County: Worcestershire
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 01/07/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold chain & pendant, suitably inscribed, to:
Presentation made by Miss E. Moore, on behalf of the employees, in the large picking-room at Messrs Tomkinson and Adam's works, Mount Pleasant.
Inscribed: "Presented to Fred Smith on his return from South Africa, by the employees of Messrs Tomkinson and Adam, Kidderminster".
Trooper Smith received two additional medals, from the inhabitants of Kidderminster and Worcester.
PRESENTATION TO A RETURNED VOLUNTEER.
A pleasant gathering assembled in the large picking-room at Messrs Tomkinson and Adam's works at Mount Pleasant, on Monday, for the purpose of presenting Private Fred SMITH with a gold chain and pendant on his return from South Africa.
Mr J. Inett took the chair, and was supported by Messrs C. Bray, J. Dutfield, H. Rollings, H. Bone, C. Austin, and the lady members comprising the committee. The chain was a massive curb one, and the pendant was engraved as follows: "Presented to Fred Smith on his return from South Africa, by the employees of Messrs Tomkinson and Adam, Kidderminster."
Mr Inett said they felt extremely glad that one of the Worcesters, in the person of Fred SMITH, belonged to them. They were glad to have received letters from him telling of the work he was doing, and now they were giving him a right hearty welcome home again. They all hoped he would have long life and health to wear the chain and pendant, and that as time went on he would not forget that his fellow-workers were proud of the work of the 1st Worcester Volunteer Service Corps in South Africa.
Mr Austin expressed his delight at the return of Fred SMITH, saying he had had the pleasure of meeting him on the football field, and if he was as good a soldier as he was a footballer, he felt sure he did his duty to his country.
Miss E. Moore, who made the presentation, said that in asking Mr SMITH's acceptance of that token of their respect and esteem, they would compliment him on his ready response to the call of duty to his Queen and country. The employees of Messrs Tomkinson and Adam were proud of him, and wished him long life to wear the chain which, in their name, she asked him to accept.
Mr SMITH, who was warmly cheered on rising, said he could not find words to thank them for their valuable present. While he was glad that he was one of the lucky ones to come back home again, he paid a fitting tribute to those left behind.
Mr J. Dutfield proposed, and Mr H. Rollings seconded, a vote of thanks to the chairman and committee.
