minutes they were with the Duce the boys were invited to walk round the room, and Mussolini, in perfect English, spoke to them of the beauties of Rome, indeed everything but black shirts, politics, air forces or navies.
“Our interview was far too short,” adds Phillip, “and as we bade the Duce adieu he said, “Give England my heartiest wishes. It is a beautiful country and you should be proud to belong to it.”
Mr. Walton, Phillip’s father is head teacher of the Park Road School, Wath. Phillip was educated at St. Joseph’s School, Wath, till he left for college four years ago. His career has not yet been decided on, but while at college he has done exceptionally well in study and sport. He has won cups and shields for running, a gold medal for gymnasium work and a medal for diving; and is now captain of the Middle School and a member of the “under fourteen” rugby team.