County: Cornwall
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 18/09/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold albert & medallion, suitably inscribed, to:
Presentation made by the Ex-Mayor (Councillor R. Pearce Couch), in the Sailor's Reading Room, the Quay, Penzance.
PRESENTATION TO A RETURNED PENZANCE SOLDIER.
An interesting ceremony took place in the Sailor’s reading room, the Quay, Penzance, on Wednesday evening, when Signaller Richard MAGGS, a reservist attached to the 2nd Dorset Regiment, who has seen 15 months’ active service in South Africa, was the recipient of a token of esteem from his admirers in that part of the town. There was a large number present.
Mr J. GAUDION, of the Trinity House, who arranged the presentation, said they thought among themselves that they would like to do something by way of recognition of Private MAGGS’ services to his country, and it needed very little trouble to collect sufficient money to buy a gold albert and pendant, suitably inscribed. (Applause).
The EX-MAYOR (Councillor R. Pearce-Couch) who was well received, said it afforded him a great deal of pleasure to make the presentation. They did not need to be told that England had been at war two years. It was a righteous and very proper war, and during its progress many things had happened. It was a matter of pride when the reservists responded so nobly to the call of duty, among them being Private MAGGS, in whom they had not been disappointed. He was drafted into Natal and followed General Buller, a gallant soldier who had not yet received due recognition of his sterling services. All who fought under General Buller spoke most highly of him as a commander. (Applause). He (Mr Couch) was glad to welcome Private MAGGS back, and to note that he stood so high in the estimation of his fellows. He had had the privilege of fighting under two sovereigns. It was a real pleasure to hand him a handsome gold chain and medallion, the latter bearing the inscription: – “2nd Dorset Regiment, Private R. Maggs, presented by his friends from the Quay, Penzance, on his return from active service in South Africa, September, 1901”. He had done his duty as a soldier and a man, and they were proud of him. He had had the good fortune not to have a day’s sickness, and had escaped without a scratch, though he had been in the thick of the fight several times. (Loud applause).
Private MAGGS, returning thanks, said he should never forget their kindness.
