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Grantham

 

 

County: Lincolnshire
Issued on: Return
Dates of presentations: 18/05/1901, 01/11/1901, 09/08/1902, 09/11/1902
Number issued: 27 or 30

 

Gold Maltese crosses, to:
 

18/05/1901 presentation

1st Volunteer Active Service Company, 2nd Bn. Lincolnshire Regiment –
Captain R. Fred LEE
6585 Lance-Corporal Thomas Arthur BAKER (K.I.A., Nitral's Nek [Zilikats Nek], 11/07/1900 - did his family recieve a medal?)
6583 Bugler Frederick James Brooks BURROWS
6584 Private Thomas George ABBOTT
6586 Private William James BARFORD
6595 Private Harry CURRY
6597 Private William DEACON
6599 Private William Morton EKINS
6600 Private William Henry GOODWIN
6689 Private Charles HAND
6602 Private Arthur HARE
6605 Private Alfred HEWERDINE
6608 Private Arthur KEAL
6613 Private [Corporal] Alfred Frederick MARTIN
6695 Private A.A. ROYCE (died, Bloemfontein, 15/12/1900 - did his family recieve a medal?)
6627 Private Cecil Boyd THOMPSON (died, Bloemfontein, 20/10/1900 - did his family recieve a medal?)
6629 Private Edward WILKINSON

6630 Private John WRIGHT

Presented by Earl Brownlow, at the Exchange Hall, Grantham.
 

01/11/1901 presentation

1st Volunteer Active Service Company, 2nd Bn. Lincolnshire Regiment –

6619 Private Samuel PIDD

Presentation made by Earl Brownlow, in the large banqueting room of the Guildhall, Grantham (after the distribution of QSA's).
 

09/08/1902 presentation

2nd Volunteer Active Service Company, Lincolnshire Regiment –
6753 Lance-Corporal [Private] Walter SHADBOLT (also served with the 1st V.A.S.C.)
6740 Bugler Edward MORRIS
6741 Private Joe BUXTON
6684 Private William Westcott CRAGG [Cragge]
6687 Private James Ernest EDGLEY [Edgeley]
6744 Private Alexander Isaac FINCHAM
6746 Private John GREETHAM [B. Greetham]
6691 Private George Frederick ORCHARD

6696 Private Fred William SABEY

Presentation made by the Mayoress during the Coronation Day luncheon, in the Exchange Hall, Grantham.
 

09/11/1902 presentation

2nd Volunteer Active Service Company, 2nd Bn. Lincolnshire Regiment (Draft) –
6778 Private William Henry HUBBARD

6790 Private William Robert JACKSON

Presentation made by the Mayor (Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Hutchinson), in front of the Guildhall, Grantham.

 

Reverse inscribed: "SOUTH AFRICA / GRANTHAM'S TRIBUTE / [BUGLER E. MORRIS]".

In the form of "a Maltese Cross in 18-carat gold, surmounted by a sphinx, the badge of the Lincolnshire Regiment. In the centre of the obverse the borough arms are enamelled in colours, the reverse bearing the following inscription – 'South Africa; Grantham tribute to _______'.  The medals are encased in a neat blue plush case, and have been supplied by Mr A.J. Godfrey, of Watergate".

Supplied by Mr A.J. Godfrey, Watergate.

 

 

Grantham Volunteers 001 ALL s
The Official Programme for the Return of the Grantham Volunteer Active Service Contingent from South Africa, 18th May 1901.

"Mementos will be Presented by THE LORD LIEUTENANT TO OUR BRAVE BOYS".

 

 

 

Grantham Journal, 11/05/1901
Nottingham Journal, 11/05/1901
Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 13/05/1901
Nottingham Evening Post, 15/05/1901
Nottingham Evening Post, 18/05/1901
Grantham Journal, 18/05/1901
Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 20/05/1901
Sheffield Independent, 20/05/1901
Lincolnshire Chronicle, 21/05/1901
Newark Advertiser, 22/05/1901
Stamford Mercury, 24/05/1901
Lincolnshire Chronicle, 24/05/1901
Grantham Journal, 25/05/1901
Grantham Journal, 02/11/1901
Lincolnshire Chronicle, 31/01/1902
Grantham Journal, 16/08/1902
Lincolnshire Chronicle, 14/11/1902
Grantham Journal, 15/11/1902
Information and photographs provided by Grandrew2
 
 
______________________________________________________
 
 
 
Grantham Journal, 18th May 1901
 

The programme for today is as follows: –

……. In the evening, a smoking concert is to be held at the Exchange Hall. At this function the Mayor has promised to preside, and he will probably be supported by Earl Brownlow, Lord Lieutenant of the County. During the evening, each Grantham man of the Active Service Company will receive a Maltese Cross in 18-carat gold, surmounted by a Sphinx, the badge of the Lincolnshire Regiment. In the centre of the obverse the borough arms are enamelled in colours, the reverse bearing the following inscription: – “South Africa; Grantham’s Tribute to _______”.  The medals are each enclosed in a neat blue plush case. They have been supplied by Mr A.J. Godfrey, jeweller, of Watergate, in whose window they are on view today (Saturday).
 
 
Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 20th May 1901
 

Grantham.

The surviving Grantham members of the Lincolnshire Volunteer section arrived in their native town on Saturday. The town presented a gay and animated appearance. So intent were the populace on giving vent to their feelings that, despite the fact that it was market day, the annual statutes for the hiring of farm servants, and also the day upon which the May Fair is held, business was practically suspended for the greater part of the day. With the first contingent of volunteers drawn from the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, which sailed in the Guelph in February of last year, there were seventeen men, namely, Captain R. Fred LEE, Corporal T.A. BAKER, Corporal A.F. MARTIN, Bugler F. BURROWS, Privates T. ABBOTT, W.J. BARFORD, H. CURRY, J.W. DEACON, W.M. EKINS, W.H. GOODWIN, A. HARE, A. HEMERDINE, A. KEAL, S. PIDD, C.B. THOMPSON, C. WILKINSON, and J. WRIGHT, whilst with the draft which sailed the following May were included Privates HAND and ROYCE. Of this number, Corporal BAKER was killed in the memorable fight at Nitral's Nek, and Privates THOMPSON and ROYCE succumbed to enteric fever. Captain LEE and Privates HARE and KEAL were invalided home, and MARTIN and GOODWIN arrived home three weeks ago. The remaining men, except Private PIDD, who has been left in South Africa, formed the contingent which arrived home on Saturday. The men, who were accompanied by the Bourne, Billingboro’, and Sleaford Volunteers, arrived at noon, and were met by an escort of the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry, the massed bands of 2nd V.B. Lincolnshire Regiment and the 4th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, and a full muster of the A and B Companies of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment. The route to the Guildhall was densely packed. At the Guildhall the volunteers were welcomed by the Mayor (Councillor Tryner Lynn), after which a service of thanksgiving for their safe return was held at the Parish Church, where the bells were merrily rung during the afternoon and evening. In the afternoon they were entertained by his Worship to luncheon, the band of the battalion meanwhile discoursing selections on St Peter’s Hill. In the evening a smoking concert was given in the Exchange Hall, which was attended by a large company, including the Mayor, the Lord-Lieutenant of the County (Earl Brownlow), and the borough Member (Mr Arthur Priestley).
 
 
Newark Advertiser, 22nd May 1901
 

GRANTHAM DETACHMENT.

On Saturday the Grantham volunteers who have been in South Africa arrived home, and met with a hearty reception. They were received at the station by the two local companies of volunteers with their band and a mounted escort of the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry. The men marched down Station Road, Wharf Road, and to St Peter’s Hill, where the Mayor and Corporation received them in state.

The Mayor (Councillor Tryner Lynn) warmly welcomed the men, and invited them to attend a short service at the Parish Church and then to luncheon with him at the Guildhall. The service at the Parish Church was very largely attended, and was commendably brief.

There was a large attendance at the luncheon, the catering being excellently done by Mr Lewis, of the Angel Hotel. The Mayor was supported on the one hand by Captain R.F. LEE, and on the other by Colonel James Hutchinson. The members of the Town Council and borough officials were also present. – After the repast the Mayor gave a hearty welcome to all the men of Grantham, Sleaford, and Bourne who had been to the front. He said the town was proud of them and of the manner in which they had acquitted themselves. They had left three Grantham men behind. There was young BAKER, who was killed at Nitral’s Nek, and THOMPSON and ROYCE, who had succumbed to fever. They could all sympathise with the friends of those young soldiers in their bereavement. The Mayor drank to the health of the returned volunteers. – Captain R.F. LEE responded. He thanked the Mayor and all present for the reception accorded them, and referred to Private PIDD who was reported as lost. Private PIDD was ill, and as soon as he was sufficiently recovered he would come home. (Hear, hear). They were all deeply grateful to the Mayor for his hospitality, and also to the Vicar of Grantham (Canon Glaister) for the services he had given them at the Parish Church both on going out and coming home. – The toast of Captain LEE’s health was drunk with musical honours. – The health of the Mayor was received very heartily and was also accorded musical honours. – His Worship suitably replied, and again expressed his pleasure at being able to entertain them on their return home.

After luncheon the men were dismissed, so as to give them an opportunity of seeing their friends. At night a smoking concert was held in the Exchange Hall, under the presidency of the Mayor. During the evening each Grantham man of the active service company was presented with a Maltese Cross in 18-carat gold, surmounted by a sphinx, the badge of the Lincolnshire Regiment. In the centre of the obverse the borough arms are enamelled in colours, the reverse bearing the following inscription – "South Africa; Grantham tribute to _______ ". The medals are encased in a neat blue plush case, and have been supplied by Mr A.J. Godfrey, of Watergate. The Earl and Countess Brownlow invited the men to take tea at Belton House on Sunday afternoon, and they accordingly went.

On Thursday evening next the non-commissioned officers and men of the A and B companies will gave a dinner to their comrades from South Africa.
 
 
Grantham Journal, 25th May 1901
 

Earl BROWNLOW (who was received with loud cheers) said: Mr Mayor and gentlemen, – The Mayor has been good enough tonight to entrust me with a toast, which I shall have the greatest possible pleasure in proposing. The toast is “Our Gallant Volunteers”. (Cheers). …….

After this has been drunk, the Mayor has asked me to distribute some mementoes of the glorious campaign and your happy home-coming. I am sure all hope and trust that you will long live to wear them and take pride in them, and will always remember the night when you received them. (Applause). – The toast was received with unbounded enthusiasm, musical honours being given, and three hearty cheers for “the boys in khaki”.

The distribution of the mementoes then took place. Mr Ablewhite read out the names of the men, and they stepped on to the platform one by one to receive a gold cross, bearing the badge of the regiment, the arms of the borough, and an appropriate inscription, at the hands of Lord Brownlow. Every man marched up, and standing smartly to attention, saluted his Lordship, who shook hands with each recipient, and said a few words of congratulations.
 
 
Grantham Journal, 2nd November 1901
Note: all these men received gifts on their return: Boston, watches or cups; Bourne, silver tobacco boxes; Grantham, medals; Sleaford, watches; Spalding, cups; Stamford, silver tobacco boxes.
 

THE LINCOLNSHIRE ACTIVE SERVICE VOLUNTEERS.

PRESENTATION OF WAR MEDALS AT GRANTHAM BY EARL BROWNLOW.

Yesterday (Friday), the returned Active Service Volunteers of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment had the honour of receiving their war medals at the hands of the Earl Brownlow, Lord-Lieutenant of the county. The interesting function took place in front of the Guildhall, Grantham, and the ceremony had been thoughtfully time for half-past one o’clock, in order to give the work-people of the town an opportunity of witnessing the unique event. A platform, covered with red baize, was erected over the steps leading to the Guildhall, and upon a table had been placed the little packet of cardboard boxes, each containing the much-coveted decoration that our gallant Volunteers have so well earned by their soldierly conduct during an arduous and difficult campaign. From the Guildhall flagstaff, the Union Jack was flying, and the lower windows were gay with bunting in honour of the occasion. …….

……. Lord Brownlow then proceeded to distribute the medals. The names of the Active Service Company were called out one by one, headed by Major LEE, to receive their medal. The following are the names of the recipients: – Captain R.F. LEE, Grantham; 206 Colour-Sergeant T. HALL, Spalding; 6577 Lance-Sergeant F.D. EMERY, Boston; 6580 Corporal A. BACON, Stamford; 6582 Corporal F. WALKER, Spalding; 6583 Bugler F. BURROWS, Grantham; 6584 Private T.G. ABBOTT, Grantham; 6586 Private W.J. BARFORD, Grantham; 6589 Private J.R. CHAPMAN, Stamford; 6590 Private E. CLIFFE, Bourne; 6591 Private T.G. COLLISHAW, Bourne; 6592 Private O. COOPER, Boston; 6593 Private T.F. COY, Sleaford; 6594 Private C.W. CRAWLEY, Boston; 6595 Private H. CURRY, Grantham; 6596 Private T. CUTFORTH, Spalding; 6597 Private W. DEACON, Grantham; 6598 Private T.E. DRAGE, Stamford; 6599 Private W.M. EKINS, Grantham; 6600 Private H. GOODWIN, Grantham; 6601 Private A.E. GOSTICK, Sleaford; 6602 Private A. HARE, Grantham; 6605 Private A. HEWERDINE, Grantham; 6606 Private B.C. HOLMES, Bourne; 6607 Private G.H. JOHNSON, Bourne; 6608 Private A. KEAL, Grantham; 6609 Private J.B. KIRBY, Boston; 6610 Private R. KIRBY, Boston; 6612 Private G.E. LILL, Sleaford; 6613 Private A.F. MARTIN, Grantham; 6614 Private C.J. MAWSON, Boston; 6615 Private F. MILES, Stamford; 6616 Private W.A. PATTERSON, Stamford; 6617 Private A. PEASGOOD, Stamford; 6618 Private A. PICKWELL, Stamford; 6619 Private S. PIDD, Grantham; 6621 Private A.E. PLOWRIGHT, Bourne; 6622 Private S. ROBSON, Spalding; 6623 Private M. STANILAND, Boston; 6624 Private A. STENNETT, Bourne; 6625 Private J. TEWSON, Bourne; 6628 Private C. TIPTAFT, Stamford; 6629 Private G. WILKINSON, Grantham; 6630 Private J. WRIGHT, Grantham; 6679 Private F.E. BARRATT, Spalding; 6689 Private C. HAND, Grantham; 6690 Private C. INGALL, Sleaford; 6697 Private G. SHORT, Sleaford.

At the conclusion of the interesting ceremony, the Mayor said he was very pleased to be the mouthpiece of the Active Service Company, in offering to the Lord Lieutenant of the County, Lord Brownlow, their warmest thanks for his great kindness in coming to present the medals. (Applause).

……. Colonel James Hutchinson subsequently entertained the Active Service Company, the officers of the Battalion, the non-commissioned officers, and many private guests, including the Mayor and Corporation, to a splendid luncheon, served in the large banqueting-room, by Mr J. Lewis, of the Angel Hotel. …….

Earl Brownlow said he was not going to make a speech; he had already tried their patience, he was afraid, outside. ……. Lord Brownlow then presented, amid applause, long-service medals to Sergeant Culley and Sergeant Willers, and also a gold medal, subscribed by the townspeople, to Private PIDD, who, it will be remembered, did not arrive in time to receive his at the public distribution at the Guildhall.
 
 
Grantham Journal, 16th August 1902
 

CORONATION DAY AT GRANTHAM.

THE MAYOR’S LUNCHEON.

At 1.15 p.m., the Mayor gave a luncheon at the Exchange Hall to his friends and the principal subscribers to the Coronation Fund. The decorations put up for the Old Folks’ treat on the previous Thursday had been allowed to remain, and the string of flags, the loyal mottoes, and festooned bunting imparted a distinctly festive appearance to the spacious room. In the absence of the Mayor, who had gone to London to witness the actual ceremony of Coronation in the Abbey, Colonel James HUTCHINSON presided …….

THE CHAIRMAN said the war had been over for so long that they had nearly forgotten it, but he would like to call their attention to the fact that they had some of the members of the second Volunteer Active Company with them that day. (Applause). These men had done their duty in South Africa, and they ought to be very proud of them for volunteering to go out. Those who went out earlier perhaps had a brighter prospect of seeing excitement in the shape of engagements, but these men volunteered at the time when the war was getting a little played out. But not on that account had their duty been any less laborious. Their experiences had been less exciting, no doubt, but they had done their duty, under Captain Ruston who commanded them, right well. (Applause). He did not think it desirable to enlarge upon their services to any great extent on that occasion, but he would like to say that they were exceedingly grateful to these men for having volunteered to take their place in the field as representing Lincolnshire – a county which had always held its own. He thought he should be right in saying that everyone in that room thanked the men exceedingly for their services, and for having done their duty as men ought to perform it. (Applause). It was very kind of the Mayor to invite them to meet so many of their fellow-townsmen on an occasion of that kind. In asking the Mayoress to present them with the medals which had been subscribed for by the townspeople, he felt sure they would receive them as a token of the kindly feelings that were entertained towards them. (Applause). – The Mayoress gracefully performed the ceremony, pinning a medal to each man’s breast, and Col. Hutchinson warmly shook him by the hand as he returned to his seat. – Corpl. SHADBOLT said he felt that he must disobey the order even of the Colonel. The occasion called for their sincerest thanks to the townspeople for their kindness in presenting them with those handsome medals, and to the Mayor and Mayoress for inviting them to that magnificent luncheon – far better than was given them in the Army. (Laughter). He noticed that by the clock the luncheon had taken about forty-five minutes, and he had remarked to his companion, “I remember once when we did it in five”. (Laughter). As returned Volunteers, they were glad to occupy that position, and if Grantham was pleased with what they had done to represent the town, they were very proud at being allowed to do so. (Applause). He wished, on behalf of his comrades, to thank them for the way in which they had appreciated their services. (Applause). – THE CAHIRMAN said he was requested by the Mayoress to thank them for the very kind manner in which they had received the toast of her health and that of the Mayor. He was instructed to say that they were exceedingly glad to welcome so large a number, and regretted that even a few of those invited were unable to come. They looked upon it as a great honour to entertain so many of their fellow-townspeople. The company then dispersed.
 
 
Grantham Journal, 15th November 1902
 

PRESENTATION OF WAR MEDALS TO GRANTHAM VOLUNTEERS.

One of the last official acts of the outgoing Mayor (Arthur Hutchinson, Esq.) was the presentation of war medals to nine Grantham members of the second Volunteer Active Service Company of the Lincolnshire Regiment, recently returned from South Africa. …….

His Worship then formally presented the medals to Corporal SHADBOLT, Privates BUXTON, CRAGG, EDGELEY, FINCHAM, ORCHARD, GREETHAM, SABEY, and Bugler MORRIS, the names being read out by Major R.F. Lee. The Mayor also presented the gold medals – subscribed for by the townspeople – to Privates E. HUBBARD and W. JACKSON. All the rest of the men had received theirs at an earlier date.  
 
 
 
Grantham Volunteers A s
 
Grantham Volunteers B s
 
Grantham Volunteers C s
 
Grantham Volunteers D s
 
The Official Programme for the Return of the Grantham Volunteer Active Service Contingent from South Africa, 18th May 1901
 
 
 

Captain R. Fred LEE.

Captain R. Fred LEE sank his rank to serve as a subaltern, and sailed with the first detachment in the early part of 1900, arrived home on Thursday, December 20th 1900. He enjoyed excellent health throughout the campaign until September 17th, when he was compelled to enter the yeomanry hospital at Pretoria, suffering from neutitis – a temporary paralytic seizure on the right side – the effects of sunstroke. After a month’s treatment, he returned to duty for a fortnight, but his health again broke down, and was obliged to re-enter the hospital, from whence he was transferred to the military base hospital, Wynberg. There he remained until November 24th, when he sailed for England, and no one regretted the fact more than himself that he was compelled to leave the seat of war. A most popular officer, and a fellow townsman, he has always been held in the highest esteem by all with whom he has come in contact. In 1897, Jubilee year, Captain LEE carried out the duties of the Mayor of the Borough to the utmost credit.

Corporal Thomas Arthur BAKER.

Corporal Thomas Arthur BAKER, whose parents reside at College Street, his father being a night watchman, met his death whilst fighting in the battle of Nitral’s Nek on July 11th 1900, and he was the only Volunteer belonging to the Lincolnshires who was unfortunately killed in action. He was a most energetic non-commissioned officer, and his death was deeply regretted by his comrades and the people of Grantham generally.

Corporal A.F. MARTIN.

Corporal A.F. MARTIN is the son of Mr William Martin, of Stuart Street, New Somerby, and twenty-three years pf age. By trade he is a turner at Messrs Hornsby’s Works, and for seven years he has served in the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Regiment. Corporal MARTIN sailed with the first draft of Lincolnshire Volunteers in February 1900, and acted as orderly to Captain R. Fred LEE, and when the officer was stricken with disease, MARTIN waited upon him at Cape Town until he left for England. The outbreak of the bubonic plague at the Cape necessitated the return of many volunteers and regulars home, and included amongst them was Corporal MARTIN, who arrived home three weeks ago. Corporal MARTIN has never had a day’s illness since leaving for the front, though it is singular that a report circulated that he had died from enteric fever, which caused no small amount of uneasiness amongst Martin’s parents and friends at the time. He was present at the Nitral’s Nek disaster, and after the departure of Captain LEE for home, he made efforts to be allowed to go up country to rejoin his comrades, but without avail.

Bugler F. BURROWS.

No information given.

Private Thomas George ABBOTT.

Private Thomas George ABBOTT is an old Volunteer, and is the son of Mr Thomas Abbott, Timber Merchant, of Gonerby Hill Foot. By trade Private ABBOTT is a basket maker, and was, previous to going to the war, employed at the works of Messrs W.B. Harrison & Sons.

Private William James BARFORD.

Private William James BARFORD was born in June, 1878, and is the son of Mr V.T. Barford, of 10 Elmer Street, and was employed in the drawing office of the firm. For four years he has served in the Volunteers. He, along with four other Volunteers, has passed through the campaign without having suffered a day’s illness.

Private H. CURRY.

No information given.

Private G.W. DEACON.

Private G.W. DEACON is perhaps the oldest member of the Grantham lads returning, and he has always been considered one of the most earnest Volunteers in the Grantham Corps, to which he has belonged for a good number of years. He is of robust disposition, and in letters he has written home to his parents in Dysart Road, he has always evinced his desire to remain with his regiment until the war was completely finished. And he has indeed proved an invaluable servant of his Queen, King, and Country in the hour of need.

Private W.M. EKINS.

No information given.

Private W.H. GOODWIN.

Private W.H. GOODWIN, who returned from South Africa three weeks ago, in consequence of the outbreak of the bubonic plague at Cape Town, where he was then on duty, lives in Dysart Road, and singularly he, together with Corporal MARTIN, has also been reported dead, for a sensational rumour had gained currency that he had been shot for being found asleep on sentry duty. Enquiries happily disproved this statement, and Private GOODWIN is now in best of health, and prepared, should occasion arise, to once more prove his loyalty to his King and country by undertaking any hardship he may be called upon to endure.

Private Charles HAND.

In the second detachment of Lincolnshire Volunteers, which sailed in the “Goth” in May of last year [1900], only two members of the Grantham Corps were included, one of whom only will return. This is Private Charles HAND, aged twenty-one years, and the son of Mrs Hand, of 3 Bluegate, and a moulder by trade. He was not present at the battle of Nitral’s Nek, but joined the regiment at Kroonstad, with which he has remained ever since.

Private Arthur HARE.

Private Arthur HARE returned home from South Africa in October 1900, having been invalided with enteric fever, to which disease he fell a victim in July at Pretoria. His home is at 41 Norton Street. He was present at the occupation of Pretoria, but during the progress of the Nitral’s Nek affair he was in hospital.

Private Alfred HEWERDINE.

Private Alred HEWERDINE celebrated his twenty-second birthday last December, and lives at 18 Welby Street, and by trade he is a brass finisher. He was the only volunteer of the first detachment who left a widowed mother, to face the conflict, and to his mother’s credit it may be said that she never applied for any relief during her son’s absence. With a heart and soul always in soldiering, he was one of the first to respond to the country’s call for volunteers, and in a bundle of letters which his mother now treasures, there is no mention of a single grumble or complaint of any hardship which he may have suffered. He contracted a cold whilst on out-post duty, and was laid up in hospital for a few weeks. Certainly the South African climate suited him, and he looks the picture of health.

Private Arthur KEAL.

Private Arthur KEAL returned invalided home from the front some six weeks ago, having been laid up in hospital with enteric fever and dysentery. He lives at Brownlow’s Yard, Church Street, and is a brass finisher. His father is Mr Joseph Keal, a bricklayer. Happily he is rapidly recovering from his illness, and hopes to shortly be in the best of health.

Private Samuel PIDD.

Private Samuel PIDD, the son of Mr Edward Pidd, a foreman at Messrs Hornsby’s, residing at 66 Inner Street, who does not appear to have arrived with his comrades by the St Andrew, has doubtless missed his ship at Cape Town. For some time he has been separated from the other volunteers, through being in hospital, but his last letter shows him to be quite well again, and he was expecting to be called for by the other volunteers as they were travelling down country to embark for home. Possibly some mistake has arisen, and he will return by a later ship.

Private A.A. ROYCE.

Private A.A. ROYCE, who, with Private HAND, were the only Grantham Volunteers who sailed with the second contingent, succumbed a victim to enteric fever at Pretoria on December 15th, 1900. ROYCE was a native of Stamford, at which place he joined the Volunteer Corps in November 1898, and afterwards transferred to the Grantham Company. He was a single man, thirty-three years of age, and was formerly employed by Messrs Lee and Grinling, maltsters.

Private Cecil Boyd THOMPSON.

Private Cecil Boyd THOMPSON, the third son of Mr F.W. Thompson, of St Peter’s Hill, Grantham, died from enteric fever at Pretoria on October 23rd, 1900, at the age of twenty-two years. He was a smart, finely-built young fellow. Full of enthusiasm for Volunteering, he left his position as an articled clerk in the office of Messrs Henry Thompson & Sons, solicitors, of Grantham, of which firm his father is a partner, and responded with eagerness to the call of his country. Having endured all the privations of the march to Pretoria, it was particularly sad that he should have been fatally stricken when the actual war was almost drawing to a conclusion. He was a splendid athlete, and figured regularly in the Grantham Avenue Football Team, by whom he was presented with a parting gift on departing for the front.

Private Edward WILKINSON.

Private Edward WILKINSON was born twenty-one years ago, and is the son of Mr W. Wilkinson, landlord of the “Spotted Cow”, London Road, and by trade is a fitter in the oil engine department at Spittlegate Ironworks. By one of his returned comrades he has been described as the “shepherd of the flock”. His letters home have always been of a cheerful disposition, and in his last he jocularly mentions that the news had reached the volunteers that they were about to depart for home, but “they would very much like to have another pop at the Boers”. He, with Private WRIGHT, had for several months been attached the maxim gun connected with the Lincolnshire Regiment, and it is believed he was one of those who rendered some brave service with the maxim at the Nitral’s Nek disaster in July of last year.

Private John WRIGHT.

Private John WRIGHT celebrated his twentieth birthday in December 1900, and is therefore the youngest member of the contingent. He is also a splendid shot, and at the time of his leaving England was the crack shot of the Battalion, in which he has served since he was sixteen years of age. He was an apprentice in the fitting shop at Messrs Hornsby’s, and his father is Mr Thomas Wright, landlord of the “Cross Keys”, New Street. He, with Private WILKINSON, has been serving with the maxim gun detachment connected with the Lincolnshire Regiment. He has been in capital health, and letters from time to time have always been most encouraging. His last letter was of a singularly keen character, and Private WRIGHT expressed the desire that before they return home “he should like to have another pop at the Boers to have his own back”.

 
 
 
 
Parent Category: Tribute medals
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