TOPIC:

The plaque is at St Peter & St Paul, Howden Minster.

Sergeant F. Bullock
Lance Corporal R. J. Foster (Bob)
Lance Corporal S. H. Eddell
Private J. M. Clarkson (Jack)
Private F. G. Levitt
Private J. W. Chester
Private H. Harrison
Private W. Holmes (Will)
Private J. W. Latham
Private F. S. Ashton
Private T. A. Boynton
Private G. Ingham
Private A. Tyerman
Private F. Ramsey
Private E. W. Smith (Ernest)
Private R. B. Smith (Bob)
Private C. W. Morris
Private C. Yates (Charlie)
Private J. L. Johnson (Jack)

www.angloboerwar.com/forum/20-tribute-me...g-of-yorkshire#43008

Private W. Holmes is William Holmes, who died at Bloemfontein, on 5th June 1900, and to whom there is a memorial tablet in St Michael's Church, Eastrington.

The two Smiths were brothers, from Wressle.

The six men from Snaith, Cowick, and Carlton received medals from the Snaith Reception Committee.

H. Harrison was an alias for G. Winter, or vice versa. He was the son of Mr Harrison, saddler, Howden.












VOLUNTEERS FOR THE FRONT . - The following members of the Howden Rifle Corps have volunteered for the front, been passed by Dr Chestnutt and approved by Mr R. S. Schofield, J.P.: - Sergeant F. Bullock, Snaith; Lance-corporal R. Foster, Private J. M. Clarkson, Howden; Private F. Ramsey, Private C. W. Morris, Private F. Ashton, Snaith; Private H. Harrison, Private A. T. Boynton, Howden; Private Edward Smith, Wressle; Private J. W. Latham, Cowick; Private S. H. Eddell, Carlton; Private J. Johnson, Howden; Private R. Smith, Wressle; Private G. Ingham, Howden; Private C. Yates, Howden Dyke; Private W. Holmes, Eastrington; Private J. W. Chester, Howden Dyke; Private F. Levitt, Howden; Private A. Tyerman, Drax. The shooting of the Volunteers was tested on Tuesday at the rifle range at Brough. They are a fine lot of men, and will do credit to the corps with which they are connected.

Hull Daily Mail, Wednesday 7th March 1900


"I nivver seed sike like doings in the old toon," remarked one of Howden's oldest residents on Wednesday, in describing to a friend the day's proceedings. Practically the whole town turned out to give the "boys" a welcome. An energetic committee had had the arrangements in hand only a few hours, as the contingent was not expected to reach Howden before Friday, but every detail of the programme was carried out without a hitch.

The train was due at the Hull and Barnsley Station at 11.52. At 11 o'clock the A. Company of Volunteers, under Captain Blackburn, Major Chestnutt, and Lieutenant Green, members of the Parish Council, Friendly Societies, and school children met at the Market Hall. A procession was formed, and marched to the station. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed. Flags were flying everywhere, from the ancient church tower, with its motto "Welcome," to the humblest dwelling.

The platform was reserved for the Volunteers, relatives of the men, and members of the committee. The approaches to, and the station yard, were packed. Punctually to time, the train steamed into the station - the engine decorated with flags - amid the strains of the Beverley Borough Brass Band (under Conductor Woodmansey), which accompanied the men. The appearance of the men in khaki was the signal for an outburst of prolonged cheering.

The Rev. W. Hutchinson (vicar) welcomed the men on behalf of the town, The procession reformed, and headed by the band marched through Bridegate, New-street, Hailgate, Treeton, and Pinfold-street to the Parish Church, where a thanksgiving service was held. After service the National Anthem was sung in the Market-place, and the men dismissed.

During the afternoon and evening sports were held in The Ashes. In the tug-of-war the "South Africans" beat the local volunteers, and over £9 was collected on the ground for the winning team. A never to be forgotten day's rejoicings closed with a successful Volunteer Reception Ball.

Hull Daily Mail, Thursday 13th June 1901

On Wednesday the six Volunteers from Snaith returned home. They received a hearty reception, being met at the Station by a large crowd of the townspeople. Mr Sherburn, chairman of the Reception Committee, accorded the men a hearty welcome, and said they were all proud of the lads who had served in South Africa. They had often thought and talked about them, and he had pleasure in according them a hearty welcome (cheers).

The men then marched to the church, headed by the Knottingley Brass Band. There were also in the procession the school children from Carlton, Cowick, and Snaith, and the Volunteers in command of Lieutenant Auld. A large number of the townspeople also accompanied them to the church. Here a short service was conducted by the Vicar (the Rev W. Raven Hart).

A number of athletic sports were afterwards decided, and in the evening a smoking concert was held in the Grammar School, when medals were presented to the Volunteers. The utmost enthusiasm prevailed.

* The six men would have been Bullock, Ramsey, Morris, and Ashton (Snaith), Latham (Cowick), and Eddell (Carlton).

Hull Daily Mail, Thursday 13th June 1901


The village of Wressle was the scene of great rejoicings on Friday, the occasion of the public welcome to E. W. and R. B. Smith, volunteers belonging to the parish, just returned from service in South Africa. The whole of the members of the Howden South African contingent were invited to share the welcome, and to the great satisfaction of the Reception Committee and the people of Wressle, nine of them, together with Captain Blackburn, were able to accept the invitation.

On the arrival of the khaki-clad soldiers from Howden, a procession was formed at the station, headed by the Selby Town Band. They marched to the residence of the Smiths', where a halt was made, the band playing "Home, sweet home." The two brothers, in uniform, then joined their comrades, and followed by parents and friends, marched to the village green, where the school children, with numerous flags and banners, together with the Reception Committee and practically the whole of the residents, were waiting to receive them.

The committee took its place at the head of the procession, and led the way to the Parish Church, where a thanksgiving service was held. The Church was crowded. The service was conducted by the Rev. R. Kennedy, Vicar, who had the assistance of the Rev. R. Richards, Volunteer J. Warham presiding at the harmonium. The Vicar gave an address, and the service closed with the National Anthem.

The procession was re-formed, and the way led to the castle grounds, where a tea was provided. Tea over, sports were indulged in until dusk, when an adjournment was made to the schoolroom for music and dancing.

Flags were flying all day from the mill, besides many other places in the village. The Committee are to be congratulated on their efforts to give a fitting reception to the men.

Hull Daily Mail, Monday 17th June 1901
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GARDEN PARTY . - On Tuesday, Major and Mrs Chestnutt entertained the returned Volunteers at Derwent House. Tea was partaken of on the lawn, and various games indulged in. Major Chestnutt welcomed the men. The Vicar also spoke. - Lance-Corporal Foster replying, said they would never forget the cordial welcome they received on returning. He assured the Major they would all go in for the long service medal to wear along with that for active service. Amongst those present were the Vicar and the Misses Hutchinson, the Rev. R. H. Richards and Mrs Richards, Mrs Wilkinson, Mrs Sinclair Clarke (Knedlington Manor), Rev. and Mrs Sinclair (Metham), Captain and Mrs Blackburn, Lieutenant Green, and Dr Cowes.

Hull Daily Mail, Thursday 20th June 1901


The Active Service contingent of Volunteers were entertained at a smoking concert of Friday by the Howden Social Society at the Britannia Hotel. Mr Dowson, chairman of the society, presided, and Mr F. Avery was the Vice-chairman.,

"Our guests" was submitted by Mr T. Nutbrown, secretary, who congratulated the men on their safe return after undergoing many hardships. - Corporal Foster responded.

Mr A. Hatfield gave "The town and tradfe of Howden," Mr A. Palfreyman responding.

Nearly 100 friends were present, and amongst them were Major Chestnutt and Sergeant Johnson of the A Company.

Songs were contributed by Mr R. Smart (Goole), Sergeant Johnson, Privates Smith and Boynton, and Messrs J. Watson, Smart, and other members of the society, Mr Haigh (Goole) accompanying. The room was tastefully decorated.

Hull Daily Mail, Thursday 27th June 1901


The Active Service contingent o9f the Howden Volunteers yesterday enjoyed the hospitality of Mr G. H. Anderton, J.P., C.C., of Kilpin Lodge, Howden, who took them for a trip in his beautiful steam yacht.

The party left Howdendyke at 7.30 a.m., and steamed up the Humber to Paull, where dinner was served. The captain then made for Spurn, which was reached about 2 p.m. Here the party landed, and had a look over the lighthouse. The return journey was commenced about 4.30, and Howdendyke reached at 8 o'clock.

The weather was somewhat dull during the earlier part of the day, but the sun broke through the clouds in the afternoon. Every arrangement had been made by Mr Anderton for the comfort of his guests, and his kindness was much appreciated. Needless to say a thoroughly enjoyable day was spent by one and all, and will long be remembered. The Howden Volunteers are very fortunate in residing amongst friends who so highly appreciate the service rendered by them to their country. They have yet another invitation.

Next week the party will be the guests of Mrs Sinclair Clarke, of Knedlington Manor, where they are to give an illustration of the preparation of rations at the front.

Hull Daily Mail, Wednesday 3rd July 1901

SHAM FIGHT . - The Volunteers had a sham fight near Barn Hill Hall Farm on Thursday, the fifteen Active Service members assuming the defence. The former gained some useful lessons from the tactics of their comrades of the opposing team. There are to be similar manœuvres at Knedlington Manor next week.

Hull Daily Mail, Friday 5th July 1901

POSTPONED . - Owing to the death of the Rev Mr Gray, Rector of Croughton, and brother of Mrs Sinclair Clarke, Knedlington Manor, the proposed entertainment of the Active Service contingent of Volunteers by that lady this week at Knedlington Manor has been postponed.

Hull Daily Mail, Thursday 11th July 1901

VOLUNTEER ENTERTAINMENT . - The annual entertainment took place in the Shire Hall on Wednesday. A sketch, "Jessamy's Courtship," was given, the performers being Mrs Schofield, the Misses Schofield, and Mr E. P. and Mr A. Schofield. The second part of the programme was principally musical. Those who took part included Mrs Prideaux Medcalf, Mrs Blackburn, Miss Morris, and Miss Hood. Mrs Dunn gave a recitation. Scenes of camp life were also illustrated by the Volunteers. In the interval a presentation was made to the Volunteers who had been out at the front by Mrs G. H. Anderton, on behalf of the War Committee. The presentation was in the form of a gold ring inscribed with the words "South African War, with Howden's thanks." The following were present to receive the gift: - Private Clarkson, Private J. Chester, Private F. G. Levitt, Private R. B. Smith, Private G. Ingham. The Volunteers who were unable to attend will have the rings forwarded to them. Their names are: - Corporal R. J. Foster, Lance-Corporal H. Harrison, and J. L. Johnson, Private A. Boynton, Private E. W. Smith, and Private C. Yates.

Hull Daily Mail, Friday 17th January 1902

A SAD CASE . - On Monday, before Mr R. S. Scholfield, M.A., G. Winter, alias Harrison, a soldier recently returned from South Africa, was charged with being a wandering lunatic. - Sergeant Wilkinson deposed that prisoner, who caused considerable commotion in the town on Sunday morning, called at the old Police Station, and rushed into what was formerly a cell and hid behind the door. Prisoner then ran across several fields, jumping the drains and hedges. Witness afterwards met him coming running back into the town, and took him home. He shortly afterwards escaped again, and for the safety of the public was locked up. - Prisoner was remanded to the workhouse.

Hull Daily Mail, Thursday 13th November 1902

Thank you, Berenice. A great piece of research.

It is pleasing to see these men were welcomed back home so warmly. I wonder they thought about all the fuss that was made of them?

I wonder what the regular soldiers from the area thought about the reception the volunteers got (there was at least one from Snaith, Private H. Sanderson, of the 3rd Grenadier Guards, invalided home after Belmont).

It would be interesting to find out more concerning H. Harrison/G. Winter. A couple of his letters home from South Africa appeared in the Hull Daily Mail, under his real name of H. Harrison. Where did G. Winter come from?

A Charles Yates (born 1878, died 1970) is interred at Howden Minster churchyard.
www.findagrave.com/memorial/51092606/charles-yates

There's also a Henry Harrison (unknown birth date, died 3rd August 1907).
www.findagrave.com/memorial/127893603/henry-harrison

Sergeant F. G. Levitt, of the 5th East Yorkshires, was awarded a Territorial efficiency medal.
Hull Daily Mail, Wednesday 21st July 1909