County: City of London
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 02/07/1901 to 03/04/1902
Number issued: c. 550 [including 64 to officers who saw active service, and 2 to officers who remained at the depot]
Cased bronze medallions, to:
City Imperial Volunteers [named] –
Lieutenant-Colonel William Henry MACKINNON
Lieutenant-Colonel Earl of Arnold Allan Cecil Keppel ALBEMARLE
Lieutenant-Colonel Hugh Cecil CHOLMONDELEY
Hon. Colonel Charles Gervaise BOXALL, C.B. (Depot)
Major Gilbert McMICKING
Captain Hon. J.H.R. BAILEY
Captain E. BELL
Captain W.J.P. BENSON [J.P. Benson]
Captain C.E.D. BUDWORTH
Captain S.C. BYRNE
Captain Frederick James COUSENS
Captain R.W.H. EDIS
Captain Bernard Charles GREEN
Captain A.A. HOWELL
Captain C.G.R. MATTHEY
Captain C.A. MORTIMORE
Captain J.E.H. ORR
Captain Alexander REID
Captain John Watt REID
Captain R.B. SHIPLEY
Captain J.H. SMITH
Captain E.H. TROTTER
Captain James Francis WATERLOW
Captain & Paymaster W. TRIGGS
Surgeon Captain Edmond William ST. VINCENT-RYAN
Surgeon Captain R.R. SLEMAN
Surgeon Captain Atwood THORNE
Captain & Quartermaster Samuel FIRTH
Lieutenant William Brian Lancelot ALT (K.I.A., Diamond Hill, 12/06/1900 - did his family receive a medallion? The engraving on the medal in the Jack Webb Collection is not period)
Lieutenant D.G. BAILLIE
Lieutenant H. BAYLEY
Lieutenant G. BERRY
Lieutenant W.H. BRAILEY
Lieutenant P.F. BROWNE
Lieutenant F.R. BURNSIDE
Lieutenant Reginald CARR
Lieutenant J.W. COHEN
Lieutenant Edmond George CONCANNON
Lieutenant Peter CROFT
Lieutenant W.B. GARNETT
Lieutenant W.W. GRANTHAM (Depot)
Lieutenant Charles Okey GREENWELL
Lieutenant C.P. GRINDLE
Lieutenant M. HAGGARD
Lieutenant A.H. HENDERSON
Lieutenant S.H.F. HOLE
Lieutenant F.R. JEFFERY
Lieutenant A.C. LOWE
Lieutenant F.B. MARSH
Lieutenant Hon S.K. McDONNELL, C.B.
Lieutenant B. MOELLER
Lieutenant C.F. NESHAM
Lieutenant A.A.C. SELFE
Lieutenant E.D. TOWNROE
Lieutenant E. TREFFRY
Lieutenant F. St J. TYRWHITT
Lieutenant E.V. WELBY
Lieutenant Charles Henry Wellesley WILSON
Veterinary Lieutenant E. MORGAN
Veterinary Lieutenant W.S. MULVEY
Lieutenant & Quartermaster J. RIDLER
The Lord Mayor [silver; named] –
The Right Hon. Alfred J. NEWTON, Bart.
Mansion House Committee (C.I.V.) [named] –
A.D. WATSON
Finance Committee (C.I.V.) [named] –
Lionel PHILLIPS Esq.
C.I.V. Ladies' Committee [named] –
Mrs Eugenie Elizabeth BOXALL [Mrs C.G. Boxall]
Hon. Solicitor (C.I.V.) [named] –
Baron Alleyne Alfred BOXALL (unlike all the known examples above, almost certainly not engraved by Frampton - perhaps done privately)
and a further c. 30 to "such Members of the several C.I.V. Committees as actively assisted in the organisation and equipment of the City Regiment".
Note: Jack Webb states that only 76 of the above 100 medallions were engraved, 53 of which were to officers. George Frampton's invoice of 25/11/1901 includes £7 10s 1d for the engraving of 76 medals (1,801 letters). However, I have been unable to find any period document stating that 53 of these were to officers. It seems unlikely that 13 officers would have been omitted from the presentation of named medallions.
The presentation of medals to the officers of the C.I.V. was something of an afterthought, the original intention having been to distribute medallions to members of the Corporation of London and other public bodies only. Sir Alfred Newton's proposal to include the officers in the distribution was not made until the beginning of June 1901.
Sir Alfred Newton had a solid silver example struck as a souvenir for himself (see photos above and below).
KNOWN EXAMPLES HIGHLIGHTED IN GREEN
The remainder were unnamed, and given to individuals and organisations as summarised below. As they were not presented to men who had served in South Africa, these c. 450 medallions should be seen as souvenirs rather than "tribute medals".
The fact that the rank and file of the C.I.V. were never intended to be recipients is explained in this article in the Gloucestershire Echo, dated 14 June 1901. Indeed, as noted above, the officers of the regiment were only included in the distribution as an afterthought.
"Medals commemorative of the raising and equipment of the City Imperial Volunteers are being prepared to the number of 500, and will be ready in about a week's time. It was stated yesterday that the Council never intended to include the rank and file of the famous City Corps in its list of recipients. At the last meeting of the Council Sir Alfred Newton proposed that officers of the C.I.V. should receive medals, and after some discussion the proposal was agreed to. Between 60 and 70 more medals were accordingly ordered. The authorities state that the medals are simply commemorative, and will be similar to those struck at the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria and the opening of the Tower Bridge. Councillors receive medals in virtue of their official connection with the City, and a few will be given to prominent public men whom the Council desire to honour. Doubtless the C.I.V. will be much aggrieved, notwithstanding the fact that no promise was ever made to award them medals".
"Double Copies" were presented to:
The Lord Mayor
The Town Clerk
Guildhall Library
His Majesty the King (issued 17/01/1902)
Duke of York & Princess of Wales (issued 17/01/1902)
Duke of Cambridge (issued 17/01/1902)
Duke of Connaught (issued 17/01/1902)
The Prime Minister (issued 17/01/1902)
City of London School
and 36 members of the Library Committee
A further 301 unnamed medallions were distributed to "present members of the Corporation of London" [195]; "Officers" of the Corporation of London [20]; "Ex-members of the Court" [7]; The Sheriff [1]; The Librarian [1]; London Institutions [15]; Provincial & Municipal Institutions [42]; Foreign & Colonial [20].
And an unrecorded number were presented to "prominent public men whom the Court of Common Council desired to honour".
This left a balance of 59, which were "handed to Mr Librarian" (68 received by the Librarian on 5 April 1902; 9 distributed subsequently).
Similarly, the dies were handed over to the Guildhall Library on 20 April 1902.
A medal similar to this was, according to Sir Edward Ward, Permanent Under Secretary of War, presented by the Honourable Artillery Company to Lieutenant-Colonel the EARL OF DENBIGH AND DESMOND. See: Honourable Artillery Company.
It appears that some of the above had their medals privately engraved.
Obverse: "PRO PATRIA / REGINA ET URBE".
Reverse: "THE CITY OF LONDON IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS / RAISED AND EQUIPPED FOR THE WAR IN / SOUTH AFRICA / BY THE CITIZENS OF LONDON / FORMED DECEMBER 1899 / RETURNED TO LONDON OCTOBER 1900".
Case gold-blocked: "IN COMMEMORATION OF / THE RAISING AND EQUIPMENT OF / The City of London Imperial Volunteers / AND THEIR SERVICE IN SOUTH AFRICA / 1899-1900 / The Right Hon. Sir ALFRED JAMES NEWTON, Bart. / LORD MAYOR", etc.
Examples of edge engraving (on those presented to officers and those involved with the raising of the Regiment):
"J.F. WATERLOW. CAPTN. C.I.V."
"C.H.W. WILSON. LIEUT. C.I.V."
"THE RIGHT HON: ALFRED J. NEWTON, BART. LORD MAYOR 1900. FOUNDER OF THE C.I.V."
"A.D. WATSON, MANSION HOUSE COMEE C.I.V."
"MRS C.G. BOXALL, C.I.V. LADIES' COMMITTEE"
"THE BARON ALLEYNE BOXALL HON. SOLICITOR. C.I.V."
"THE VERY REVd ROBERT GREGORY D.D. OXON DEAN OF St PAULS"
Examples of edge engraving, showing significant variation in size of lettering.
The top three have been engraved so that the text can be read when the medallion is viewed with the obverse facing upwards. Counterintuitively, all known examples to C.I.V. officers and members of the various C.I.V. committees were engraved with the inscription inverted when viewed this way. Also, the lettering on the top three is smaller (2.5 – 3.0 mm, opposed to 3.5 – 4.2 mm), and is engraved on the rim at 6 o'clock opposed to 12 o'clock. The large-letter engraving is almost certainly the work of George Frampton as per his invoice of 25/11/1901 (for the engraving of 76 of the additional batch of medallions for officers, at a cost of £7 10s 1d for 1,801 letters). The remaining examples seem to have been engraved by a different craftsman (or craftsmen).
Cased silver medallion, kept by Sir Alfred Newton as a souvenir, and which remained with the family until 2025.
Note: A very small number of silver examples were struck (only three recorded). One of these was kept as a souvenir by the Lord Mayor, and remained with the Newton family until 2025. It is edge engraved: "THE RIGHT HON: ALFRED J. NEWTON, BART. LORD MAYOR 1900. FOUNDER OF THE C.I.V." (see photographs above). A second example differs slightly from the standard issue in that it is 1mm larger and slightly thinner. The naming on this medallion is also different in that it uses impressed rather than engraved lettering ("FROM GEO: FRAMPTON TO WILLIAM VIVIAN 1901"). It was presented by Frampton to a wealthy patron, Willam Vivian, who purchased his famous sculpture “Lamia” in 1901. A contemporary article describes William Vivian as "the well-known connoisseur, who has made a magnificent collection of modern English sculpture". The latter medal may have been made from two uniface medallions, as the edge is somewhat uneven, perhaps hiding a join. This could explain the different size and thickness.
The silver medal presented by George Frampton to William Vivian, which is 1mm larger in diameter and somewhat thinner than the issued examples.
The uneven nature of the edge might indicate that Frampton made this from two uniface trial strikings. Due to its greater diameter, the medal does not fit in the standard morocco case of issue.
Sotheby's, 03/10/2003 (the third recorded silver example). The catalogue entry makes no mention of any form of edge engraving.
One of the gilt "double copies" of the medallion. These were framed with engraved plaques by Harrods, at a cost of £2 4s 6d. The above example belonged to Sir Alfred Newton. Forty-five double copies were presented, but it is not known whether these were all guilded and framed as above.
Three versions of the medal: Bronze, Silver, and Pewter (trial striking).
Uniface trial striking in silver, signed on reverse "Geo Frampton".
Detail of Sir Alfred Newton's silver example.
Example engraved MRS C.G. BOXALL, C.I.V. LADIES' COMMITTEE sold through Dix Noonan Webb, 19/04/1995, for £300.
Example engraved THE ANCIENT & HON. ARTILLERY COMPANY OF BOSTON sold through Spink, 20/10/1999, for £400.
Example engraved A.D. WATSON, MANSION HOUSE COMEE C.I.V. sold through City Coins, 01/09/2017, for £325.
Framed pair of gilt examples (formerly the property of Sir Alfred Newton) sold through Duke's Auctioneers, 12/10/2017, for £950.
Example engraved C.O. GREENWELL. LIEUT. C.I.V. sold through Dix Noonan Webb, 20/08/2020, for £400.
Example engraved C.H.W. WILSON. LIEUT. C.I.V. sold through Dix Noonan Webb, 20/08/2020, for £180.
Example engraved S. FIRTH. CAPTN. C.I.V. sold through Dix Noonan Webb, 20/08/2020, for £1,600 (with Egypt and Sudan Medal, 4-clasp QSA and Khedive’s Star).
Example engraved J.F. DUNCAN. LIEUT. C.I.V. sold through Dix Noonan Webb, 20/08/2020, for £500 (with 3-clasp QSA).
Example engraved A. THORNE. S. CAPTN. C.I.V. sold through Dix Noonan Webb, 20/08/2020, for £280.
Example engraved J.W. REID. CAPTN. C.I.V. sold through Dix Noonan Webb, 20/08/2020, for £700 (with 4-clasp QSA, WWI Trio & 1911 Coronation Medal).
Example engraved F.G. COUSENS. CAPTN. C.I.V. sold through Dix Noonan Webb, 20/08/2020, for £800.
Example engraved B.C. GREEN. CAPTN. C.I.V. sold through Dix Noonan Webb, 20/08/2020, for £550.
Example engraved R. CARR. LIEUT. C.I.V. sold through Dix Noonan Webb, 20/08/2020, for £380.
Example engraved P. CROFT. LIEUT. C.I.V. sold through Dix Noonan Webb, 20/08/2020, for £130.
Example engraved J.F. WATERLOW. CAPT. C.I.V. sold through Dix Noonan Webb, 20/08/2020, for £4,800 (with D.S.O., 6-clasp QSA, WWI Trio, 1902 Coronation Medal and Territorial Decoration).
Family group, engraved MRS C.G. BOXALL, C.I.V. LADIES' COMMITTEE and THE BARON ALLEYNE BOXALL HON. SOLICITOR. C.I.V., sold through D.N.W., 20/08/2020, for £420.
Example engraved LIONEL PHILLIPS ESQ. C.I.V. (FINANCE COMEE) sold through Dix Noonan Webb, 20/08/2020, for £120.
Example engraved THE VEN. WM. M. SINCLAIR D.D OXON ARCHDEACON OF LONDON sold through Dix Noonan Webb, 20/08/2020, for £280.
Example engraved ELEANOR DE WITT TALMAGE / SIR ALFRED NEWTON BART. LORD MAYOR 1900. FOUNDER OF THE C.I.V., sold through D.N.W., 20/08/2020, for £220.
Example engraved WM. WALDORF ASTOR sold through City Coins, 04/11/2022, for R8,910 (£450).
Example engraved WM. WALDORF ASTOR offered by The London Medal Company, 01/02/2024, for £1,250.
Example engraved J. RIDLER, LIEUT, C.I.V. offered on eBay, 03/11/2024, for £450.
Silver example engraved THE RIGHT HON: ALFRED J. NEWTON, BART. LORD MAYOR 1900. FOUNDER OF THE C.I.V. sold through Hansons Auctioneers, 03/10/2025, for £420 (incorrectly catalogued as bronze).
Aberdeen Press, 29/05/1901
Norfolk News, 13/07/1901
Beverley Independent, 20/07/1901 (includes drawing of the medal)
Sir Alfred Newton, 00/00/1902
Spink, 20/10/1999
Sotheby's, 03/10/2003 (silver version)
Lockdales Auctioneers, 28/03/2020
City Coins, 04/11/2022 (William Waldorf Astor)
eBay, 03/11/2024 (Lt J. Ridler)
Information provided by Jack Webb
___________________________________________________
Daily Telegraph, 26th January 1900
IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS.
At a meeting yesterday of the Court of Common Council the Lord Mayor presented a report of what had taken place in connection with the equipment and embarkation of the two contingents which have already sailed for South Africa. ……
Mr W. Cooper, C.C., gave notice of the following motion: “That in order to commemorate for all time the civic patriotism that has resulted in promptly raising and sending to the seat of war in South Africa a battalion, upwards of 1,400 strong, of City of London Imperial Volunteers, a medal be struck at a cost not exceeding £400, and that it be referred to the Library Committee to carry out the foregoing resolution”. Several members proposed that the mover should be allowed to proceed with the motion at once. The Lord Mayor, however, suggested that it was somewhat premature to deal with a motion of that character at the present moment, an opinion which the Court endorsed.
Morning Leader, 9th February 1900
TO COMMEMORATE THE C.I.V.
At yesterday's meeting of the Court of Common Council it was resolved, “That, in order to commemorate for all time the civic patriotism that has resulted in promptly raising and sending to the seat of war in South Africa a battalion upwards of 1,550 strong of the City of London Imperial Volunteers, a medal be struck at a cost not exceeding £500, and that it be referred to the Library Committee to carry the same into execution".
London Daily Chronicle, 9th February 1900
THE CORPORATION AND THE C.I.V.
£500 VOTED FOR A MEDAL.
Yesterday afternoon, at the meeting of the City Corporation, the Lord Mayor made his third and final statement in regard to the raising and equipment of the City Imperial Volunteers. ……
Mr Cooper moved that a special medal be struck at a cost of not more than £500 to commemorate for all time the civic patriotism that had resulted in promptly raising the C.I.V. This, after discussion, was carried by a large majority.
Evening Mail, 9th February 1900
THE CITY IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS.
At a meeting of the Corporation of London held at the Guildhall yesterday, the Lord Mayor, who presided, made a statement in which he gave particulars of the equipment and despatch to South Africa of the City of London Imperial Volunteers. ……
Mr William Cooper moved: – “That, in order to commemorate for all time the civic patriotism that has resulted in promptly raising and sending to the seat of war in South Africa a battalion upwards of 1,600 strong of the City of London Imperial Volunteers, a medal be struck at a cost not exceeding £500, and that it be referred to the Library Committee to carry the same into execution”.
Mr Rome seconded the motion, to which exception was taken by a few members, on the ground that the striking of a medal at the present time was premature. In the end the resolution was agreed to by a large majority.
Liverpool Weekly Courier, 11th August 1900
A NOTABLE MEDAL.
To commemorate the civic patriotism that has resulted in promptly raising and sending to the seat of war in South Africa a battalion upwards of 1,550 strong of the City of London Imperial Volunteers, the Corporation of the City of London has decided to strike a medal. The commission has been given to Mr George Frampton, A.R.A., who is now carrying out the design in his studio at St John's Wood. His idea is to show on the obverse a seated female figure symbolical of the City of London, armed, giving the freedom to the men before their departure; while in the background a line of volunteers marching, the dome of St Paul's visible in the distance. On the same side will also be given the names of the ships in which the battalion embarked. The reverse will represent the volunteers at the seat of war. In commemorating this notable event the Corporation has departed from the usual custom of entrusting some unknown person at the Mint with the medal, or giving it to one of the great companies’ workshops, a course which accounts for the lack of artistic merit displayed with regard to the many medals hitherto struck by the City Corporation. Mr Frampton has already exhibited five medals of great beauty, and this fact, together with his exceptional powers of execution, lead us to expect a souvenir worthy in every respect of the remarkable occasion. The medal is to be carried out in bronze.
Richmond Herald, 11th August 1900
The Corporation of London has resolved to strike a medal “to commemorate the Civic patriotism that has resulted in promptly raising and sending to the seat of war in South Africa a battalion upwards of 1,550 strong of the City of London Imperial Volunteers”. The commission has been entrusted to Mr George Frampton, A.R.A., which ensures a work of artistic excellence. The sculptor’s idea, so far as yet developed, is for the obverse a seated female figure symbolical of the City of London, armed, presenting the freedom to the Volunteers before their departure. A line of Volunteers in marching order is in the background, with the dome of St Paul's showing in the distance. The reverse will represent the battalion in South Africa. On the medal will also appear the names of the ships in which the men embarked for the front. It is intended to distribute the trophy, which will be in bronze, to subscribers to the battalion. Surely the rich London Corporation might stretch a point and give one to each of the volunteers whose patriotism is to be thus commemorated.
Buckingham Express, 25th August 1900
Mr G.J. Frampton, A.R.A., has been commissioned by the Corporation of the City of London to design a special medal that is to be struck in commemoration of the efforts made in the City to raise and equip the Battalion of City of London Imperial Volunteers that has been sent out to South Africa. From an artist of Mr Frampton's originality and exceptional ability a work of art fully worthy of the occasion may well be expected.
Bridlington Free Press, 23rd November 1900
A C.I.V. MEDAL.
When the City Imperial Volunteers left for Africa it was announced that the Corporation intended to strike a medal to commemorate the raising of the corps. Mr George Frampton, A.R.A., the sculptor to whom the commission was given, has now finished his work, and the design is remarkable, not only for its composition and delicacy, but for the symbolism imported into it. On the obverse, angelic heralds sound the call to arms, and a dignified mail-clad lady, representing the City in its armed strength, hands to a departing Volunteer the scroll of freedom, while around the edge is a ribbon bearing the names of the battles in which the men participated. The reverse is dominated by a central sun representing the Empire, and from a tall staff the Union Jack and C.I.V. flags float, while at the base young oaks are planted, symbolising the newly-acquired territories. Machine guns right and left guard the flags, and “Pro Patria, Regina, et Urbe” is the motto.
The Daily Chronicle, 29th January 1901
THE ART WORLD.
COINS FOR THE NEW REIGN.
Already there is talk of the new coins that must be issued before long. But the important question is, who is to design them? It is really a serious matter, for the modern English artist has not hitherto shown any special talent for this branch of design. Mr George Frampton is one of the younger sculptors of whom much is expected, but nothing could be more disappointing than his medal to commemorate the City Imperial Volunteers, which the curious may see reproduced in the January “Studio”. The mixture of realism and decoration in the arrangement of allegorical figures confronted by a most realistic rendering of a Volunteer, every detail of his equipment carried out with painful fidelity, is appalling.
The London Echo, 11th April 1901
THE C.I.V.’S MEDALS.
At the meeting of the City Corporation at the Guildhall this afternoon it was proposed by Mr Deputy Rowe that the bronze medals struck by order of the Corporation to commemorate the raising of the City Imperial Volunteers should be silver-plated before being presented to the late members of the force, on the ground that the delicate design of the medal would appear to greater advantage. The motion was negatived.
London Evening Standard, 12th April 1901
THE CITY IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS.
Mr Rome said that a very beautiful design had been prepared for the medal which the Corporation had ordered to be struck in commemoration of the City Imperial Volunteers. The medal had been made in bronze, but the Library Committee had since passed a resolution that it should be silvered, and he therefore moved that the sum of £33 be granted for silvering the medals in addition to the sum voted for the striking of the medals.
Mr Alderman Crosby seconded the motion.
Mr Deputy Pearse Morrison pointed out that all the Corporation medals had been in bronze up to the present, and he suggested that this medal should also be in that metal.
Mr Rome said that the extreme beauty of the design would be best seen if the medal were in silver.
On a show of hands being taken, the motion was lost.
In reply to a member of the Court, Mr Rome said that now the hope of silvering it had been dispelled, the medal would be issued very soon – possibly within a week or two.
Daily Express, 12th April 1901
CITY AND C.I.V. MEDAL.
A heated discussion on the C.I.V. commemorative medal took place at the Court of Common Council yesterday.
The proposal of a member that the bronze medals struck should be silvered over met with a very mixed reception.
“If we had wanted silver medals”, said Mr Harris, “we would have paid for them, but what extra beauty is going to be imparted to a bronze medal by eighteen penn’worth of silvering?” (Loud laughter).
The motion to spend £33 on silvering was eventually defeated by an overwhelming majority.
Volunteer Service Gazette, 17th May 1901
THE CITY IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS.
At the meeting of the Court of Common Council at the Guildhall, on Thursday, May 9, ……
In answer to a question, Mr Rome [Chairman of the Library Committee] said that the medals struck in commemoration of the C.I.V. were to be delivered by the artists this week.
Banffshire Advertiser, 30th May 1901
CORPORATION MEDALS.
PRESENTATION TO BANFF.
Mr Deputy Pearse Morrison, as representing the Library Committee of the Corporation of the City of London, on Monday presented to the Royal Burgh of Banff a complete set of the medals which have been struck by the Corporation of London to commemorate events connected with the metropolis of the British Empire. The medals are twenty-nine in number, although only twenty-eight were granted at first – the additional one being that struck in connection with the City Imperial Volunteers. It is of lighter colour than the rest, and the beautiful design is the work of Mr George J. Frampton, A.R.A.
Provost Munro, who presided at the ceremony, wore his chain of office.
Mr Deputy Morrison said it was with the greatest pride that he had come down on behalf of the Library Committee of the Corporation of the City of London, to present to Banff the collection of medals struck by the City of London to commemorate events during the past century. ……
There was one medal which had been given to make the set quite complete, although it was not issued to the City even yet. That was the medal struck in honour of the volunteers – the C.I.V.’s. (Applause).
Provost Munro said that it gave him very great pleasure to accept, on behalf of the citizens of the Royal Burgh of Banff, from the Corporation of London, through Mr Deputy Morrison, the handsome gift of these valuable medals that had been struck by the Corporation in commemoration of important events of a more national character that were of an interest to the whole of the vast empire of which, he was sure, they were all proud to be citizens. (Applause). ……
The medals when lodged in Banff Museum would prove an additional attraction to visitors to that institution, not only on account of their historical value but also on account of their great artistic merit. (Applause). On behalf of the community of Banff, he begged to thank Mr Deputy Morrison for the great interest he had shown in them, and for the trouble and expense he must have been at to bring matters to such a successful issue. He had to ask him to convey to the Corporation of London their high appreciation of the medals. (Applause).
The medals were then exhibited to those who were present, and afterwards Mr Deputy Morrison was entertained at luncheon by the members of the Town Council and others.
Volunteer Service Gazette, 14th June 1901
Last week, in the Court of Common Council, Alderman Sir Alfred Newton moved: “That, beyond the number (450) originally contracted for, 100 additional C.I.V. Medals be provided at an estimated cost of £33 6s 8d, in order that every officer of the City Imperial Volunteers and such members of the several C.I.V. Committees as actively assisted in the organisation and equipment of the City regiment may each be supplied with a Medal; and that it be referred to the Library Committee to carry this resolution into effect”. Sir Alfred Newton said he thought it would be a graceful act on the part of the Corporation if a Medal was presented to each of the officers of the late C.I.V. The gift would certainly be very much appreciated by them. He only regretted that, owing to the cost, it was not possible to distribute the Medal amongst all the men. The officers numbered 60, and the members of the various Committees about 40.
Mr Rome having seconded the motion, it was adopted.
Gloucestershire Echo, 14th June 1901
C.I.V. MEDALS.
Medals commemorative of the raising and equipment of the City Imperial Volunteers are being prepared to the number of 500, and will be ready in about a week's time. It was stated yesterday that the Council never intended to include the rank and file of the famous City Corps in its list of recipients. At the last meeting of the Council Sir Alfred Newton proposed that officers of the C.I.V. should receive medals, and after some discussion the proposal was agreed to. Between 60 and 70 more medals were accordingly ordered. The authorities state that the medals are simply commemorative, and will be similar to those struck at the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria and the opening of the Tower Bridge. Councillors receive medals in virtue of their official connection with the City, and a few will be given to prominent public men whom the Council desire to honour. Doubtless the C.I.V. will be much aggrieved, notwithstanding the fact that no promise was ever made to award them medals.
London Daily Chronicle, 14th June 1901
A pretty mare’s nest was discovered yesterday by an evening contemporary. Flaming placards announced that there were to be “no medals for the C.I.V. privates”. The reference was not, as a disingenuous reader might imagine, to medals for the war, but to a civic medal struck in commemoration of the raising of the City Imperial Volunteers. The medal was designed by Mr George Frampton, and a description of it appeared exclusively in the columns of this journal some considerable time since. It was never contemplated to bestow the decoration upon members of the Volunteer corps, who will certainly prize the War Office token presented by the King much more highly. The fact that the officers of the corps are, as an afterthought to receive the medal as well as members of the Corporation, is scarcely likely to be considered a grievance by the privates.
Dundee Evening Post, 8th July 1901
MEDALS FOR THE C.I.V.
“Pro Patria Regina et Urbe” are the words which appear on the obverse of the medal which the Corporation has had struck in commemoration of the raising, equipment, and despatch to South Africa of the City Imperial Volunteers.
The design shows a C.I.V. receiving the freedom from the City of London, the names of some of the principal engagements in which the corps took part being written on the edge of the design.
The design on the reverse shows a radiant sun shining behind a hill, a flagstaff flying the Union Jack, and the flag of the C.I.V. being planted at the top. Young oaks encircle the base of the hill, symbolising our new territories in South Africa.
There has been considerable delay in preparing these medals; but it is satisfactory to know that they are now being circulated among the officers and promoters of the C.I.V.
What with their war medals and these of the Corporation it cannot be said that the C.I.V. officers have been in any way neglected (says the London Express). It is a pity, however, that this Corporation medal is not being also presented to the non-commissioned officers and privates.
Daily Record, 9th July 1901 (QSAs with clasps to be presented to the Court of Common Council and the City Livery Companies)
LONDONERS’ WAR MEDAL.
PROMOTERS OF THE C.I.V. TO HAVE IT.
The Lord Mayor of London yesterday received the following communication from Colonel Sir Edward Ward, Under-Secretary of War: – “I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to acquaint you that on the recommendation of Field Marshal Earl Roberts, Commander-in-Chief, his Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the offer of a South African medal for the acceptance of the Court of Common Council and each of the City Companies, in commemoration of the spontaneous and patriotic liberality shown by the Council and the Companies in assisting to raise and equip the City of London Imperial Volunteers for active service in South Africa. The clasps attached to the medal will be the same as those earned by the City of London Imperial Volunteers during the war. I am to add that a similar decoration will be presented to Lieutenant-Colonel the Earl of Denbigh on behalf of the Honourable Artillery Company of London”.
Wigan Examiner, 12th July 1901 (QSAs with clasps to be presented to the Court of Common Council and the City Livery Companies)
Writing to the Lord Mayor on behalf of the Secretary of State for War, Sir Edward Ward announces that, on the recommendation of the Commander-in-Chief, the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the offer of a South African medal for the acceptance of the Court of Common Council and each of the City Companies in commemoration of the spontaneous and patriotic liberality shown by the Council and the Companies in assisting to raise and equip the City of London Imperial Volunteers for active service in South Africa.
Liverpool Weekly Courier, 13th July 1901
A NOTABLE WAR MEDAL.
The City Imperial Volunteers have had to wait a long time for the medal struck in commemoration of the raising, equipment, and despatch to South Africa of the famous regiment, but it has left the hands of the die-sinker at last, and is being distributed amongst the officers, and members of the Corporation of London. The design prepared by Mr George Frampton, A.R.A., has come in for a good deal of criticism, for the most part unfavourable. It is not sufficiently striking, is the opinion generally expressed, and fault has been found with the colouring. Dissatisfaction is also felt that the medal is only to be presented to the officers, as it is thought that the services of the non-commissioned officers and privates should have been similarly recognised by the City.
Witney Gazette, 20th July 1901
THE C.I.V. MEDAL.
The medal struck by the Corporation of the City of London, to commemorate the raising, equipment, and services of the City Imperial Volunteers, has just been issued. The designer was Mr G.J. Frampton, A.R.A., who had a somewhat difficult task in perpetuating, so to speak, the enthusiasm which accompanied the enrolment and the discharge of this famous battalion of citizen soldiers. One side of the medal shows an Imperial Volunteer receiving the City’s Freedom, while heralds on either side of him sound a call to arms, which is answered by marching figures in the distance. On the other side a hill, symbolising the British Empire, and surmounted with a staff flying the Union Jack and the C.I.V. flag, stands out against the rays of a blazing sun. At the base of the hill are young oak trees, symbolical of the new British South African Colonies. The medal has been somewhat criticised as lacking in boldness and effect, but it will doubtless be treasured by its recipients, and may some day become as valuable as the medals struck by the Corporation in the past to commemorate important events.
Hucknall Morning Star, 13th September 1901 (QSAs with clasps to be presented to the Court of Common Council and the City Livery Companies)
WARRIORS WHO NEVER SMELT POWDER.
The issue of the South African war medal to the Corporation of the City of London is not regarded at all favourably by military men. The medal is intended as a recognition of the services rendered by the City in raising the City Imperial Volunteer Regiment, but it is difficult to conceive why an alderman whose duties probably have never called him out of sound of Bow bells should be entitled to wear a war medal bearing clasps for different engagements. The value of a medal lies in the fact that, theoretically at any rate, it is only to be earned by arduous service in the field, and the issue of it to civilians who have never been within five thousand miles of the front sadly impairs the honour the decoration would otherwise bestow on its wearer. In addition, this issue of the medal is obviously unfair to those many workers who have assisted to raise corps which have been of as much or probably more real service to the Empire than the City Imperial Volunteers. The existence of the Imperial Yeomanry was due, to a large extent, to the initiative of individuals, and the record of this force will bear favourable comparison with that of the City regiment. The fact is, the City Imperial Volunteers were the embodiment of a sentiment held by Volunteer enthusiasts, and apparently no reward is too absurd for the authorities to bestow on its originators.
Hunts County News, 16th November 1901
PETERBOROUGH TOWN COUNCIL.
A MEDAL FOR THE MUSEUM.
A letter was read from the Town Clerk of London stating that he was sending, on behalf of the Corporation of the City of London, one of the medals struck to commemorate the raising of the City Imperial Volunteers, and requesting that it be deposited in the Corporation Museum. Mr Mellows added that he had received the medal, but unfortunately he had not got it with him.
Mr Batten: Return thanks, sir.
The Mayor said he thought their thanks ought to be given to the London Corporation for so kindly sending the medal.
Salisbury and Winchester Journal, 16th November 1901
SALISBURY TOWN COUNCIL.
A MEDAL FOR THE CORPORATION MUSEUM.
The Town Clerk reported that he had received from the City of London one of the medals struck in commemoration of the raising and equipment of the City of London Imperial Volunteers. It was decided to place the medal in the Muniment Room.
Hull Daily News, 5th December 1901
MR H.C. WILSON'S MEDAL.
At the Liberal meeting at West Hull Hall last night, Mr C.H. Wilson, M.P., handed round for inspection the medal which he has received in commemoration of the raising and equipment of the City of London Imperial Volunteers and their services in South Africa. Mr Arthur Wilson and Mr C.H.W. Wilson have received similar medals. It is hardly necessary to explain that the Wilson firm lent their steamer Ariosto to convey a portion of the C.I.V.’s to South Africa, and that Mr C.H.W Wilson served with them and received the D.S.O. medal.
A description.
On the obverse side of the C.I.V. medal, which is of bronze, heralds are shown with trumpets calling up volunteers. The central figure represents the City of London, armed, giving the freedom to the departing C.I.V.’s. At the top the men are seen marching to the front. The middle is surrounded by branches of sturdy British oak entwined with a ribbon bearing the names of the principal engagements in which the C.I.V.’s took part. On the reverse side, the radiant sun of the British Empire shines behind a hill, which is surmounted by a tall staff flying the Union Jack and the C.I.V.’s flag. Surrounding the base of the mound are young oaks, symbolical of the new territories. To the right and left are guns. Mr Wilson also produced for inspection, with true paternal pride, a portrait of his son, an officer in the 11th Hussars, who is now serving in South Africa. This represents him as a lady with a baby in her arms, a disguise which was adopted by him in order to deceive the Boers.
Wigan Observer, 13th March 1909
Two Bronze Medals struck by the London Corporation: In commemoration of the Cornation Visit of the King and Queen to the City of London, 1902; and of the City Imperial Volunteers and their service in South Africa, 1899-1900. – Presented by the Library Committee of the Corporation of the City of London.
Reports on the Raising, Organising, Equipping and Despatching The City of London Imperial Volunteers to South Africa (1902), pp 69 - 71.
Receipt for the dies from the Guildhall Library, dated on 29 April 1902 (London Metropolitan Archives, COL_SJ_19_002_011).
Liverpool Weekly Courier, 13th July 1901
