County: Glamorganshire
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 08/05/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold medal, to:
1st Volunteer Active Service Company, Welsh Regiment –
7411 Private Thomas ACE
Presentation made by Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Richardson, in the billiard room of the Nag's Head Inn, Mumbles.
Ace also received a silver purse containing £6.
Medal & purse supplied by Mr William Williams, jeweller, Castle Street, Swansea.
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The Cambrian, 10th May 1901
"WELCOME HOME" TO PTE. THOMAS ACE.
"SMOKER" AND PRESENTATION.
Undoubtedly the most popular young fellow at the Mumbles just now is Private Thomas ACE, one of the boys of the first Volunteer Service Corps. He had one short spell of sickness whilst at the front, but Private ACE now appears none the worse for the privations and hardships he, with the others, experienced during his 15 months' stay in South Africa. A large number of the warrior's friends and acquaintances assembled in the billiard-room of the Nag's Head Inn, Mumbles, on Wednesday evening, for the purpose of celebrating his safe return from the war, with a smoking concert and presentation. The latter consisted of a beautifully executed gold medal, suitably engraved, and a silver purse containing about £6. Both the medal and the purse were supplied by Mr Wm. Williams, jeweller, Castle Street, Swansea. Lieut.-Col. Arthur Richardson, late of the Glamorgan Artillery Militia, who presided, made the presentation on behalf of a number of subscribers, his remarks being brief but to the point. He referred to the arduous nature of the South African campaign, and with regard to the gift, said he hoped the recipient would treasure them as small tokens of the affectionate regard in which he was held by a large circle of friends and well-wishers. Private ACE suitably returned thanks, and the remainder of the evening was devoted to conviviality. Songs, sentimental and otherwise, were rendered by Messrs A Kreeling, T. Hunt, D. Davies, A. Mazey, A. Baglow, J. Jenkins, J. Lewis, Sergt. Williams (3rd G.V.R.), and J. Williams, while short speeches were made by Private Thompson, Swansea, who was a comrade-in-arms of Private ACE's; ex-Sergt. Macauley, and others. It should be stated that the testimonial and smoker was organised by mine host of the Nag's Head, Mr Hancock.
