County: Westmorland
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 01/07/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold albert & pendant, to:
3914 Corporal John T. NELSON
PRESENTATION TO CORPORAL NELSON OF KESWICK.
In admiration of his courage and patriotism the Keswick drivers, independently of the public testimonial, determined to mark the return of Corporal NELSON to Keswick, and made a subscription amongst themselves for the purpose. So liberal were the responses that they were enabled to buy a substantial gold albert and pendant, which bears the following inscription: – “From the drivers of Keswick district to Corporal John T. Nelson, 24th Company Imperial Yeomanry, in appreciation of his services to Queen and Country in South Africa, 1900 – 1901”. On the other side are his initials, “J.T.N.”
The presentation took place at the George Hotel on Monday night. Mr David Powley officiated as chairman, and in approaching the business said they had met to present to their brother driver a handsome present, to which all had had the pleasure of subscribing. He was sure they would agree with him when he said that if the mounted troops of the British army were as fit for their job as Corporal Nelson they would have a mounted service second to none in the world. (Applause). They had watched the doings of the 24th in the campaign, and were anxious about them when they were in action – whether any had come to ill. While they were glad that their friend had come out unscathed, their sympathies were with the friends of those who had fallen. He then asked Mr Broatch to make the presentation.
Captain Broatch said it was difficult to say anything new on the topic, because he had already spoken on several occasions, both before and since the Yeomanry went out. It was a very remarkable coincidence that a 100 years ago this country was engaged in a struggle, the greatest ever before known, for the salvation of Europe – a struggle against Napoleon. Now a hundred years later we had come across the toughest foe ever opposed to Imperial Great Britain. In the dark hours of 1899 they realised something of the feelings of the country during that Napoleonic struggle; but, thanks to the patriotism of such as Mr Nelson and the Volunteers, the war was within reasonable prospect of being terminated. The presentation he had to make was a little memento of the admiration of Mr Nelson’s friends. Hitherto, presentations with which he had been connected were to people leaving the town, but instead of “speeding the parting guest” on this occasion they were “Welcoming the new-comer”. He felt honoured by the drivers of Keswick in being asked to do this little work; it was gratifying because those who worked with Mr Nelson and knew him best had combined to give him a testimonial not only of their good will but of their gratitude to him and others who, in the darkest hour this generation has experienced, went out to serve their country. In making the presentation, he could only wish Mr Nelson, on behalf of all, long life, health, and prosperity to wear the chain with the watch given by the people, and that both would be handed down to his children’s children as a memento of the great sacrifice he had made for his country. (Cheers). He then handed the present to Corporal Nelson.
Corporal NELSON, addressing the gathering as “comrades”, said he was unable to express feelings beyond returning his most hearty thanks for their splendid present. (Cheers).
The Chairman added that if Mr Nelson should go out again and return, they would be able to give him something of more value.
