Medals and awards

8152 Sergeant James Bernard MARSHALL (absent - joined Scottish Horse; 41381 Sgt Marshall, 1st S.H.)

8155 Corporal Marshall FORREST (absent - joined Scottish Horse; 41380 Cpl Forrest, 1st S.H.)

8264 Private Robert CASSELS

8172 Private [Lance-Corporal] James COCHRANE [Cochran]

8175 Private Thomas CRAWFORD (absent - joined Scottish Horse; 37688 Cpl S.S. Crawford, 2nd S.H.)

8178 Private [Lance-Corporal] John DALZIEL

8186 Private Robert GIBSON

8202 Private John IRVINE (absent - joined Scottish Horse; 37690 Tpr Irvine, 1st S.H.)

8361 Private Daniel Forrest MORTON (absent - joined Scottish Horse; 731 Tpr Morton, 1st S.H.)

8231 Private Robert MUIR

8234 Private James MURRAY

 

Each man also received £1 from the Carluke Burns Club.

 

8403 Sergeant Thomas Brown GRAY

8337 Private Thomas CROSSAN

8411 Private John Chalmers McDOWALL

8336 Private William Middleton ROGERSON

8413 Private Dugald SWAN

To date (Oct 2022), no record of this presentation has come to light. However, these men must surely have received medals similar to those presented to their comrades in the 1st and 3rd V.A.S.C.'s.

 

8837 Private Frank HETHERINGTON [Heatherington]

8838 Private William KERR

8840 Private James McDOWALL

8841 Private William McGUFFIE

8843 Private William MUNCIE [Munsie/Munsey]

8846 Private John SCOTT

8848 Private Edward R. STEWART

 

Each man also received a purse of sovereigns. 

 

Dundee Evening Post, 13/04/1901 (portrait of Sergeant Gray)

 

 

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North British Mail, 11th February 1901

 

VOLUNTEERS FOR THE FRONT.

9th L.R.V.

The original instructions state the number required from the ranks of the 9th L.R.V. were – 1 sergeant, 1 corporal, and 19 privates, but the instructions received on Saturday were to the effect that 33 men will be required, this additional number from the ranks of the 9th Lanark being apparently wanted because of some other section of the brigade being unable to supply the full number. The following is a list of the men selected –

A Company (Lesmahagow) – Privates A. Brown, James Beck, J. Hamilton, A. Thomson, J. Boyle.

B Company (Lanark) – Privates C. Bolan, J. Dobie, J. Cunningham.

C Company (Biggar) – Lance-Corporals J.W. Wilson and A. Weir, Privates C. Cox, G. Affleck, D. Robb, J. Kay.

D Company (Carluke) – Sergeant Thomas GRAY, Privates J. McDOWALL, J. SMELLIE, J. SCOTT, A. JACKSON, T. CROSSMAN, W. RODGERSON, David WATSON, D. SWAN.

E Company (Forth) – Lance-Corporal J. Walker, Privates W. McKendrick, J. Walkinshaw, W. Clelland, G. Greenshields, D.C. Hope, J. Brown, H. Miller, J. Wilson, J. Boyd.

 

 

Hamilton Herald, 24th May 1901

 

HOMECOMING OF THE H.L.I. VOLUNTEERS.

ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION AT CARLUKE.

Since ever it became known that a number of the Carluke Volunteers went out to South Africa with the First Volunteer Company of the Highland Light Infantry, the people of Carluke determined to show their appreciation of the services of the young men to King and country in a manner unparalleled in the history of the community, and those who witnessed the demonstrations on Tuesday afternoon had ample evidence as to the success with which that was carried out. The Volunteers, whose return was the occasion of such universal rejoicing were – Lance-Corporals John DALZIEL and James COCHRANE, and Privates Robert GIBSON, Robert MUIR, James MURRAY, Braidwood, and Robert CASSELS, Braidwood. The visible tokens of rejoicing were many. Every house was gaily decorated with bunting, and streamers stretched across the streets bearing appropriate mottoes of welcome. The words “Welcome Home” appeared to be the most popular, and one place in particular where they were handsomely displayed was at the house where one of the returning heroes, Private COCHRANE, resides. A striking display was also made at the residence of Surgeon-Captain Bradford in Station Road by the exhibition of the motto “All Honour to the Brave”, while flags were hung across the road bearing the names of the returning Volunteers. Notable amongst the High Street decorations was a large khaki coloured flag hung over the street between the premises of Major Gray and Mr Brownlee, draper, the sentiment expressed being “True Sons of the Empire. Welcome Home. South Africa, 1900-1901”. Further along the street numerous huge Union Jacks were hung, while above a shoemaker’s shop – that of Messrs Paterson and Co. – was a huge last bearing the shoemakers’ familiar motto, “True to the Last”, which, in the present circumstances, appeared to be not inappropriate. Round in Kirkton Street, again, a large over-hanging banner testified to the fact that the heroes from the front were “Oor Ain Callane”, while another flag bore the legend “Welcome Home, Our Gallant Boys”. Curiously enough Tuesday was the date of the Carluke Fair, and the presence of the shows in Market Square lent an additional item to the decorations and spirit of rejoicing. Though the following day (Wednesday) was the Merchants’ Holiday, Carluke people, besides expressing their feelings by the display of bunting, did not refrain from suspending business in honour of the return of the Volunteers, and turning out strong to welcome their townsmen from the front at the station, who were expected with the train at half-past three. The weather being of the best description, Station Road, crowded as it was, presented a gay and animated appearance. Children waved patriotic flags; ladies looked charming in bright coloured dresses and hats, while Volunteers, in their red coats, who acted as guard of honour, and members of Friendly Societies, dressed in regalia, lent a deeper tinge of colour to the happy scene. Amongst those present on the platform to receive the Volunteers were Colonel Stevenson, V.D., A.D.C., Major Gray, V.D., Surgeon-Captain Bradford, Captain Anderson, Lieutenant Hunter, Messrs T. Morton, J.P., A. Pillans, J.P., T. Gossart, J.P., J. Broadhead, A. Jack, W. Buchanan, S. Hamilton, W. Cassels, W. Stewart, J. McDonald, J. Paterson, A. Weir, W. Smith, J. Kirkhope, A. Colquhoun, secretary of Demonstration Committee, and others. The train which brought the Carlukian representatives at the seat of war to their native haunts rain fairly well up to time, and steamed into the station at twenty-five minutes to four, an outburst of cheering ensuing when the Volunteers were recognised at the windows of the compartments in which they travelled. A number of fog-signals were fired which also announced that the Carluke heroes had at last returned from the war. The Volunteers, who were dressed in their ordinary khaki service uniform, having alighted from the train, shook hands with the company on the platform. With bronzed faces and soldierly bearing to all appearance they were in the best of health and spirits, and seemed delighted with their reception.

Mr T. Morton then stepped forward and addressed the men. In the absence of the more imposing and popular dignity of Provost and Magistrates, the Parish Council, he said, had been called into honourable requisition as the authorised representatives of the people. Therefore, as Chairman of the Demonstration Committee, he had the distinguished honour of having been deputed to convey and press for their acceptance a warm and thrice happy welcome in honour of their return from the seat and scene of war in South Africa, a welcome which was all the more precious as it was the spontaneous outburst of affections on the part of the citizens of Carluke, mingled with that of the true and tried friends and comrades of the 9th L.R.V. (Applause). This magnificent reception was in appreciation, admiration, and recognition of their self-sacrifice, their devotion to duty, their fidelity to kith and kin, their honour to Queen, and King, and country, and their loyalty and patriotism to dare and to do for freedom and liberty, for equality and justice, and for all that made for peace and prosperity and for national weal and welfare. (Applause). He would not for the present speak of the discomforts of their baptism of fire, their exposure to the shot and shell of a formidable enemy, nor of the ravaging war nor subtlety of a cunning, crafty, and deceitful foe. He would rather speak of their heroic endurance, their daring exploits, their victories, the all but cessation of hostilities, the establishment of British rule, which meant equal rights and privileges to all men. (Applause). The unity of the Empire had been strengthened by their noble deeds, and would be an incentive for others to go and do likewise. (Applause). He had pleasure, then, in name of the community, in extending to them a hearty welcome, which, he was sure, none would feel more deeply than they. He trusted that they would be long spared to act as nobly in the future as they had done in the past. (Applause).

Mr Morton then called for three cheers for the six young men, which were heartily accorded. The company now proceeded to the carriages awaiting them, and the appearance of the Volunteers as they left the station was the signal for the cheering to recommence. The huge procession, arranged by the Demonstration Committee, was now marshalled into order by Captain Anderson, and proceeded on its perambulation of the streets of the town. Lieutenant Hunter led the way. Behind him came the Cleland Band, discoursing patriotic airs, while, following marched the children attending the schools under the supervision of the Carluke School Board. Not the least passive in the proceedings were these youngsters, nearly everyone of whom possessed a flag or some patriotic emblem, which he or she waved jubilantly, and cheered lustily. D (Carluke) Company, 9th L.R.V., were next in order of procession, and were preceded by Major Gray, V.D., their commanding officer. Behind rode Colonel Stevenson, V.D., A.D.C., who preceded the 9th L.R.V. Pipe Band. Captain Anderson, Marshal of the procession, followed behind the band, and then came the carriage with the heroes of the day, in front of whom a great Union Jack was borne. The occupants of this carriage were naturally the cynosure of all eyes, and received a most enthusiastic ovation all along the route. Moreover, their machine was continually besieged by friends and acquaintances, eager to shake hands and pour forth their congratulations on their safe arrival. Following the Volunteers’ carriage, was an interesting tableau, being a couple of Boer flags, guarded by an escort of corporals with fixed bayonets. The carriages containing the members of the Parish Council and the School Board came next, and the Coltness Band followed, heading the local Friendly Societies, consisting of Rechabites, Free Gardeners, Shepherds, and Foresters. The last-named, it may be mentioned, had one of their number dressed in traditional red hose, green coat, and feathered hat, and mounted on horseback as representing Robin Hood; and an imposing figure he looked. The local Fire Brigade, who also participated in the procession, followed the Foresters, while F Company of the Law Corps in connection with the 9th L.R.V., made their first appearance in public by bringing up the rear. The route of the procession, which took about an hour to cover, was via Kirkton Avenue, Clyde Street, Kirk Road, Stewart Street, Kirkton Street, Hamilton Street, Crawforddyke Street, Staniston, Chapel Street, High Street, Market Road, and thence to a field behind the Drill Hall.

Mr Thomas Morton, J.P., presided over the gathering at the field, and was accompanied to the platform by Colonel Stevenson, V.D., A.D.C., and Miss Stevenson, the Volunteers from the front, and Messrs A. Pillans, J.P., T. Grossart, J.P., J. Jarvis, J. Broadhead, N. Buchanan, and A. Colquhoun.

The Chairman, in eloquent terms, again welcomed the Volunteers home, and paid a high tribute to the services they had rendered their King and country in South Africa. The people of Carluke were certainly proud of their young men, and glad to see them amongst them once more, and he was sure they would realise more deeply than ever the meaning of the words “Home, Sweet Home”. (Applause). He was certain that their comrades who were still in South Africa would receive the same hearty welcome when they returned. (Applause).

Three hearty cheers for the returned heroes having been vociferously given on the call of the Chairman, Colonel Stevenson replied on behalf of the men, thanking the Chairman for his kind words of welcome, and the audience for their hearty cheers. He could assure them that the Volunteers had looked forward to the day when they should return to their homes, their friends, their wives, and sweethearts. (Applause). In the day of battle, when they heard the ping of bullets, and saw the smoke of guns, those thoughts of home and friends had been an inspiration to them to do their duty. (Applause). He pointed out that the British Army was a free army. No penalty compelled men to stay in their ranks, and yet they had at present a hundred thousand men in South Africa fighting to maintain the freedom of the race, and ready to die for that freedom. (Applause). He concluded by again returning thanks for the reception the Volunteers from the front had received.

Mr Grossart, who was next called upon to address the gathering, said that he was certain he voiced the sentiments of all when he stated that they were proud men and proud women now that they had got their young lads back safe and sound. (Applause). When the Volunteers left for the front, about fifteen or sixteen months ago, they had been proud because more Volunteers had come from Carluke than from any other part of the Upper Ward – (applause) – and they had now a feeling of gratitude in their hearts that not one of these men had been shot. (Applause). They were not to suppose that their guests had done nothing in South Africa. Some of them, he understood, had been twenty-two times in action, while in marching they had compared more than favourably with the regulars. (Applause). He then paid a compliment to Colonel Stevenson, Major Gray, and Captain Anderson for their successful efforts to popularise the Volunteer movement in Carluke, and expressed the hope that the citizen army would soon be more popular and appreciated throughout the country than it was at present. (Applause).

Mr Pillans then craved permission to move a vote of thanks to the Demonstration Committee to whose indefatigable efforts the success of the proceedings had been due, coupled with the names of Mr Morton, Chairman, and Mr A. Colquhoun, Secretary of the Committee, upon whom the brunt of the work had fallen, and had been successfully accomplished.

This motion having been enthusiastically acknowledged, three more cheers were given for the heroes of the day, after which they were carried shoulder-high by admiring acquaintances to the Drill Hall, where they were entertained to lunch. Thereafter music was discoursed in the field by the Cleland and Coltness Bands till evening, when the gathering dispersed.

In the evening a grand concert was held by Carluke Orchestral and Choral Union in the Town Hall, in honour of the return of the Volunteers. Mr A. Marshall, Glenview, presided over a very large audience, prominent amongst those present being the six men from the front and their comrades of D (Carluke) Company. The programme consisted of popular vocal and orchestral selections, which were pleasingly rendered by the combined forces under the leadership of Mr Alexander Auld – Miss Dewar being leader of the orchestra. A number of solos were also submitted, the artistes being Miss A. Gray, Miss L. Prentice, Mr W. Brocks, and Mr T. Lammie; while cornet selections were performed by Mr W. Dewar. At an interval in the proceedings the six Volunteers having been called to the platform, the Chairman, in addressing the audience, related the history of the proposal to present to each of the Volunteers from the front a tangible token of the appreciation of the inhabitant of Carluke, and the success with which that proposal had been met. He then commented in spirited terms on the rally round the standard exhibited by the Volunteers in December, 1899, when the staggering tidings came of three great disasters, when something like four thousand British soldiers were either killed or wounded. That response to the nation’s call when a dark cloud hung over the country was a stern answer to Britain’s enemies to keep their distance, and an earnest of the power of the nation. (Applause). When the Carluke Volunteers went out to the front they did their duty. (Applause). No hardship was too great for them; no task too irksome. (Applause). They had had a fair share of active fighting, and he thought that the local Volunteers, who could only boast of such battles as Kilncadzow Hill – (laughter) – should now inscribe on their colours Rietiff’s Nek and the other engagements in which their comrades took part. (Applause). That gallant soldier, Hector Macdonald, had also spoken in praise of the Volunteers. (Applause). They had marched 108 miles in eight days, an unparalleled record, the more especially as, during the last five days of that march, fighting was continuous. (Applause). No ovation could ever repay the Volunteers for what they had done for their country. When peace reigned and prosperity smiled over the land, they should be able to look back with pleasure on the part they had taken in carrying out the important work of civilisation. (Applause). If the people of Carluke could not give the Volunteers the freedom of the town – (laughter) – they could give them the freedom of affectionate hearts. (Applause). He explained that it had been the intention to present to the Volunteers gold medals, suitably inscribed, from the people of Carluke. As, owing to the short time for preparation these were not yet ready, replicas would, in the meantime, be presented. He had, therefore, much pleasure in calling upon Miss Jeanie Gray, who was practically the daughter of the regiment, as she was a daughter of Major Gray, the father of the regiment, to make the presentation. (Applause).

The presentation was then gracefully accomplished by Miss Gray, amidst loud applause.

The Chairman then called upon each of the Volunteers to accept of a further presentation from the inhabitants of Carluke, in the form of a purse of sovereigns. He intimated that the proceeds of the concert would also be presented to them.

Mr Andrew Ballantyne, writer, who was then called to the platform, stated that it had occurred to the Burns Club that something should be done to welcome home their heroes from their long and toilsome adventures in South Africa. Accordingly, a lecture had been held which was so well patronised by Carluke people that the Burns Club were now able to hand over the sum of one pound to each of the young men home from the front. (Applause). The Burns Club took particular pride in the Volunteers, for the Immortal Bard, who sang “Scots Wha Hae”, could not be forgotten so long as they produced young men who fought their country’s battles. (Applause). While, as Burns sang – “Glory is the soldier’s prize, The soldier’s pay is honour”, the money raised by the lecture was a token of the great joy felt in their hearts when they saw their young men returned. He trusted that Providence would also spare them and their comrades in South Africa to meet again. He had much pleasure in asking in the Chairman to hand the gifts to the young men, with the felicitations of the Burns Club on their safe return. (Applause).

The Chairman having handed the gifts of the Burns Club to the Volunteers, the audience again enthusiastically cheered the young men, after which the song “They are jolly good fellows” was cordially sung by the gathering.

Private GIBSON then stepped forward, and on behalf of himself and his five comrades, returned thanks for the reception they had met with, and the presentations they had received from the people of Carluke. He could assure them that they (the Volunteers) were as much pleased to see the good folk of Carluke as they were to see them. He was sorry that the comrades still doing their duty in South Africa were not present, but he had no doubt when they would come back they would receive a similar reception, a reception which had surprised all their ideas, for they had never expected anything like it at all. (Applause).