County: Cumberland
Issued on: Return
Dates of presentations: 31/08/1901, 19/11/1901
Number issued: 3
31/08/1901 presentation
3984 Trooper Harry RENNICKS
Presentation made by Mr Robert Little (a well-known engine driver), at the Wheat Sheaf Inn, Workington.
"The Committee, rightly or wrongly, thinking that Trooper Rennicks had been left out of the public presentation because he had not been a Volunteer previous to going to South Africa, decided to present him with a guard and pendant similar to those publicly presented to the Active Service Volunteers" (Workington Star, 06/09/1901).
Inscribed: "Presented by friends and fellow-workers of Workington to Trooper H. Rennicks, I.Y., on his return from South Africa, 1901".
The medal was in the form of a Maltese crsoss, similar to those presented to Workington Volunteers.
Supplied by Mr J. Walker, South William Street, Workington.
19/11/1901 presentation
3956 Trooper Isaac FISHER
Presentation made by Sergeant Dawson, at Mrs Lewthwaite's Old Crown Hotel, Workington.
The latter presentation was made to correct a grievance held by the Westmorland & Cumberland Yeomanry, who felt their active service men had not received proper recognition from the town of Workington. The volunteers had received gold alberts and Maltese crosses; the yeomen had received nothing.
PRESENTATION TO TROOPER RENNICKS.
Harry RENNICKS is the son of the well-known North-Western guard, Mr Robert Rennicks. He was not a member of any Volunteer Company, but being a good horseman and a decent shot, he responded to the call for volunteers for South Africa, and he was not only accepted for the Imperial Yeomanry, but we understand that more than once he has been complimented upon the abilities he displayed. Fortunately he escaped the Boer bullets and disease, and a short time ago he returned home safe, looking none the worse after the time spent in “roughing it” in South Africa. A few weeks ago a few of his old workmates and friends thought they ought to mark his return by presenting him with some fitting memento of the war, and no sooner was it hinted than subscription lists were prepared, and the money began to roll in, as one might say. After the lists were closed the question of what form the presentation should take was considered, and the Committee, rightly or wrongly, thinking that Trooper RENNICKS had been left out of the public presentation because he had not been a Volunteer previous to going to South Africa, decided to present him with a gold guard and pendant similar to those publicly presented to the Active Service Volunteers, and in addition to the guard they also purchased a set of very handsome gold studs and links. The pendant was in the form of a Maltese cross, and bore the following inscription: - “Presented by friends and fellow-workers of Workington to trooper H. Rennicks, I.Y., on his return from South Africa, 1901”. The articles, we may say, were supplied by Mr J. Walker, South William street.
The presentation took place at Mr William Holliday’s Wheat Sheaf Inn on Saturday night, Councillor Dodgson presiding over a numerous company.
WESTMORLAND AND CUMBERLAND YEOMANRY.
PRESENTATION TO WORKINGTON MEN.
There was a pleasant gathering numbering between 40 and 50 at Mrs Lewthwaite’s Old Crown Hotel on Tuesday night, when honour was done to two Workington members of the Westmorland and Cumberland Yeomanry who have been on active service in South Africa; viz. Sergeant R.C. JENKINSON and Trooper Isaac FISHER. The gathering was under the auspices of the Workington Troop, who subscribed for the presentations. There was no attempt to go outside their own ranks, and the gathering and presentations reflected great credit upon them. The committee consisted of the members of the Workington Troop, with Sergeant Dawson as chairman, and Trooper J.T. Unwin as secretary and treasurer. The presents consisted of very handsome gold pendants suitably inscribed in a way that showed that they were presented to the recipients by the Workington Troop of the W. and C.I.Y., on their return from South Africa, 1901. The invitation showed the spirit in which the gathering was arranged. Thus: - “The occasion being the presentation of a gold pendant to Sergeant R.C. JENKINSON and Trooper Isaac FISHER, who although among the first volunteers from Workington, have not yet received any recognition from the Committee who had charge of the town’s presentations”.
The visitors included Sergeant-Major Doran, of Whitehaven; Sergeant Maxwell, Whitehaven; Corporal Norman and Private Darby of the Rifles; and Lance-Corporal Weston, of the Royal Engineers, of whom Messrs DORAN, JENKINSON, FISHER, DARBY, and WESTON had seen active service in South Africa. Sergeant-Major Allen, of Carlisle, wired regretting that he was not able to be present.
The supper was a credit to Mrs Lewthwaite and her staff. The tables and room were handsomely decorated, and the tackle – Ah! the tackle! The Goose, the Beef, the Mutton, the Pie, the Vegetables; the Tarts and Puddings, the Fruit, Cheese, etc., Celery, Nuts, all immense. Kopjes of everything, and all of the best, and sufficient left to feed a crowd of navvies. If De Wet and the Boers could only be surrounded as easily as those good things were the war would soon be at an end.
It was a great do, and Mrs Lewthwaite is a Great Woman – in the catering line.
More power to her! Likewise to the waiters and waitresses!
Sergeant Dawson presided over the after proceedings, and the pianist was Mr A.E. Dawson, who opened the proceedings with a selection on the piano – “The Cavalry March”. “The King, Queen, Prince and Princess of Wales and Rest of Royal Family” was proposed by the chairman, and received with musical honours.
Trooper Yeowart sang “A Soldier and a Man” in good style, and Mr P. Straughton delighted those present with a capital rendering of “Honour and Arms”.
Next came the event of the evening – the presentation. The chairman performed the interesting ceremony, and in the course of an appropriate speech he said Sergeant JENKINSON and Trooper FISHER had not received any recognition from the town, and the Workington Troopers thought they would make them a small present on their own” (applause). The presents were small, but good, and he hoped they would be appreciated (applause). He had the greatest possible pleasure in making the presentation, and he hoped that the wearers would be long spared to enjoy them (cheers).
Sergeant JENKINSON said he hardly knew how to thank them. He had not done anything that they would not have done themselves had they had the opportunity and health and strength. He had obeyed orders, and he was sorry that he had not brought a pocketful of Victoria Crosses back with him. He thought that any man who had left this district would be very pleased to win a Victoria Cross if they got the chance (cheers). But he was afraid that he was going to make a speech, and a friend of his got into trouble the other day for making a speech; he referred to Buller (loud cheers). He heartily thanked them for the present (applause).
