Note: on this example the name of the recipient has been erased (obverse, below the Beverley coat of arms)
County: East Yorkshire
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 09/07/1901
Number issued: 12
Silver medals with gold centres, to:
Reverse: "2ND V.B. / EAST YORKS REGT. / SOUTH AFRICA / 1900-1901".
"The medals are of silver with a gold centre and on one side the arms of Beverley and the name of the recipient whilst on the other side the words 'South Africa 1900 1901'" (Beverley Recorder, 13/07/1901).
"The medals are of a handsome design in silver with a gold centre. On the latter is the Beverley coat of arms, and underneath the name of the volunteer. On the reverse side is an inscription setting forth the fact that the medals were presented by the town as a memento of the men's service in South Africa" (East Riding Telegraph, 13/07/1902).
These were "provided out of the funds raised by the Beverley Reception Committee".
Note: these medals were to have been distributed immedaiately after the presentation of the Freedom of the City, on 24th June 1901. However "unfortunately they had not yet been received from the Assaye office" (East Riding Telegraph, 29/06/1901).
East Riding Telegraph, 29th June 1901
PRESENTATION OF THE FREEDOM OF BEVERLEY.
The present has been a week of entertainment for the returned members of the Active Service Company of the East Riding Volunteers. For various reasons, it was found impracticable to hold the thanksgiving service and banquet at Beverley on the day of the men’s arrival as was originally proposed, and Monday last was fixed for the service and entertainment, and the occasion was also taken by the Beverley Town Council to present to the Beverley men, who went out to South Africa with the Company, the honorary freedom of the borough. …….
The Volunteer marched from the Minster to the Guildhall after the [thanksgiving] service, and were preceded by the Mayor and Corporation. It is very many years since the Town Hall was so crowded, nearly 300 people, including the Volunteers and their friends, being provided with sitting or standing accommodation. …….
The Mayor said they were there that day to confer special honour upon those members of the Active Service Company who belonged to Beverley. …….
The eleven Beverley soldiers then took the formal oaths of true faith, and lawful obedience to the King, the Mayor, and citizens of the borough of Beverley, and afterwards signed the freemen’s roll of honour as follows – Lance-Corporal William Carr MILSON, Private James BEAL, Private Frederick William CHAMBERS, Private Tom CHAMBERS, Private Francis COLLIER, Private Frank GREEN, Private Thomas William OXTOBY, Private James REYNOLDS, Private Robert RIPPON, Private Charles Frederick SCAIFE, and Private James Charles WATTS. .......
Beverley Independent, 6th July 1901
The medals to be awarded to the Beverley members of the Volunteer Service Company, who have returned from South Africa, are now on view in Mr W. Ramshaw’s window.
East Riding Telegraph, 13th July 1901
PRESENTATION TO VOLUNTEERS. – At the weekly parade for drill at the Assembly Rooms on Tuesday evening last, the Beverley members of the Active Service Company received the medals which were purchased by the Reception Committee. The medals are of a handsome design in silver with a gold centre. On the latter is the Beverley arms, and underneath the name of the volunteer. On the reverse side is an inscription setting forth the fact that the medals were presented by the town as a memento of the men’s service in South Africa. The Mayor was to have presented the medals, but at his Worship’s suggestion, Mr J.H. Hobson, the borough treasurer performed the ceremony. Mr Hobson’s son, Lieutenant Percy HOBSON, it will be remembered, accompanied the Volunteers on active service, and was granted a commission in the Warwickshire Regiment.
