Medals and awards

THE RETURNING HUSSARS.

To the Editor of the Wigan Observer.

Dear sir, - The remarks of your correspondent, W.H. Green, Sergeant of the K Company of Hindley Volunteers, published in Wednesday’s “Observer”, are very inaccurate. They convey the impression that the Ashton Volunteers are a favoured body, and are about to be treated as such by receiving a “silver casket” from the Mayor’s Fund. At least, so Sergeant Green learns from the “Manchester Courier”, and communicates to you in his letter. The plain fact is simply this: In Ashton a reception committee was formed to “welcome home” Lord Gerard and our own local volunteers. This committee is quite independent of Wigan, and was constituted to give “the welcome” to Ashtonians. Lord Gerard received a hearty reception, and the other “locals” will likewise know how we appreciate their self-denial and patriotism; for each member “home” will be entertained to a banquet and receive a gold medal from the inhabitants. The funds for this (£150-£160) are raised locally, and the Mayor’s Fund does not contribute a penny piece towards the same. If (mind the if), out of the Mayor’s Fund, our “locals” can receive a silver casket (which the reception committee have never heard mentioned) I am sure the Ashton Committee will be grateful to Wigan and willingly make their generosity well known. Whether Hindley or Ashton confer most benefit on Wigan trade is questionable, and needs not be connected with the subject. However, for Sergeant Green’s information, allow me to inform him that Ashton stood its share of the burden when the relief fund was started to assist wives and children of the reservists and volunteers, and contrasts more than favourably with Hindley. It stood out prominently with its number of “hospital beds” provided, and can give Hindley a fair start in its generosity to the equivalent fund. All the actions and contributions have been fostered by a desire to benefit the community, and the narrow-minded jealousy which prompted a letter based on an inaccurate and misleading newspaper “par” has been conspicuous by its absence. Your insertion of this reply will oblige.

THE LANCASHIRE HUSSARS.

PRESENTATION OF GOLD 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, last 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 W. 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. CUSSACK, J. BARTON, G. HEATH, W. SHAWCROSS, R.H. BRIDGE. Another medal is to be presented to Sergeant JAMES, who was wounded at Kheis, and 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 part in the campaign.

The Bravery of the British Troops.

Tribute by Lord Gerard.

THE RETURN OF THE ASHTON YEOMANRY.

BANQUET AND PRESENTATION OF MEDALS.

On Wednesday, the members of the Lancashire Hussars, who have returned from the front after fighting valiantly with the 32nd Company of the Imperial Yeomanry in South Africa, were presented with gold medals subscribed for by the people of Ashton-on-Makerfield, and afterwards entertained to dinner. Mr. Valiant, the chairman of the District Council, and chairman of the local reception committee, and a considerable number of Ashton gentlemen, met the Yeoman, at the foot of Gerard Street, at six o’clock in the evening, and it was there that the presentation took place. There was a large assemblage of people despite the persistent rain, but the state of the weather had the effect of curtailing these out-door proceedings very considerably. A number of Lancashire Hussars, commanded by Sergeant-Major Ives, were on parade, and the Aston Congregational Band led up the procession. …….

……. Mr. Valiant then distributed the medals to the following Yeomen: - W. SHAWCROSS, J. MOULDING, J. FARMER, R. LOWE, T. WOOD, P. WILCOCK, E. BRIDGE, J. WATSON, P. DUXBURY, J. CUSACK, J. BARTON, and G. HEATH. The procession was re-formed, and headed by the band, the party proceeded to the Council Chamber, where a dinner was held. Lord Gerard, whose appearance was hailed with applause, presided over a large and influential gathering, the centre table being occupied by the returned Hussars, who were being entertained. Special efforts had been made that the room should have a cheerful and bright appearance, and the decorations were exceedingly appropriate. On each side of the room was the word “Welcome” in large letters, and “Success to the Lancashire Hussars” was also very prominent, surrounded by flags were a couple of framed portraits of Field-Marshal Roberts and of General Buller. The dinner was served by Mr. H. Beaumont, of the King’s Arms Hotel, Ashton, and was excellent in every way.…….

……. Lord Gerard, in returning thanks, speaking of his absence in the afternoon, said it would have been rather awkward if he had been asked to present himself with a medal. (Laughter). As to the medal, he would retain it all his life, not only because it was a most beautiful medal, but also an account of those who had given it. To come back among his friends and neighbours after being out in South Africa was a matter of intense pleasure to him. (Applause).…….