Medals and awards

Interesting Presentation at Jarrow.

On Friday night an interesting presentation took place at Police-court, High Street, Jarrow. Trooper Wm. FLEMING, son of Supt. W. Fleming, was made the recipient of a splendid gold albert and appendage, and also a matchbox, which had been subscribed by the officers and men of the Jarrow Division as a mark of their respect and thankfulness for his safe return from South Africa, where he served eighteen months in the “C” Company of the Northumberland and Durham Imperial Yeomanry. There was a full muster of men presided over by sergeant Atkinson.

The Chairman, in his opening remarks, briefly referred to the unanimity with which all the men of the Division had subscribed to the testimonial, and spoke to the pleasure they all felt when they were informed that “Willie” FLEMING had given up his situation in response to the call for men at a very critical time in the history of his country. (Applause). While they were all safe at home Mr FLEMING was carrying the rifle and using it in his country’s defence, and he thought it only right that they should make some acknowledgement of his courage, for they looked upon him as one of themselves. (Applause).

Inspector Rispin (Hebburn) said he had known “Willie” FLEMING from a child. At a time of great national danger, when the call came for men, he was one of the first to volunteer. They all felt very proud of him when they heard of it, as he was looked upon by all the men as one of themselves. In asking him to accept the present, he could assure him that the men of the Division were proud that they had a young man like the recipient living amongst them. He hoped Mr FLEMING would live for a great many years to wear the articles he had great pleasure in handing over to him on behalf of the subscribers, and that whenever he looked upon them he would always remember the officers and constables serving under his esteemed father in the Jarrow Division. (Applause).