County: Lanarkshire
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 21/05/1901
Number issued: 2
Gold badges, to:
Presentation made by Major Mitchell (or Captain Dickson), at the Corn Exchange, Biggar.
The badges were "suitably engraved with the names of the recipients, and also set forth the services for which they were presented".
RECEPTION AT BIGGAR.
Not for a long time has the enthusiasm been so marked in the Burgh of Biggar as on Tuesday last, when it became definitely known that Privates HALDANE and LITTLE were to arrive with the 5.45 p.m. train from Hamilton, after having been cordially welcomed there on their return from South Africa. Arrangements had previously been made by the Committee to give them a hearty welcome, and as the train steamed into Biggar Station, its approach was heralded by the explosion of fog signals. Fully three-fourths of the local corps lined the platform, and a large number of friends and well-wishers were also present. The company escorted the “veterans” through the town, led by Piper T. Brown to the Corn Exchange, the streets being lined with spectators, and as the speaker aptly remarked in the evening, with a smile of welcome on every face.
Provost Lindsay, on behalf of the Town Council and inhabitants, briefly addressed Privates HALDANE and LITTLE, and in doing so said that he gave them a happy welcome home. During the last sixteen months they would no doubt have endured many hardships and great danger, but he was convinced that they had fulfilled their duty. They all knew by the reports they had seen that the H.L.I., of which Privates HALDANE and LITTLE formed a part, had won laurels on the field, and he was sure that the people of Biggar by their presence that evening showed their loyalty and patriotism as Volunteers as much as they did 16 months ago. (Applause).
In the evening, the concert which had been hastily arranged took place in the Exchange, the hall being well filled.
Captain Dickson, previous to opening the proceedings, read an apology for absence from Major Paul. He then addressed Privates HALDANE and LITTLE in name of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of C Company, and gave them a hearty welcome home from South Africa. Addressing the two sun-browned warriors he said – “Sixteen months ago we assembled here to give you a hearty send-off and to wish you ‘God speed’ in your new and untried path. During these months many have been cut off on the field of battle and by the ravages of disease, but by the good hand of providence you have been spared to return in safety to your friends and to your home. The movements of the H.L.I., the regiment to which you were attached, have been watched with keen interest both by your comrades and the community of Biggar, and we all feel proud that C Company has been so well represented by you in that distinguished regiment. You, along with the many Volunteers who are daily coming home from the front, have proved that you are soldiers not only in name but in reality, and that you were willing not only to encounter hardships and privations, but also to risk your lives in the cause of your country. (Cheers). We are delighted that you have returned looking so fit and well after the hardships you have experienced, but while the memory of those hardships will soon pass away you will always have the lasting satisfaction of knowing that you have done your duty to King and country. We wish you every success on your return to civil life, and we hope that you will be long spared to tell the story of your experiences on the African veldt not only to your sons but also to your sons’ sons”. .......
....... Major Mitchell of Carwood, in making the presentation of the gold badges, which were suitably engraved with the names of the recipients, and also set forth the services for which they were presented, said that there were two outstanding facts in connection with the war which were conspicuous. The first was the loyalty of our Colonies in the time of the mother country’s need; and, secondly, the commendable patriotism shown by the citizen soldiers at home. (Cheers). He was sure that Privates HALDANE and LITTLE would always have recollections of the South African veldt – at one time so luxurious with tropical growth and at another so barren – and they would also remember their wonderful visit to Table Bay. He knew that their feelings were as the poet put it: -
That knits me to thy rugged strand?”
(Cheers).
Private HALDANE, on behalf of himself and Private LITTLE, then thanked Major Mitchell and the company for their kindness in presenting the badges.
BIGGAR.
Two of the Biggar members of the 9th L.R.V. arrived in Biggar on Tuesday night, having got three days’ leave from Hamilton barracks that afternoon. The men were received at the station by Captain Dickson and a good turnout of Volunteers. In the evening a concert was held in the Exchange, the proceeds being handed over to Privates Wm. HALDANE and James LITTLE. Captain Dickson, during the evening, also presented the men with a gold badge each. An assembly followed the concert.
