County: Stirlingshire
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 24/06/1901
Number issued: 2
Gold medals, to:
Inscribed: "Presented to [Lance-Corporal A. Dick], in commemoration of his return from the South African campaign. 24th June, 1901".
Privates Bell and Dick had received medals from the Falkirk Ironworks on their departure.
Private A. DICK, who was a moulder in Port Downie, resides with his parents at Sunnyside, Camelon. It is three years since D Company saw him first as a recruit, and in the interval from then till now he has proved himself a rifleman of more than average standard – at the range, as well as at drill. He is a smart young fellow, reaches 5ft. 8 in., and was a regular attender at the gymnastic class.
VOLUNTEER WELCOME TO FALKIRK ACTIVE SERVICE MEN.
SMOKING CONCERT AND PRESENTATION IN DRILL HALL.
On the invitation of the non-commissioned officers and men of the Falkirk companies of Volunteers, the local active service Volunteers who recently returned from the front were entertained at a smoking concert, held in the Drill Hall, Falkirk, on Monday evening. There was a large company, over which Colour-Sergeant Moffat presided, Sergeant J.M. Hunter being croupier. …….
……. The Rev. Alex. Loudon, chaplain, proposed the toast “Our Comrades from the Front – Lance-Corporal DICK and Private BELL”. ……. The toast was pledged with enthusiasm.
The Chairman then called upon Captain Wilson to present, on behalf of the Volunteers, two handsome gold medals to the two active service Volunteers who have returned from the front.
Captain Wilson, in making the presentation, said he desired to express the great honour he felt at having been made the humble means of making this presentation of medals to the brave men who had been fighting for them in South Africa, and whom they were glad had safely returned to old Falkirk again. (Applause). They went to South Africa not knowing the risks they were to meet. They took their lives in their hands. They went to the front because they felt it to be their duty. The war had shown them, with reference to the part taken in it by the Colonials, that the British race, whether in Great Britain or out of it, was still one family, and that the Colonials were ready to rise to their help on any occasion they might need it. (Applause). The war had also raised immensely the esteem in which the Volunteer force was held in this country. …….
……. In making the presentation, he had to express the hope, in which he knew they all concurred, that the recipients would be long spared to wear the medals and to receive, as they had deserved, the gratitude of their fellow-townsmen and their country. (Cheers).
Lance-Corporal DICK suitably acknowledged the gift, on behalf of Private BELL and himself.
