County: Berwickshire
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 03/09/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold medal & albert, to:
Reverse: "Presented to James Luke, by the inhabitants of Longformacus, in recognition of his services in South Africa, 1901".
PRESENTATION TO A BERWICKSHIRE WARRIOR.
Some two months ago the quiet Lammermoor village of Longformacus was the scene of much enthusiasm on the occasion of Trooper LUKE returning home from active service in South Africa. It was however, unanimously resolved to celebrate the event in a more tangible way. A Committee was forthwith organised, and subscriptions taken for the purpose. The presentation took place on Tuesday evening week, when a large gathering of interested spectators assembled to witness the eventful proceedings.
Rev. George Taylor presided, and made the presentation. He said: – Ladies and gentlemen, we are met tonight on a heroic occasion, to do honour to one who has returned from the Front. There are three great subjects of which the poets delight to sing – war, love, and wine. I have no sympathy with the wine, and I have just as little sympathy for war. The only alternative would be the ladies – to speak of love – that topic might please tonight – especially when so many of them are present. But we are not free to choose our subject on this occasion. We must speak of war, and though I am a man of peace, I know how to honour the brave. We are proud of our Scottish regiments. It kindles our enthusiasm when we think of the Scots Greys pushing the French down the slopes of Waterloo, with the ringing cheer, “Scotland for ever!” It is admitted that our soldiers in this war have maintained the traditions of our country. Remember our Volunteers are not like a Company of regulars ordered to the Front, but they came individually, one by one, and offered themselves. After the great disasters that befell us at the beginning of the war, when danger threatened the Empire, they came forward in great numbers, and put their lives in their hands in defence of the honour and safety of the Empire. Our friend here is the only one amongst us who has been at the Front. I remember when it was known that he had volunteered, it created some sensation. We followed him across the sea, often thought about him, and spoke about him, there was the deepest interest and anxiety about his safety. And though it has always been considered glorious to die for one’s country – and we honour the memory of those who have fallen in this war, and lie buried in a foreign land – our friend has returned to us safe. Our hearts are light and glad, and delight to take part in this celebration tonight. He has passed through strange scenes, and strange experiences, which none of us can realise, and which he is likely to remember to the end of his life, and all this is fitted to improve his manhood, to make him a better, wiser, and more virtuous man. We have known him from his boyhood – all along these years as an intelligent, active, and steady man. He has been at the Front, and nobly done his duty. We honour him knowing that he is worthy. Now, my dear friend, I have much pleasure in presenting you with this handsome gold chain. It will be a remembrance of an eventful period of your life, which was spent in South Africa, and also of the respectful and kindly feelings of your old friends and companions of your native parish. (Loud applause).
Trooper LUKE, in accepting the gift, said: – Mr Taylor, ladies and gentlemen, so many kind things have been said about me tonight that I am sure you will not expect me to say more in reply than that I thank you all very heartily for the handsome present which you have given me. It is one which I will value very highly all my life as an expression of the generosity and good feeling of my friends and neighbours here. You all know the circumstances under which the Company I had the honour of serving in went to the Front, and I have no doubt that should such circumstances arise again there will be no lack of Volunteers to undertake the duty of defending our country and our flag whenever and wherever they may be required. For my own part I can only say that I am ready, and I hope will always be ready, to take an active part again in the same good cause. I cannot tell you anything new about the present war, but I feel that I am the better in many ways for the experiences I have gone through. We have had plenty of hardships as you know, and speaking for my comrades I can honestly say that they have been most cheerfully undergone, and that we feel that the appreciation and the warm sympathy and welcome of our friends at home has more than compensated for all. I must again ask you to accept my most heartfelt thanks for your kindness. (Loud applause).
On the motion of Mr Alex. McLaren, three very hearty cheers were given for Mr Taylor for his kindness in making the presentation.
