TOPIC:

Hi Trev,
I did scour the newspaper archive but to no avail. What maybe worth noting is that two active service sections of 2nd Gloucestershire Royal Engineers (Bristol Engineer Volunteer Corps) served during the Boer War. The first embarked in March 1900 and returned in December the same year. The second section embarked in March 1901 and returned in July 1902. Neither of these time periods would seem to match up perfectly with a tribute medal simply dated 1901.
However, the local newspapers of the time do report on two prize giving ceremonies in December 1901. The first was the Bristol Engineer Volunteer annual prize distribution which took place on 7 December 1901 at the Victoria Rooms and the second was for a Christmas prize shoot between members of the corps after which Major E. H. Sinnot distributed the prizes.
So it may be that we are looking at a more general prize or a shooting award.
JC

Hi Trev & JC,

For some reason I missed this topic when first posted.

The database includes all medals, pendants, appendages, badges, lockets, etc., that I have been able to find in the newspapers, which are specifically identified as presentations for Active Service in South Africa.
Added to this are a few extant examples that did not find there way into the press at the time. Here, I have relied on inscriptions as indicators that the presentations were for service in South Africa.
During this same period, annual Volunteer prize-giving ceremonies were quite a fixture, often attracting considerable media coverage. Gold medals were a favourite, being presented for everything from shooting to tent-pegging. These significantly outnumber tribute medals.
I will have another trawl through the newspapers to see if there is any mention of this medal (as a prize or a tribute medal).
I have identified a very small number of tribute medals with inscriptions that omit reference to South Africa, but these are almost invariably rather rudimentary affairs.

My gut feeling is that an issuing authority wanting to recognise the bravery of their Volunteers would be unlikely to order a medal of such exquisite workmanship and design without including an inscription referring to the campaign for which it was being awarded. But I may be completely wrong here .....

By the way, that's the second time I've been called "Mr Chamberlain" in 24 hours! Maybe it has something to do with having a war in Europe again.

Neville

The only entries I have in my "presentations" database to members of the Bristol Detachment, 2nd Gloucester R.E. Vols are:

Issued on: Departure
Date of presentation: abt. 23/02/1900
From: Messrs G. Hinder & Bros, Bristol

Keyless watch & chain, with compass attached, and 4 large tins of cigarettes, to:

1st Service Section, 2nd Gloucestershire Royal Engineers (Vols.) –
5963 Sapper Alfred James BUSS

Presentation made by Mr Neal (foreman of the works), on behalf of fellow workmen, at the new boot factory, Bristol.

Western Daily Press, 26/02/1900


Issued on: Departure
Date of presentation: 23/02/1900
From: W.D. & H.O. Wills Ltd

Hunting knife, dressing case, army pipe, khaki pouch, and a purse containing £2 3s 6d, to:

1st Service Section, 2nd Gloucestershire Royal Engineers (Vols.) –
5959 Sapper Charles William SPEAR

Presentation made by Mr H.B. Marshall, on behalf of the workpeople, at the Bedminster factory of W.D. & H.O. Wills Ltd.

Western Daily Press, 26/02/1900

...

Thank you Neville. This all makes perfect sense.

Menu for the luncheon given in honour of the return of the 2nd Gloucestershire R.E. Volunteers.

"Luncheon / IN HONOUR OF THE / RETURN / OF THE / 2nd Gloucestershire / Volunteer Engineers / FROM / SOUTH AFRICA".
"WEDNESDAY, / November 28th, 1900".




..

And for their departure:

"COMPLIMENTARY DINNER / given by / The LORD MAYOR of BRISTOL / TO / THE OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS & MEN / of the / Detachments - GLOUCESTER ENGINEERS & / 1ST V.B. GLOUCESTER REGT. / previous to their Departure / for / SOUTH AFRICA. / Feb. 13, 1900".
"The Mansion House, / Bristol".




..