County: Glamorganshire
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 02/05/1901
Number issued: 7
18-carat gold medallions, to:
1st Volunteer Active Service Company, Welsh Regiment –
7401 Private Sydney CARTER
7402 Private Ernest COLLINS
7403 Private Jeremiah LANDERS [Jerry Landers]
7404 Private Edwin STONE
7405 Private Walter Edward THOMAS [Wallie Thomas]
7406 Private Richard WALLACE
7407 Private Augustus WILLIAMS [Gus Williams]
Presentation made by Mrs W.D. Wight (of Rhondda Rise), on a temporary platform in the Ynys Field.
"A special die was cast for the medallion".
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Pontypridd Chronicle, 4th May 1901
WELCOME HOME TO THE PENTRE VOLUNTEERS.
ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION.
UNSURPASSED DISPLAY.
Pentre, Treorky, and Ystrad Rhondda, were en fete on Thursday evening for the hearty and enthusiastic send-off which was accorded to the seven gallant heroics who volunteered for active service in South Africa fifteen months ago was eclipsed by the magnificent reception with which they were welcomed home after their arduous trials during the campaign. For days nothing was spoken of in the locality, but the return of the First Volunteer Service Company, and the holiday on Monday had given an opportunity for hundreds of enthusiasts to visit Cardiff where they caught a glimpse of the five Pentre men in whom they were mostly interested, two having previously been invalided home. Their account of their splendid appearance quickened the ardour of the general public, who spared no pains in making extensive preparations for their return. The train steamed into the Ystrad station at five p.m. to the accompaniment of fog signals, and the thunder of fire arms, where hundreds of their friends and relatives awaited them eager to clasp their hands, and with a quick eye of old friendship to detect any change in their appearance. To judge by their countenances the inspection must have proved satisfactory. It had been arranged by the Committee of whom Mr D. Richards, auctioneer, Pentre, was secretary that the procession should start from Treorky station where a multitude of friends and well-wishers awaited them. When the boys stepped out of the carriage they were greeted with tumultuous cheering from thousands of joyous throats, and a procession was at once formed in the following order: — The Police under the supervision of Inspector John Williams led the way, and a finer body of men than those who took part in this pro- cession, we venture to assert, are not to be found in the Glamorgan Constabulary, and Inspector Williams is to be complimented on the admirable manner in which he conducted them. Then followed the Volunteer Band, under bandmaster J. Blamey, who played martial selections. Next came a batch of men who had done service in South Africa during this war, followed by the Pentre Detachment of Volunteers under the command of Capts. Jones and Dyke, Lieut. Dyke, and Treharne. The observed of all observers were the seven men who were asconced in a gaudily decorated motor car driven by the owner Mr Morgan Davies, ironmonger, Pentre, bearing the motto, "Welcome home to our brave Volunteers". Then came the Cory Workmen's Band under bandmaster Bailey. The Rhondda Fire Brigade (with their accoutrements and fire engine) marshalled by Capt. John Collier, on horseback, followed by the general public and a body of Cyclists brought up the rear. Scenes of the wildest enthusiasm were witnessed as the procession wended its way through the gaily decorated streets of Treorky, Pentre, Ystrad Rhondda, and Ton. Arrived at the Ynys Field, Ton, the most interesting part of the day's proceedings were witnessed, viz., a handsome presentation to the heroes. The chair was occupied by Councillor W.D. Wight, M.E., in the unavoidable absence of His Honour Judge Gwilym Williams, who had been announced to preside. The presents took the form of gold watches with the monogram of the Welsh Regiment on the cases, and the old albert with medallion attached, both watches and cases bore the following inscription, “Presented to Privates Ernest Collins, Sydney Carter, Jerry Saunders, A. Stone, Wallie Thomas, Gus Williams, Richard Wallace, of the Pentre Detachment, 3rd Volunteer Battalion Welsh Regiment, who in his country's need volunteered for active service in South Africa, 1901”. A special die was cast for the medallion in 18 carat gold. It may be here stated that the alberts and watches were supplied by Mr A. Fuhrer, jeweller, Pentre and Treorky, and were on view at the window of the Pentre branch, which were the admiration of all who saw them. Mrs W.D. Wight graciously tendered the several presentations amidst loud applause, each recipient returned thanks in a few sincere phrases. Stirring addresses were delivered by Dr W.E. Thomas, Mr David Lloyd (member of the Rhondda School Board), Capt. R.C. Dyke, Mr Llew Jones, headmaster of the Ystrad Higher Grade School. A vote of thanks to Mrs Wight on behalf of the committee for kindly consenting to perform the presentation, and Dr Thomas, seconded. The singing of “God save the King” brought the auspicious occasion to a close.
