County: County Durham
Issued on: Departure
Date of presentation: 07/02/1900
Number issued: 1
Gold medal, suitably inscribed, to:
15th (Northumberland) Company, 5th Bn. Imperial Yeomanry –
10025 Sergeant [Trooper] William GRAINGER
Presentation made by Mr Johnson, on behalf of Private Grainger's fellow workmen, at Brown's Café, King Street, South Shields.
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Shields Daily Gazette, 9th February 1900
PRESENTATION TO PRIVATE W. GRAINGER.
On Wednesday night an interesting gathering of subscribers and friends assembled at Brown’s Café, King Street, South Shields, to wish Private W. GRAINGER, of the Imperial Yeomanry, “God-speed”, and give him a hearty send off on his leaving [for] South Africa. An excellent supper was provided by Mr Pringle, the manager. Mr Geo. Gordon, who occupied the chair, in a few well-chosen remarks, and amidst applause, called upon Sergt.-Major Cook, of the 3rd D.A.V., to present Private GRAINGER with a pair of field glasses, subscribed for by his friends, also on behalf of Mr Stobbs a pocket compass and thermometer. In making the presentation Sergt. Cook hoped the gifts would be of great service to him. Mr Johnson, also, on behalf of his fellow-workmen, next presented Private GRAINGER with a gold medal suitably inscribed, wishing him a safe return, not only with that medal, but also wearing the V.C. on his breast. Next came a presentation of a Balaclava cap in khaki coloured wool by Mr Hughson on behalf of his sister Miss Bessie. Private GRAINGER in responding, thanked the donors for their valuable gifts, and said whenever he used them they would remind him of the friends at home and especially of that night. Suitable remarks were also made by Private CORRIGAN of the Imperial Yeomanry, and Mr Pringle. The remainder of the evening was spent in harmony, the following ladies and gentlemen taking part: The Misses Hughson, Misses Gordon, Sergt.-Major Cook and Mr Hughson, Miss M. Hughson, and Miss G. Brown acted at accompanist. Another interesting feature was the recitation by Miss M. Grainger of the “Absent-Minder Beggar”, after which the hat was passed round and the sum of 9s realised.