County: Aberdeenshire
Issued on: Return
Dates of presentations: 30/04/1901, 00/00/1902
Number issued: 12
03/04/1901 presentation
131 Private Alexander STEWART (absent – in S. Africa)
9232 Trooper John HARPER
1902 presentation
"The medal, of which we give a drawing, is 15-carat gold, and represents the Gordons regimental crest. Attached is a Farquharson tartan ribbon, about 1 1/2 inches in length, with the gold crest of the Farquharsons in the centre. Above this is a gold bar, on which is inscribed 'South Africa, 1900-01'. The inscription round the face of the medal is 'I Company 5th V.B. Gordon Highlanders, Ballater', and on the back the man's name and 'Presented by the people of Ballater and district [to R. Milne]'" (Aberdeen People's Journal, 20/04/1901).
THE HOMECOMING OF BALLATER VOLUNTEERS
The committee selected to make arrangements for giving a suitable reception to the local volunteers on their return from South Africa held their first meeting in the Committee Room, Gordon Institute, Ballater, on Friday evening. The following gentlemen were present – Provost Mitchell, ex-Provost Grant, ex-Provost Duguid, Councillor Barnett, Mr Anderson, baker, and Mr David Reid, farmer, Crofts. Mr Barnett who was elected chairman of the committee, said that they were met to make arrangements for giving the volunteers a fitting reception on their return from active service. The men had conducted themselves with credit, and had done honour to the district to which they belonged. (Applause). Provost Mitchell said he wished it to be known that he did not attend as the representative of the commissioners, but simply as a ratepayer, and in the latter capacity he was prepared to give the committee what assistance he could. Ex-Provost Duguid, who was formerly an officer of the volunteers, said the volunteers had had a hard campaign, and had faced the foe like men. He thought they should be presented with something tangible as a souvenir of their services. Mr Reid thought that on their arrival a thanksgiving service should take place, after which they should be entertained in some form or another and presented with a medal. Ex-Provost Grant, in endorsing the remarks made by the former speakers, suggested that a programme be drawn up. Sergeant-Instructor Hanna here read a programme which had been drawn up and approved by the volunteers. It was to the following effect: - (1) That on the day of arrival of the volunteers from South Africa the members of the volunteers should turn out in full dress, without arms, and parade in Church Square, and thence march to the station, headed by the band. Should the arrival take place after dark, torches would be supplied. (2) A procession to be formed, with the active service men in the centre, and proceed to any place to be decided upon hereafter.
It was eventually decided that a thanksgiving service should be held on their arrival, after which a gold medal, with a suitable inscription, should be presented to each volunteer at a social function to be held in the hall, and that Captain Farquharson of Invercauld be asked to make the presentation. It was also decided to print copies of a circular letter to be sent to ladies and gentlemen in the surrounding district, inviting their patronage. It was agreed that a meeting be held later. When final arrangements will be made.THE GOLD MEDAL FOR THE GORDONS.
The committee which is to arrange for the reception of the volunteers returning from South Africa when they arrive at Ballater, held a meeting on Saturday, when it was arranged to carry out the following programme, as far as possible: - The men to march from the railway station to the Parish Church, where a short joint thanksgiving service will be held. Afterwards they will march to the Victoria Hall, when each man will be presented with a gold medal, specially made to commemorate their services. Captain A.H. Farquharson of Invercauld is to make the presentation. A few gentlemen are to make short addresses, and the proceedings will terminate with the singing of “God Save the King”. Admission to the hall will be by ticket, which subscribers and relatives of the service volunteers will receive on application to Miss Farquharson, Post Office. The Ballater and Braemar volunteers, pipers, and drummers are to attend in uniform and take part in the proceedings.
VOLUNTEERS AND THE WAR.
BALLATER.
WELCOME HOME TO GORDON VOLUNTEERS.
