County: Ayrshire
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 14/06/1901
Number issued: 9
Gold medals, to:
Presentation made by Mrs Logan, in the Unionist Hall, Troon.
Inscribed: "VOLUNTEER SERVICE COMPANY, ROYAL SCOTS FUSILIERS. SOUTH AFRICAN WAR, 1900-1901. PRESENTED BY THE INHABITANTS OF TROON TO _________".
MEDALS FOR TROON SERVICE VOLUNTEERS.
TROON.
HONOURING THE BRAVE.
PUBLIC OVATION AND PRESENTATION OF MEDALS TO THE TROON SERVICE VOLUNTEERS.
The Troon Service Volunteers were accorded a public reception and presented with gold medals in the Unionist Hall, Troon, on Friday evening. The hall, chosen because it is the finest and largest in the town, was filled to overflowing with all sorts and conditions of men, women, boys, and girls, and the proceedings throughout were of the most enthusiastic description. Indeed, the only complaint we have heard but emphasises what has been said about enthusiasm, all the chronic grumbler could find to say being that some of the young folk were so boisterous that it was almost impossible at times to hear the speakers. The decorations consisted of flags. About eight o’clock the local company of volunteers, led by the fine pipe and drum band of the 2nd V.B.R.S. Fusiliers marched from the armoury to the hall, where they occupied the two front seats.
Bailie Watt moved that Provost Logan take the chair.
Provost Logan: – Ladies and gentlemen, I consider it an honour to preside over this meeting. It is not necessary I should say much. You have all already given a hearty welcome to the returned volunteers. (Cheers). We remember that on the 23rd January, 1900, or nearly 17 months ago, we had a large and enthusiastic meeting in this hall, held to give them a parting cheer – (cheers) – a parting cheer to a number of the fearless young men who had volunteered to serve their country in South Africa. (Loud cheers). Nine men went out from Troon, some of whom have returned heroes. (Cheers). I have not the complete list, with their full names, but I know that WALKER was invalided home some time ago, and AGNEW was wounded and also invalided home. (Cheers). GILMORE, I am sorry to say, died of enteric at Potchefstroom. We all mourn his death, and express deep sympathy with his widow and fatherless boy. WHITESIDE and MARTIN remain in South Africa for further service. (Cheers). John LYNAM, MURRAY, McINNES and DOCHERTY returned this week. (Cheers). Six are here – no, probably only five. AGNEW, we are sorry to hear, has been called upon to go to Kilmarnock owing to an accident to his father. His father is reported to have fallen off an engine today. It may not be serious, and he may turn up yet. I am sure we all give them a hearty cheer. (Cheers). Then we say to them – The nation is grateful to you, and Troon is proud of you. (Cheers). We are glad to see you back home in good health and looking well. (Cheers). Though so long far from us you have been in our thoughts, and you have been remembered to God in prayer, and He has protected you, and brought you home in safety; and I trust the thanks of every heart will go out to Him and His goodness.
……. We are here tonight just to give such a welcome and such a reception to those who have been fighting our battles and standing up like men in our country’s cause in South Africa, and while all of us desire a true and permanent peace, we can only be satisfied with an honourable peace – (cheers) – and South Africa under the Union Jack of liberty. (Loud cheers). The people of Troon have decided to present each of you with a tangible mark of your service to Britain, and you will now receive a gold medal each. (Cheers). We trust you will be long spared to show this medal as a small token of the esteem in which you are held for loyalty to your king and country. (Cheers). The presentation of these medals has been left in my hands, but I don’t like to do everything, and I have asked Mrs Logan if she would kindly step forward. (Cheers).
Mrs Logan very gracefully presented each of the men present with a chaste little gold medal bearing the following inscription – VOLUNTEER SERVICE COMPANY, ROYAL SCOTS FUSILIERS, / SOUTH AFRICAN WAR, 1900-1901, / PRESENTED BY THE INHABITANTS OF TROON / TO / _________ . Then follows the name of the recipient. Each man saluted as the medal was handed to him, removed his head-gear, and again took his seat on the platform, amid a perfect storm of applause.
Major Scott said – Mr Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, in thanking you on behalf of the men who have received the medals tonight I propose, with your permission, to give a short account of the work done by our volunteers in South Africa.
