County: Cornwall
Issued on: Return
Dates of presentations: 16/04/1902
Number issued: 16
Sergeant W.C. OLIVER [C.W. Oliver]
31849 Corporal John WHERRY
27875 Corporal George KNIGHT
189104 Able Seaman J. SINGS
7772 Trooper Frank Churruca WHEELER
358 Trooper William EYRES
???? Private W. JAMES (2178 or 2557)
4132 Private William HONEY,
???? Private S. PHILP (possibly 5450 Pte J. Philp)
883 Private George Hill HOSKIN
???? Private W. COLE
1140 Private A. WHITE
178 Private W. GEACH
Reverse: "Presented / TO / [TROOPER W. EYRES. / Natal Border Mounted Rifles] / SOUTH AFRICA / 1899-1902".
Eyres example sold through Dix Noonan Webb, 23/09/2011, for £3,900 (with QSA).
PRESENTATION OF MEDALS.
SPEECH BY SIR COLMAN RASHLEIGH.
In the Church-room, Lostwithiel, on Wednesday evening last, sixteen medals, in recognition of services in South Africa, were presented to Sergeant C.W. OLIVER, of the Deelfontein Hospital Staff; Corporal WHERRY, 2nd Scottish Horse, formerly with Brabant’s Horse; Corporal G. KNIGHT, Royal Engineers; Seaman J. SINGS, Naval Brigade; Troopers F.C. WHEELER, Imperial Yeomanry; W. EYRES, Natal Border Mounted Rifles; F. BENNETT, Natal Border Mounted Rifles; Privates W. JAMES, R.P. Rifles; W. HONEY, 1st Devons; W.[sic] MAKER, 2nd Devons; S. PHILP, 2nd Devons; G. HOSKIN, Rifle Brigade; W. COLE, Army Service Corps; A. WHITE, C.I. Volunteers; W. GEACH, Medical Staff Corps; and F. BLEWETT, R.P. Rifles. Trooper W. EYRES and Pte. W. HONEY were among those shut up in Ladysmith. The medals were two inches in diameter, 2 ¾ oz. in weight, of silver gilt, and enclosed in morocco cases. On one side was an inscription stating that the medal was given as a tribute from the people of Lostwithiel and neighbourhood for gallantry displayed in South Africa, and bearing the name of the recipient. On the reverse side, with a laurel wreath, were the words: “For services in South Africa – 1899-1902”. Admirable arrangements for the presentation were made by Mr W.E. Hawken, hon. secretary.
Dr R. Barclay-Allardice (chairman of the committee who made the arrangements) presided, and was supported by Sir Colman B. Rashleigh, and Rev. R.H. Boles. …….
The Chairman said it was first intended to confine the giving of medals to volunteers, but the inhabitants were unanimous that the regulars of Lostwithiel and district who had proved so faithful to their country should be included. (Hear, hear). Nearly £30 had been collected, and sixteen medals had been purchased at 35s each net. As the idea to give the medals was started during his Mayoralty, the present Mayor had asked him to make the presentation. (Applause). Lostwithiel and district felt proud of the men who had gone to South Africa so readily. (Applause). The war had been longer and more costly than many anticipated. But the war was not of their choosing, and when it was forced on them the manhood of this country rose to the occasion. (Applause). England had not only had to fight the Boers of South Africa, but a large number from the Continent. There was now a hope of peace in sight. If peace did come, it was hoped that the combatants would shake hands and live in peace and quietness. Englishmen certainly would. (Hear, hear).
Sir Coleman Rashleigh expressed his pleasure at being present. Intimately connected with the ancient borough of Lostwithiel, he was always delighted to hear of its progress and to do what he was able for its welfare. (Hear, hear). For its size, he did not know of a town in Cornwall that contributed more men to the navy and army than Lostwithiel. (Applause). When the present war broke out volunteering in that town became exceedingly keen; the young men showed an admirable spirit of loyalty. (Applause). Lostwithiel contributed a good number of men to help the mother country in the struggle in South Africa, and it was hoped that those now abroad would return safe and sound. (Applause). In carrying out the aims of this great empire Lostwithiel men had always shown a prominent spirit. (Applause). The thanks of those present were due to Dr Barclay-Allardice for the great efforts he had made in starting the fund for providing medals. He (Sir Coleman) hoped the example of Lostwithiel would be followed by other towns in Cornwall. As an old soldier he trusted that Cornwall would contribute more men to the army; they did splendidly as regards the navy. (Applause). He should like to see more young men join the Duke of Cornwall Regiment, because he was sure they had an ambition to do something for the empire. (Applause).
The medals were distributed by Dr Barclay-Allardice.
Mr J. Santo, in proposing a vote of thanks to Dr Barclay-Allardice, said the tokens given were but an expression of the sincere gratitude of the town to the men of whom they were so proud. (Applause). He was glad that Lostwithiel and district had done something to recognise the gallant valour of her sons. (Applause).
Rev. R.H. Boles, seconding, said there was a warm feeling throughout the district that those who had gone from it to South Africa had endeavoured to do their best for their country. During the war Englishmen had proved thoroughly that they had a depth of nobility in their character. The nobility of the English soldier had surprised and quietened many of their foreign critics by their display of great humanity. They felt sorrow for those brave men who had done their duty nobly but would never return, and desired to do honour to those who had returned safely, having fought bravely for their empire. (Applause).
The resolution was unanimously carried.
Dr Barclay-Allardice replied.
LOSTWITHIEL AND THE FRONT.
Queen Alexandra on Monday presented medals to those who served in the Imperial Yeomanry Hospital during the late war in South Africa. Porter OLIVER, G.W.R., Lostwithiel, who served in Deelfontein Hospital, left for London on Sunday morning. OLIVER, who was formerly secretary of Lostwithiel Ambulance Class, volunteered his services; he did good work, and long before leaving was made a sergeant.
