TOPIC:

This cruciform medallion in white metal appears to be a commemorative, albeit rather premature, of Lord Roberts entry into Pretoria following the end of the conventional phase of the war.
Whether distributed to schoolchildren or members of the Friendly Society I have no idea, but very likely.

From my understanding, the Friendly Societies were the forerunner of the welfare state back in the day when there were no state handouts or National Health Service. If you couldn't work your family could expect hardship, so I think these benevolent organisations would assist the needy.


The obverse of the medallion with forward facing bust of Bobs within a laurel wreath and the words 'SOUTH AFRICA 1900'. Note that the detail is still pretty sharp except for a small amount of wear to Bob's nose!


The reverse 'PRETORIA JUNE 5TH' above the roundel bearing the coat of arms and 'MUNICIPAL BOROUGH OF TYNEMOUTH '. 'FRIENDLY SOCIETIES ' being the lower script.

An interesting item from the 'bargain basement ' as Anglo Boer War artefacts go!

These medals were indeed presented to schoolchildren. 10,000 white metal Maltese Crosses were struck by Joseph Moore of Birmingham in July 1900. Although the distribution was organised by the Friendly Societies, the cost of the medals was met by public subscription. The first batch of 287 souvenirs was presented to the boys of the training ship Wellesley in mid-August, whilst the bulk were distributed to Board and Volunteer schools on 7 September.

It is interesting to note that workhouse children were included in the presentation.

A small number of silver examples were also struck, possibly for members of the Friendly Societies.


Shields Daily News, 14th June 1900

PRETORIA COMMEMORATION MEDALS.

Last night a largely attended meeting of representatives of the Borough of Tynemouth Friendly Societies was held in the Town Hall Buildings, to consider the question of distributing medals to all school children of the borough. Mr John Frater presided, and complimented those present on the hearty manner in which the object had been taken up. The hon. secretary, Mr James Murray, submitted a tender from Mr Joseph Moore, medallist, Birmingham, which was considered highly satisfactory, and it was decided to have 10,000 struck off. The design was then discussed and eventually agreed upon to be as follows: – One the one side a bust of Lord Roberts, with the words “Pretoria, June 5th, 1900”, and on the reverse the Borough Arms, with the words “Friendly Societies”. It was announced that donations were coming in very freely, over one-third of the cost being already secured. A large number of collecting books were given out, and subscribers are requested to note that no book is official unless it bears the stamp of the Friendly Societies and the name of the secretary.


Shields Daily News, 12th July 1900

THE BOROUGH OF TYNEMOUTH PRETORIA MEDAL.

We have had shown us by Mr James Murray the accepted design for the Pretoria medal which is to be presented by the Friendly Societies to the children of the Borough of Tynemouth. The souvenir will be shaped in the fashion of a Maltese Cross, having in one side the counterfeit presentment of General Roberts, in the centre of a laurel wreath, and the inscription “South Africa, 1900”, and on the obverse side the Borough Arms in the centre, “Friendly Societies” at the top, “Pretoria” on the left, and “June 5th” on the right. Mr Joseph Moore, of Birmingham, has been given the order, and it is expected that the medals (10,000) will be ready shortly.


Nottingham Evening Post, 16th August 1900

PRETORIA MEDALS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN.

An interesting presentation has been made on the upper-deck of the training-ship Wellesley, at Tynemouth. Mr W.H. Storey distributed, on behalf of the local friendly societies, medals specially struck to commemorate the entry of Lord Roberts into Pretoria. The medal, a neat Maltese cross, is of white metal, having on the front the head of Lord Roberts and on the obverse the words, “Friendly Societies, June 5th, 1900”. The medals are to be presented to every scholar in the borough; 287 Wellesley boys, the children at the workhouse, and 60 boys from Green’s Homes, Shields, have now received the gift.


Shields Daily Gazette, 8th September 1900

THE PRETORIA MEDALS AT NORTH SHIELDS.

The Pretoria medals, provided by a public subscription organised by the Trade and Friendly Societies of the Borough of Tynemouth to commemorate the occupation of Pretoria, were distributed amongst the children of the Board and Voluntary schools yesterday afternoon.










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