Has anyone ever come across one of these commemorative medals?
A large number of Lancashire Hussars who have served in the South African campaign were entertained at Ashton-in-Makerfield, the headquarters of the regiment, on Wednesday evening. A procession was formed at the district council offices, and, accompanied by a band, proceeded to the foot of Gerard-street, where a platform had been erected for the performance of the ceremony of presentation, by Lord Gerard, of gold medals to the Ashton members of the Lancashire Hussars. Mr. Valiant, J.P., the chairman of the district council, delivered an address congratulating the returned soldiers and extending to them a hearty welcome. He hoped that the medal which would be handed to the men would be handed down to their sons as an incentive to them to follow their example of devotion to their country. Lord Gerard then presented the medals which bore a design commemorative of the men's services in the war. The following were the recipients : - Privates J. Holt, J. Moulding, A. Farmer, R. Lowe, T. Wood, P. Wilcock, J. Watson, P. Duxbury, J. Cusack, J. Barton, G. Heath, W. Shawcross, R. H. Bridge. Another medal is to be presented to Sergeant James, who was wounded at Kheis, and who is now in Brighton Convalescent Home. After the presentation the procession reformed and proceeded to the District Council Offices, where a banquet was given to the Hussars and Reservists who have served in South Africa. Lord Gerard presided. The room was handsomely decorated with lanterns and portraits of generals who have taken a part in the campaign. A very heavy solid 15 carat gold medal of very appropriate design, being a Saxon shield, with a rich bevil and scroll border, and a smaller shield in centre, bearing the words, "South African War, 1900-1901." This is surmounted by a very finely enamelled Royal coat of arms and crown, supported by two crossed Lee Metford rifles and sprays of laurel. On the reverse side is a shield bearing the words, "Ashton-in-Makerfield. Presented to (the recipient's name), volunteer of the Lancashire Hussars.
The article appeared in the St. Helens Reporter, of 21 June 1901.
