County: Surrey
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 13/04/1900
Number issued: 1
Gold medal, to:
2nd Bn. Royal Highlanders (Black Watch) –
6345 Corporal Percy Edward WALE
Presentation made by Mr Eustace Jay (manager), at the National Palace Theatre of Varieties, North End, Croydon.
Inscribed: "Presented to Corporal Wale, of the 'Black Watch', by J.G. Hales, National Palace, Croydon, on his safe return from the South African Campaign. April, 1900".
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Croydon Chronicle, 14th April 1900
CORPORAL WALE’S ADMIRERS.
Presentation at the Croydon Palace of Varieties.
One of the most interesting “turns” at the National Palace of Varieties, North End, on Friday night, was the presentation of a gold medal and a laurel wreath to Corporal WALE, of the “Black Watch”. Corporal WALE happens to be the first “gentleman in khaki” to return to Croydon after serving his country in the South African War, in which he received a serious wound. Mr Eustace Jay, manager of the National Palace Theatre of Varieties, hit upon the very happy idea of arranging for a public presentation to WALE as a token of appreciation of his bravery and devotion to duty. Friday night was fixed for the carrying out of the interesting function, and on that occasion there was a crowded house. The large audience entered into the spirit of the thing, and patriotic enthusiasm was the order of the evening. Visitors to the stalls were each presented with a button-hole of choice flowers neatly tied with red ribbon, whilst the presence of Volunteers, Imperial Yeomanry, and Guards, in uniform, gave the proceedings an extra touch of a military character. The presentation took place about 10 o’clock, Corporal WALE, who was seated in a rustic “property chair”, going through the ordeal with the modesty that becomes a soldier. His appearance was greeted with very hearty applause. Mr Jay, introducing the hero of the time to the audience, and having referred to the entertainment for the Railway Servants’ Benevolent Fund, said that WALE was formerly a servant of the public on the railway, having commenced that part of his career in a signal-box at East Croydon. Then he became a clerk at Penge or Anerley, and afterwards entered the employment of Messrs Sharp, mineral water manufacturers. Finally, however, as mineral waters were not strong enough – (laughter) – he entered the famous “Black Watch” regiment – (cheers, and a voice “Good old Scotties”). Unfortunately, in his first campaign, at the battle of Magersfontein, he received a wound which rendered it impossible for him to any longer fight for his Queen and country. Consequently, he had come back to Croydon – (a voice “We are proud of him”, and cheers) – and had left the ranks of the Service in which he had done so well. They would agree with him that, for a young fellow of 23, WALE had proved himself a great credit to Croydon. (Cheers). He had now to ask him to accept a gold medal from Mr J.G. Hales, as evidence of their pride and admiration for him. The inscription was – “Presented to Corporal Wale, of the ‘Black Watch’, by Mr J.G. Hales, National Palace, Croydon, on his safe return from the South African Campaign. April, 1900”. Pinning the medal on the recipient’s tunic, amid loud applause, Mr Jay expressed the hope that WALE would live long to set the example of devotion and duty to his country, which had been proved by his conduct as a soldier, and was an example to youths of Croydon which they could worthily follow. A large laurel wreath, tied with red-white-and-blue ribbon, was then handed up, and Mr Jay presented it to Corporal WALE, as a small token of esteem, respect, and regard, from fellow townsmen, hoping he would long remain with them as a resident of Croydon. The orchestra played “Soldiers of the Queen”, which some of the audience joined in singing, and the curtain then fell on the very interesting little scene.
