County: Londonderry
Issued on: Return
Dates of presentations: 14/06/1901, 28/11/1902
Number issued: c. 25 (possibly as many as 45)
14/06/1901 presentation
9481 Trooper Ord Richard MACKIE [Mackey]
10998 Trooper Thomas TODD
393 Colour-Sergeant William MULLAN (wounded, Spion Kop, 24/01/1900 - mistakenly reported to have died from his wounds)
28/11/1902 presentation (Lord Lieutenant's medal)
3599 Private Thomas PEACOCK, Spittal Hill
4232 Private Robert John HENRY, Victoria Terrace / late of Brook Street
3988 Private William CLARKE, Railway Road
1369 Private Joseph VAULS, Killowen Street
5621 Private Samuel GRAY, Ballysally
4806 Private Thomas LOVE [P. Love], Killowen Street
???? Martin ROCHE, Dunlop Street / Pate's Lane (no record found)
3780 Private James THOMPSON, Milburn Cottages
???? Thomas MULLAN, c/o J. McAfee, Olphert Place (no record found)
3862 Private James NEILL, Cross Lane (possibly this man, though no Irish connection evident in service records)
3147 Private Samuel GIBSON, Rosemary Lane
2293 Gunner Samuel BLACK, Pate's Lane
35152 Trooper Andrew NICHOLL, Abbey Street
33217 Trooper Jack Caskey McCLELLAND, c/o Mrs McGrath, Nursery Avenue
38744 Trooper Robert HENRY, Hillman’s Fancy
Presentation made by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Lord Dudley), in the Town Hall, Coleraine.
A "souvenir medal" was also presented to Countess Dudley by the pupils of the Hon. the Irish Society Schools.
Reverse: "Presented to ________ , from Coleraine, in recognition of service rendered in South Africa, 1899-01".
Edge engraved: "3988 Pte WILLIAM CLARKE, RL. DUBN. FUSRS."
Each medal is enclosed in a leather velvet-lined case, having on the outside in gold lettering “Coleraine, 1902” (Northern Whig, 29/11/1902).
Reverse: "Presented to Her Excellency the Countess of Dudley by the Pupils of the Hon. the Irish Society's Schools as a souvenir of her visit to Coleraine, November 28th, 1902".
Note: The medal was issued in two forms, the second being specially struck for presentation by the Earl of Dudley on the day of his visit to Coleraine on 28 Nov 1902.
The Northern Whig (29/11/1902) states that 45 Coleraine residents served in South Africa. As the above list accounts for only 25 men, it seems possible that a further 20 recipients remain unidentified. However, I have been unable to find any reports of additional presentations.
HOME FROM THE WAR.
RETURN OF MR WILLIAM MULLAN, OF COLERAINE.
RETURN OF COLERAINE YEOMEN.
THE PUBLIC RECEPTION.
A meeting of the committee organised to arrange for a public reception of the Coleraine members of the Ulster Yeomanry was held in the Boardroom of the Town Hall, on Tuesday evening – Mr J.M. Bamford, U.D.C. (in the absence of Mr Hugh T. Barrie, chairman of the committee), presiding. There was a large attendance. After some preliminaries, Mr James Semple, hon. secretary, intimated that the sub-committee had arranged for the public reception to take place on the Diamond – where a platform will be erected – this (Friday) evening, 14th inst., at eight o’clock. Mr Barrie will preside, and Mrs Torrens, Somerset House, has kindly consented to pin upon the breast of each of the Yeomen a badge which has been specially designed by Mr James McNeill, Olphert Place, Coleraine, bearing on one side the arms of Coleraine, with a gold centre, and on the other side a suitable inscription. The speakers on the occasion will include Major Torrens and others. The committee request that on Friday the inhabitants should display some kind of bunting.
Trooper Thomas TODD (son of Mr Daniel Todd, U.D.C.), was the first of the local Yeomen to reach home, arriving by the mail train at 10.5 on Wednesday morning. Trooper Odo R. MACKEY (son of Mr Thomas Mackey, Diamond), arrived at 2.30 p.m.
The others to be included in the reception are Captain Frank J. MONTGOMERY (Benvarden), and Trooper Thomas DALZELL, with Mr William MULLAN, who, as our readers know, has been at home for almost twelve months.
The following circular has been issued to the inhabitants: –
OUR ULSTER YEOMEN.
The committee in charge have pleasure in intimating that a public welcome will be tendered to Lieutenant Montgomery, Messrs Todd, Mackey, Dalzell, and Mullan, on their return from active service in South Africa.
If the evening is fine the presentation will take place in the Diamond, on Friday first, at 8 p.m.; if the weather is inclement an adjournment will be made to the Café.
Suitable gold medallions have been procured, and Mrs Torrens, Somerset House, has kindly undertaken the duty of presenting these.
It is not often that Coleraine has the opportunity of welcoming home at one time five of her representatives who have done themselves great credit in fighting their country’s battle, and the committee hope that the townspeople will display flags, etc. They feel sure that this request will meet with a hearty response.
PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION ON THE DIAMOND.
From shortly after seven o’clock a large crowd began to congregate on the Diamond to witness the presentation of the medallions to the Yeomen, which ceremony was to be performed by Mrs Torrens, Somerset House. A large and capacious platform was erected , and seated to accommodate quite a number of persons. The scene presented was truly animating, the buildings convenient being gaily decked with flags and bunting. The proceedings were enlivened by the presence of the Coleraine Flute Band, which rendered several patriotic airs at intervals. At eight o’clock the chair was taken by Mr Hugh T. Barrie (Chairman of the Urban Council) …….
The Chairman, who was received with loud applause, said it was his pleasing duty that night on behalf of the people of Coleraine to bid a hearty welcome home to their Yeomen from South Africa, and this he did with a right good will. (Applause). They were glad to see their brown beauties – (laughter) – home again, and to find them looking so well; in fact one would be inclined, after all, to think that they had been away on a picnic, rather than through an arduous campaign in South Africa. But let there be no mistake about that; their Yeomen who had come home had faced perils not a few, dangers great and varied, and they had it on the word of those in high places and best qualified to speak that they had proved themselves worthy of the name they bore. (Applause). Surely, then, when they considered that they were volunteers – that they had responded to the call of their country when the country’s fortune seemed not to be in the ascendent – surely, then, it was only right and proper when they came home to bid then welcome, and to tell them that Coleraine people were proud of them – that they were worthy of the trust reposed in them. (Loud applause). Now, when their duty was done, they were glad to have them back again. He did not know whether or not the committee in charge of the arrangements remembered, when fixing the date of this ceremony, that it was just exactly twelve months that very day since they were privileged and honoured in welcoming another great soldier to this little town of Coleraine. (Applause). It was exactly twelve months ago that very day since they had had the pleasure of welcoming Sir George White to Coleraine. (Loud applause). At that time they had hoped that this great war was drawing to a close; but events showed that it had been ordered otherwise, and while it was a mistake to describe the present state of affairs as civilised warfare, nevertheless they would have to confess that up until now there had been great expenditure of treasure and the sacrifice of many noble lives in order that the prestige of the British arms might be sustained in the eyes of the world. Accordingly they felt now that those who had fought for their country deserved all the honour that could be heaped upon them. (Applause). But in paying this honour let them not forget also to pay their tribute of respect to the memory of those who had fallen in the fight, and at this great gathering to express the hope that when matters came to be settled those who had fallen would not be forgotten, but that the widow and orphan would be kindly dealt with and remembered by the rich country whose battles their soldiers had fallen in fighting. (Hear, hear). And also let them not forget those invalided home, and who would never be able to fight again. (Hear, hear). They were glad to see their Yeomen that night looking so fit, and to know from them that if it became necessary they were both able and willing to go out again and take the field once more. (Applause). He was delighted to see such a large assembly gathered together that night; he would have been disappointed if it had been otherwise. Now, they were there that night to testily their appreciation of their young friends, and it was thought desirable to give them some token of their admiration – something to be handed down as an heirloom to prove the danger they had confronted in rendering service to their country in her time of need. (Applause). They had a warm friend in Mrs Torrens. (Cheers). She had always been willing to help them before, and she at once accepted the committee’s invitation to present the medallions to the soldiers they had met to honour. He would now ask her to discharge this duty. (Applause).
Mrs Torrens then, amid loud cheering, pinned a badge on the breast of each of the Yeomen. The medal, which was designed by Mr James McNeill (of Messrs Given & Co., architects, Coleraine), bears on one side the arms of Coleraine, with a gold centre, and on the other side the following inscription: – “Presented to __________ , from Coleraine, in recognition of service rendered in South Africa, 1899-01”.
VICEREGAL VISIT TO THE NORTH.
HONOURING RETURNED SOLDIERS.
Interesting Presentation.
AT THE TOWN HALL.
The presentation of war medals to Coleraine soldiers who were engaged in the recent South African war was one of the most interesting events of the day. Half-past four was the time fixed for the function, but long before that hour large crowds had gathered in the vicinity of The Diamond, and as the Viceregal party drove towards the Town Hall they were welcomed in a truly loyal and spirited manner. The Royal Irish Fusiliers were drawn up before the central entrance, their smart military appearance being the object of much admiration. At frequent intervals loud cheers were given for the King and his worthy representative, the Lord Lieutenant, whi had honoured the town by his presence that day.
The spacious Town Hall was densely packed with an audience which exhibited a most intense interest in the proceedings. Before the arrival of the distinguished visitors Mr Wright’s Bijou Orchestra played an excellent selection of patriotic and other airs, which were much appreciated. Mr H.T. Barrie presided, and many of the most prominent residents of the town and surrounding districts occupied seats on the platform. As the Lord Lieutenant and the Countess of Dudley entered the building the entire audience rose and most earnestly and fervently sang the National Anthem, after which three hearty cheers were given for their Excellencies.
Mr Barrie, who presided, said – Our gathering this afternoon is locally the last of several important meetings of which the great war in South Africa, now so happily concluded, has been the occasion. We meet to pay a tribute of honour to our soldiers most recently returned. This is the third time which we have met to do honour to local soldiers who have been fighting their country’s battles in South Africa. (Cheers). We are favoured with the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and the Countess of Dudley. It is, as I have already had the occasion to say today, a very unique honour they have done us in visiting the loyal town so soon after their arrival in Ireland; and it is exceedingly appropriate that his Excellency should have consented to come this afternoon to present the medals to our returned heroes. I say it is appropriate, because it is within the knowledge of most of you that he is himself a returned soldier. (Cheers). Belonging as he does to a privileged class, he might well have pleaded, as many others did plead, that it was inconvenient for him to leave, even for a time, all the important public work in which he was engaged, but he followed the traditions of his family, and at a time when things looked very black for us, he offered his sword to the King and was sent out to the front. (Applause). It is interesting also to remind you that at the time he went to South Africa he had already four brothers there all fighting for King and country. It is a record of which both he and all members of his family are, I am sure, very proud, and we are also proud to think that our new Lord Lieutenant belongs to such a gallant family. (Applause). It is only right that I should tell their Excellencies that no less than forty-five men belonging to Coleraine and its immediate neighbourhood took part in the South African campaign, and it is but right to add that in all public funds which were raised in connection with the war Coleraine responded most liberally indeed, as I might say it always does to every object which it believes is deserving of support. (Cheers). Now, their Excellencies have had a most busy and trying day, and I do not wish to stand between you and the interesting proceedings which are to follow. I will therefore ask Major Torrens, of Somerset, to present our soldiers, in order that his Excellency may hand over to them the gold medals which have been subscribed for by the townspeople as an acknowledgment of their services to their country. (Cheers).
The recipients of the medals were most happily introduced by Major Torrens, who briefly described to their Excellencies the part in which each had taken in the war, in all of which details Lord and Lady Dudley showed the keenest interest.
His Excellency, who was greeted with loud and enthusiastic cheering, said he was glad to have that opportunity of presenting to the returned soldiers from South Africa the tokens which had been subscribed for by their fellow-townsmen – (applause) – tokens which they would, he was certain, appreciate not only for their intrinsic value, but also because they marked the sense of appreciation the people had for those who had served their country so faithfully in its time of need. (Applause). He thought the Coleraine people were quite right in thus showing their appreciation of those who went out to the war to fight for them. There might have been many mistakes made in that country, but those mistakes were not made by the rank and file of the British army. (Loud applause). They had heard an expression of opinion from a far greater judge than any in that room – no less a man than Lord Roberts himself – who said again and again that he was proud to command such an army, and he also said they behaved like soldiers and gentlemen. (Applause). He would also like to congratulate the soldiers upon their safe return. He was quite sure that many of them had very arduous work in South Africa. The names of the regiments he had heard mentioned were sufficient to testify to the services rendered in the campaign – Dublin Fusiliers, Inniskilling Fusiliers, and the Scottish regiments, and last, but not least, the Ulster Yeomanry. (Applause). The Yeomanry of the county had had an opportunity of showing of what stuff they were made. He (his Excellency) had served as a yeoman for some time himself – (applause) – and he was of the belief that if ever the opportunity came again they would be able to play their part, and worthily so, with the regular forces. (Applause). He thought the regular forces present that night would admit the help they had received in South Africa from the Yeomanry, militia, and volunteers, and also from the colonial regiments. (Applause). He was glad to know that two men of Kitchener’s Horse were present that night, and he (his Excellency) believed that without the aid of the English and Irish and also the colonial irregulars the war would not have ended as soon as it had. (Applause). They had learned during the course of the last three years a great many lessons. They all had had experiences – many of them griefs – which they were not likely to readily forget. At the same time, they could remember that the Empire undoubtedly stood higher in the opinion of everyone than it had ever done before. (Applause). The war had brought with it care, suffering, privations, and hardships, but at the same time it had welded together all parts of the Empire. In conclusion, his Excellency again expressed the pleasure it gave him in presenting the medals to the returned soldiers.
The yeomen presented with medals by his Excellency were – James THOMPSON, Milburn Cottages; Robert HENRY, Hillman’s Fancy; William CLARKE, Railway Road; Martin ROCHE, Dunlop Street; Joseph VAULS, Killowen Street; Henry GOUGH, Killowen Street; Joseph McQUILLAN, James Street; Thomas PEACOCK, Spittal Hill; John CASSIDY, Killowen Street; Thomas COLEMAN, Ballylease, Port Stewart; Thomas MULLAN, Olphert Place; Andrew NICHOLL, Abbey Street; Hugh MADDEN, Pate’s Lane; Samuel GIBSON, Rosemary Lane; Jack McCLELLAND, Nursery Avenue; Samuel GRAY, Ballysally; Thomas LOVE, Killowen Street; James NEILL, Cross Lane; and Robert HENRY (late of Brook Street).
The medals, which are of solid gold, are struck from specially-cut dies, and bear on the obverse the arms of Coleraine, with the motto “Sigillum Villæ Coleraine” on a ribbon beneath; the reverse side having the following inscription: – “South African Campaign. Presented on behalf of the people of Coleraine by his Excellency the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. 28th November, 1902” – all of which stands out in bold relief. Each medal is enclosed in a leather velvet-lined case, having on the outside in gold lettering “Coleraine, 1902”. They reflect credit on the manufacturer, Mr Sharman D. Neill, 12, Donegall Place, Belfast.
At the conclusion her Excellency the Countess of Dudley was presented with a facsimile of the medals distributed to the returned soldiers, the presentation being made by Miss Ellen Crawford, Coleraine, on behalf of the children of the Hon. Irish Society’s Schools.
The recipients of the medals were presented to their Excellencies by Major Torrens, who was accorded a rousing reception, and as the record of each was made known, the greatest enthusiasm was manifested.
The following were the soldiers or volunteers who received medals: –
