County: Perthshire
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 02/09/1902
Number issued: 6
Silver alberts & appendages, to:
Presentation made by Major Robertson, in the Town Hall, Alyth.
Surgeon-Captain W.S. KIDD, Corporals J. ALEXANDER and J. ROBERTSON, and Troopers BEATON, BRUCE, DEAR, and McPHERSON, all Alyth men, who have been attached to Tullibardine’s Scottish Horse in South Arica, arrived at Alyth per the 8.20 p.m. train last night, and were accorded a most enthusiastic welcome home. The men were met at the station by the Dr Kidd Testimonial Sub-Committee, viz.:- Provost Smart, ex-Provost Tod, Bailie Robertson; Mr Japp; Mr Yeaman, town clerk; Mr R. Munro; Mr W. Tasker, Camno; and many others, and marched up Airlie Street, headed by pipers, and followed by hundreds of the community, to the Town Hall, where recognitions of the men’s bravery were made. Provost Smart presided, and was accompanied to the platform by the heroes of the evening, the gentlemen named above, and others.
Last night far exceeded in enthusiasm and magnitude all previous efforts of a like nature. There could not have been very many people within their homes when the train arrived, and the Town Hall was never so densely packed in its existence.
The Provost said they were met to give a hearty welcome to Dr KIDD and his noble band of troopers. All appreciated the spirit of these men who volunteered to go to South Africa and fight the battles of King and Empire. They were deeply grateful to a kind Providence for their return safe and sound. (Applause). ……
……. The Provost then handed the silver alberts and appendages to the remaining troopers, Dr Philip immediately starting – “For they are jolly good fellows,” the large assemblage singing heartily.
Dr KIDD returned thanks on behalf of the men, and said it was quite possible they had not heard the last of the Scottish Horse. A permanent Scottish Horse regiment might be formed. (Applause).
