County: Lanarkshire
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 21/06/1902 (postponed from 02/06/1902)
Number issued: ?
Gold medals, to:
8079 Private John WYPER
and other unnamed volunteers
RETURN OF ACTIVE SERVICE VOLUNTEERS.
Last Friday afternoon the Bellshill detachment of Active Service Volunteers returned from South Africa after fifteen months’ service. The men arrived at Mossend Station amidst much cheering and handshaking. Taking their seats in a brake, which was headed by Bellshill Town Band, they were driven through Mossend and Bellshill, and latterly to the Drill Hall.
County Councillor Neilson, J.P., here addressed the men, and welcomed them on behalf of the citizens. He expressed the pleasure it gave him to see them all look so fit and well after their weeks and months of hard marching.
Mr Alex. Bell, J.P., also spoke, and in a few words of welcome remarked that we of Bellshill should feel proud of the men just returned from the front – men who, at their country’s call, had risked their lives to defend their King and country.
Lance-Corporal BROWN, on behalf of the Volunteers, briefly thanked the citizens for the kind and enthusiastic reception accorded them. He was sorry to report that one of their number. Pvte. McLEOD, was left behind in the hospital, and another, Pvte. PATON, had joined the Mines’ Defence Corps, and would remain in the country.
The local committee afterwards met, and decided the men should be presented with gold medals at a smoking concert arranged for Monday first, when it is hoped that the public, who had subscribed so generously, will show appreciation of the Volunteers by turning out in large numbers.
It is reported that Pte. McLEOD has much improved, and that he will sail for home with the first draft from South Africa.
Bellshill Speaker, 7th June 1902
ACTIVE SERVICE VOLUNTEERS. – The smoking concert and presentation of medals to Active Service Volunteers, which should have taken place on Monday last, has been postponed till Saturday, 21st inst.
