County: Channel Isles
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 22/11/1900
Number issued: 1 (or 2?)
Silver badge, suitably engraved, to:
Reverse: "Presented as a congratulatory welcome home from South Africa / SERGT S. / DUNBAR / C.I.V. / 22.11.1900".
Medal described as "a silver badge of the Club, suitably engraved".
GUERNSEY AMATEUR SWIMMING CLUB.
The banquet organised by the G.A.S.C. in honour of their C.I.V. member, Sergt. S. DUNBAR, and which took place at the Crown Hotel on Thursday evening last, was a success in every sense.
The table, which had been nicely decorated, presented a cheerful appearance. The use of blue and white, the Club colours, was a happy thought, and added to the interest of the evening. Some £80 worth of silver plate, including two “State Cups”, the “Beatrice Cup”, the “Leak Memorial Shield”, the “Water Polo” and several other trophies, had been thoughtfully put upon the table and greatly heightened the general effect.
Thirty-four members sat down to the splendid repast provided by host Loveridge. When this had been disposed of the President read a letter from Pte. MOURANT, C.I.V., expressing his sorrow at being unable to attend.
The first toast of the evening was “The Queen”; needless to say it was received with the greatest enthusiasm.
Mr H.E. Mauger, President of the G.A.S.C., and chairman of the evening, gave the toast of “Our Guest, member and friend, Sergt. S. DUNBAR”. He wished to point out in the Club “Sammy” was decidedly popular, and his most recent visit to the Island he loves so well had bound the friendship tighter. The Volunteer was the pride of the nation, and deservedly so, for it required no little pluck to volunteer for active service. London’s volunteers had done their work well, and it was ever characterised by cheerfulness; and in pleasing Lord Roberts they had gained the height of a regimental ambition. He (the speaker) had great pleasure in presenting Sergt. DUNBAR with a silver badge of the Club suitably engraved. He hoped it would be received in the spirit in which it was given. The Club could not afford anything of great intrinsic value. Ere he terminated he would refer with pride to the ribbon on the sergeant’s breast, that of the Royal Humane Society. It honoured the wearer and his club mates.
Sergt. DUNBAR, in response, said he felt indeed at a loss to thank his fellow members for the kind way in which he had been treated. On each visit to the island he had found true and honest friends, and could own that at the present time the Swimming Club members were the very best chums he had. He admired them for their solid friendship and for their sport. He was the possessor of several trophies and medals, but not one of them would be prized like the medal presented by his comrades, the G.A.S.C. As to his experience at the front he would say little, as he would not care to be considered a critic or even a judge of the war. Mr Mauger had referred to Lord Roberts’ address to the C.I.V. He (the speaker) trusted that the address was merited, and it must have been, for “Bobs” was a just commander, and never spared anyone who was at fault. Oft during the campaign the volunteers were tried hard, and on many an occasion the trials were such as to make the hardiest soldier quail. But they (the C.I.V.’s) had done their duty, and their countrymen at home had recognised their valour by the tremendous reception accorded them on their return. He was grateful that he had come back safe, and in thorough health. Once again, from his heart, he would thank his Guernsey friends, and trusted that the time would come when he could prove his gratitude. (Tremendous applause).
Mr J. Le Mottee proposed “The Patroness and Patrons of the G.A.S.C.”
Mr J.N. Brouard, (Jurat), in responding for the patrons, said he felt proud to be a patron of a club which was so useful and displayed such a friendly spirit as the G.A.S.C., and far prouder to be present, and in the company of a member of the C.I.V. He had gathered from Sergeant DUNBAR’s remarks that the members were his best comrades; he would urge that his friendship should last. He would always be happy to see Sergt. DUNBAR. Swimming was coming more to the front, as it should, and he would always be ready to further the interests of the club in any way. (Applause).
Mr F.G. Hicks proposed “The President”, and Mr H.E. Mauger suitably responded.
A smoking concert then followed, in which Messrs F. Hicks, C. Haysom, Sergt. DUNBAR, C.I.V., W. Sebire, J.H. Le Mottee, R. Haysom, J. Cohu, W.T. Le Huray, A.A. Allain, H.E. Mauger and G. Smith took part.
During the evening two other toasts were proposed; the first, “Our Secretary”, and the second, “Our Sub-Committee”, (Messrs Mauger, Le Mottee, and Allain). Both of these toasts were suitably responded to.
