County: Lancashire
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 25/03/1902
Number issued: 1
Gold guard & pendant, to:
PEMBERTON VOLUNTEER BACK FROM THE WAR.
ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION.
Enthusiasm ran high at Lamberhead Green on Friday night last week, when a hearty reception was given to Trooper T. MARTINDALE, of the 2nd company 32nd Battalion Imperial Yeomanry, who has, to his regret, been invalided home consequent on a severe attack of malarial fever and rheumatism, contracted, it is believed, whilst in the operations at Parys and in assisting at the capture of 19 Boers, who were isolated on a small island, the yeomanry having to cross the Vaal river, which was only accomplished by walking through some feet of water. Trooper MARTINDALE left England just over 12 months ago, and was sent away with hearty good wishes. The welcome home arrangements were inaugurated by the members of the Lamberhead Green Conservative Club, of which he was a member, and they were joined in the movement by friends from the Liberal party. There was attached to the proceedings a circumstance calling for the sympathy of those who might to a certain extent object to the demonstration in favour of the retiring trooper, and that was the necessity of raising funds for the support of those left behind by one who had gone to the war never to return to his home, viz., Private ISHMAEL, formerly a resident of Lamberhead Green, who was [in] one of the Militia regiments, and died from the effects of wounds received in battle. He left to mourn his loss a young widow and five children, and for their benefit alone a concert was organised, and the response far exceeded the most sanguine expectations of the Reception Committee. On his return Trooper MARTINDALE was met, by arrangement, near the Half-way House with an escort of several mounted Yeomanry, the Band of the Wigan Rifles playing “Soldiers of the King”, and a large crowd. Along the route were a large number of flags, etc., with streamers across the streets, etc. At 8 o’clock the schoolroom of St John’s was crowded with an enthusiastic audience presided over by the Vicar (Rev. E.F. Forrest, M.A.), and supporting him in addition to Trooper MARTINDALE and the Reception Committee were Mr Councillor Fyans (Ex-Mayor of Wigan), Messrs W.L. White, Jas. Winstanley, and the Volunteer Fire Brigade.
The Chairman, in opening the meeting, said they were met for the purpose of welcoming back from the seat of war a local townsman who had already seen evidence of his popularity by the reception accorded him in the streets, and on behalf of the large company present he offered him their hearty congratulations on his return. The war had cost the country much, both in life and treasure, and all were looking forward to its close. All depended on the firmness and vigour of those at the front, in the face of the most unworthy remarks that had been made by prominent politicians in regard to the methods of the war, and the consequences attending it, the country was all the more determined to give honour to those who were risking their lives. The hardships of the battlefield could only be understood by those taking part in the war and the least that could be done was to pray for an everlasting peace. He regretted that Trooper MARTINDALE had had to be invalided home, and sincerely hoped he would soon be restored to good health. The object of that meeting was solely to raise funds for the assistance of one who had by the war lost her husband (Private ISHMAEL) and on behalf of the audience and public generally of the township he extended to her and her children their sincere sympathy in her terrible bereavement.
Mr W.L. White said it was just over 12 months since they assembled in the club and streets to bid God speed in the send-off to their friend, and who went out to assist in upholding the dignity of our good old country, and in welcoming him home he asked him to remember the many who were there trying to rub a little off the slate. In the absence of Mr Leech, chairman of the Conservative Club – and in mentioning the club he disclaimed any party spirit, as they had invited other sections and received their assistance – he asked Trooper MARTINDALE to accept from the members of the club a gold guard and pendant as a small memento of their appreciation of his services in volunteering to go and do his best for his country. Though stricken down with sickness he had his assurance that he would have preferred to have stayed out there, and on recovery to again join his company in their own operations. Should any other Pembertonians be permitted to return after the war, whether volunteers, regulars, recruits, or ambulance men, he was certain they would be accorded a reception worthy of their efforts and service to their country. He hoped they might be able to entertain them all at a public banquet.
Trooper MARTINDALE, who was accorded a hearty reception, said he was glad to be amongst them again, and confirmed the chairman’s remarks as to the difficulties and hardships to be contended with on the battlefield, or on the veldt. He had had many “ups and downs” perhaps more “ups”, and although he had been invalided home he was now quite well, and regretted he had not been allowed to stay and assist his regiment. To the members of the club and other numerous friends for their kindness and gift he tendered his sincere thanks, and said it would always remind him of the good feeling they entertained towards him.
Mr Councillor Fyans said it gave him the greatest possible pleasure to be present and rejoice with them in their welcome to Trooper MARTINDALE. There he was but a unit, one of a large army who were having to face difficulties in the history of the country. Rich and poor alike, both in England and in the Colonies, had served, and few indeed were the sects or creeds who were exempt from the mobilisation of the largest army which had ever been sent out of the country. They were fighting not for themselves, their King, or their country alone, but for themselves, who were units in this large country of which they were proud. The war was thrown at our feet, and we must of necessity take it up. England would never return from that country a vanquished foe, and would to God that it was over, and peace and contentment reigned supreme. The life of a soldier was a glorious profession. He had had 14 years in her Majesty’s uniform, and was never so happy as when he looked back upon that period. Critics abounded in superabundance, who would tell them how to do the whole thing from the bare walls of a bar parlour. Reverses had been received with feelings of regret, and to him it was a matter of surprise that the English army had so far carried on the war with so few reverses and deaths. They had been fighting an army as bold, as brave, and as meritorious as ever took the field, and who had the advantage of a knowledge of the country, and were armed with all modern weapons, and it was a matter for surprise that the losses had not been greater. One dear woman knew the loss of the war by her husband’s death. She had contributed something to the country’s prestige, and he was glad they were doing something for her. He knew the feelings of those having relatives at the front – he had one there, his eldest son, and the heart of his mother went out to that lad in that country. In conclusion, he asked them to pray for those engaged in the war, and remember those who would never return. (Applause).
