County: Buckinghamshire
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 28/06/1901
Number issued: 3
Gold medals, to:
Presentation made by Miss Alice Rothschild, in the Public Hall, Waddeson.
Reverse: "Lieut. C. Sims [sic], Imperial Yeomanry, from Waddesdon inhabitants on his return from South Africa. 1901".
"The medals were of eighteen-carat gold. On the obverse was the Union Jack in enamel, surrounded by the rose, shamrock and thistle, and surmounted by the Imperial Crown. On the reverse was the inscription given above".
The men also received silver-gilt antique cups (from the Rothschild Collection).
Cups inscribed: "Presented to Lieut. C. Sims [sic] on his return from South Africa, June 30, 1901, by Miss Alice de Rothschild".
COMPLIMENTARY DINNER TO RETURNED IMPERIAL YEOMEN.
On Monday evening a complimentary dinner was given in the Club Room of the Five Arrows Hotel to the three members of the Imperial Yeomanry who proceeded to the front from the village, and have just returned with the Bucks Companies – Lieutenant Cyril SIMS, Sergt. F. GRACE, and Trooper Walter ROADS.
The catering was carried out in an admirable manner by Host Turnham. The room was decorated with flags, and at the rear of the Chairman’s seat were the words “Bravo, boys; hearty welcome home”, in white letters on a red ground. There was a large company present.
The Rev. Dr Yule, the rector, presided, being supported by Lieut. SIMS, Sergt.-Major Simms, Sergt. F. GRACE, Sergt. H. Reynolds, Troopers W. ROADS and W. BROWN (Quainton), …… [etc.]
The tables were embellished with some beautiful flowers, kindly lent by Miss Alice Rothschild. Conspicuous at the head of the table were some fine red roses in a silver bowl won by Miss Rothschild at the Smithfield Club Cattle Show in 1899. There was a further instance of Miss Rothschild’s kindness and forethought, in that she had sent four pyramid cakes, of beautiful design. Thees were four-tier cakes, each surmounted by a figure of Britannia, whilst at the sides were models of soldiers. The sugar was worked to represent laurel leaves, and on the sides were the initials of the three returning heroes – “C.S.”, “F.G.”, and “W.R.” On shields, edged with imitation pearls, were the inscriptions: – “A de R. Welcome back to Waddesdon; June 24, 1901”. Miss Rothschild also provided the wines and fruit for dessert. …….
…….. The chairman then announced that Miss Rothschild had kindly consented to present, on behalf of the village, to each of their returned Yeomen, a gold medal. The ceremony would take place in the Public Hall on Friday evening, at 7.30. The medals would be of eighteen-carat gold, and on one side, in enamel, would be the Union Jack, surrounded by the rose, shamrock, and thistle, whilst above would be the Imperial crown. On the reverse – the only reverse their Yeomen would have received – there would be a suitable inscription. (Applause).
WADDESDON.
PRESENTATION TO IMPERIAL YEOMEN.
On Friday evening, June 28, a large company assembled in the Public Hall for the purpose of witnessing the presentation of medals to Lieut. SIMS, Sergeant GRACE, and Trooper ROADS, of the Imperial Yeomanry, on behalf of the village, in celebration of their recent return from South Africa. Miss Alice de Rothschild, who was accompanied by Miss Watkins, and supported on the platform by the Rector (Rev. Dr Yule) and Mr G.A. Sims, most kindly undertook to make the presentation, also very generously adding a very handsome gift on her own behalf. Amongst those also present were Mrs G.A. Sims, Mr J.A. Webster (Aylesbury), Mr and Mrs H. Turnham, Mr E. Gibbs (Eythorpe), Mr and Mrs G. Lander, Mr F. Webb, Mr and Mrs W. Figg, Mr P.G. Dodwell, Mr J. Franklin, Mr D. Evans, Mr J. Holland, Mr R. Cook, Mr S.C. Camp, Mr P.G. Lane, Mr G. Roads, Dr Selby, Mr A.J. Flowers, etc.
Miss Rothschild, addressing Lieut. SIMS, said: I have been asked by the committee of this parish who raised the subscriptions for these medals to present to you this medal. (Applause). It is a great pleasure to me to be able to tell you who were born at Upper Winchendon, in the parish of Waddesdon, and the son of one of my dear, trusted, and most valued helps, how much I appreciate what you have done. It is a great pleasure to me to be able to give you this medal in the name of the parish. (Applause). I was perfectly certain when you left that you would do your duty because you are Englishmen, and no Englishman, as far as I know, has ever failed in his duty. (Applause). I may say that as Waddesdon men I offer you a hearty welcome home. I am proud of my Waddesdon men; I am proud of my gallant men and of my fellow villagers. (Applause). I am sure that this medal will be valued equally by your children and your grandchildren. It is not for me to record your deeds, and the position occupied by the 10th Battalion of the Imperial Yeomanry. Their deeds will go down to history recorded on the roll of fame. (Applause). We have all followed your careers most closely. I think your active service began at the battle of Boshof, which was followed by nine other battles and a great number of engagements. I was abroad during most of the time you were away, and I have often written to Mr Sims, expressing my anxiety for your welfare. (Applause). It was also with very anxious feelings that I opened the papers each morning. I think we are all very happy to see you back again, and I am perfectly convinced that if, on any other occasion, the country needs you, you will come forward again. (Applause). I am sure that Waddesdon men and lads will always behave as you three have behaved on this occasion. (Applause). I have much pleasure in giving you this medal in the name of the village of Waddesdon. (Loud applause). Now let me add a few words for myself. I should have been very sorry if I had not been able to give you a little acknowledgement myself, and I ask you to accept this cup. (Applause). I hope you will place it on your sideboard in your home, and when you marry give it to your wife, and leave it to your sons that they may follow the example of their father. (Applause). I have been asked by Dr Yule to give you a copy of the address presented to you on your return. I was sorry a prior engagement prevented me from being present when you arrived here, but I am glad that I have now been able to make up for absence on that day. (Loud applause).
Miss Rothschild, amid loud cheering, handed to Lieut. SIMS, Sergeant GRACE, and Trooper ROADS medal, a beautiful silver-gilt antique cup, and a copy of the address.
The medal presented to Lieut. SIMS bore the following inscription: – “Lieut. C. Sims, Imperial Yeomanry, from Waddesdon inhabitants on his return from South Africa. 1901”. That on the cup was as follows: – “Presented to Lieut. C. Sims on his return from South Africa, June 30, 1901, by Miss Alice de Rothschild”. The inscriptions on all the medals and cups were similar. The medals were of 18-carat gold. On the obverse was the Union Jack in enamel, surrounded by the rose, shamrock, and thistle, and surmounted by the Crown. On the reverse was the inscription given above.
The Rector said he was sure they would all be very sorry indeed if they left that hall without, as on former occasions, thanking Miss Rothschild very heartily for the great and kind interest she had always shown, since she succeeded the late Baron in the ownership of that property, in all that was done in Waddesdon and by Waddesdon people. (Applause). They owed a debt of gratitude to Miss Rothschild in many other ways, but they were especially indebted to her for her kindness in coming there and giving such a grand finish to the reception they began a fortnight ago. They were very grateful to Miss Rothschild, and were pleased to see her in such good health. They much appreciated her kindness, and he asked them to express their thanks to her for the interest she had shown on this and all other occasions. (Loud applause).
GIFTS TO BUCKS YEOMANRY.
