County: Devon
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 29/10/1901
Number issued: 1
Jewel, to:
Presentation made by Major T.W. Windeatt, on behalf of Ye Berry Castle Lodge, No. 374, at the Castle Hotel, Totnes.
TOTNES BUFFALO LODGE.
INTERESTING PRESENTATION.
“Ye Berry Castle” Lodge No. 374 (Totnes) held a smoking concert at the Castle Hotel, Totnes, on Tuesday evening, and this was made the occasion of a pleasing presentation to Bro. W.J.C. PUGSLEY, who has seen considerable service in South Africa, principally in the Orange River Colony. Primo F.L. Roe presided, and was supported by Primos R. Knott, F.S. Tucker, F.W. Gowing, and W. Phillott, Bro. T.F. Wills, secretary, and Major T.W. Windeatt, with Primo W.R.J. Symons in the vice-chair.
A capital programme was carried out, and in the course of the evening, at the request of the Chairman, Major T.W. Windeatt said he was very pleased to be present on that occasion, to join them in welcoming one of their brotherhood back from South Africa, and to show him by the presentation the clanship of the brotherhood, which was so strong in Devonshire. They were welcoming back not only one of their own brotherhood but a Devonian, who might almost be termed a Totnes man. – (applause). He went forth, as did so many others, at the call of duty. He was in the reserve, and had settled down in civil life, little thinking that he would be called again to fight for his Queen and country, but when the call acme, almost suddenly, it was responded to with alacrity, and the reservists returned to the colours almost to a man. Many thought there would be a great leakage, but it was found that in some cases, even before the actual order was given, the men were ready to go forth to duty – (applause). That was something of which they as Englishmen might be proud. They must have watched with pride and interest the career of Bro. PUGSLEY, which they had been able to follow to some extent from the graphic and interesting letters he sent home from the front – (hear, hear). He supposed no news had been read with more avidity than the thrilling narratives which had come from men at the front – (hear, hear). The leading note in connection with the war had been that men had gone forth to it as a matter of duty. It was nearly a century ago that the famous signal was flown on the morning of Trafalgar from Nelson’s flag-ship “England expects that every man will do his duty”. They did it nobly, and that signal was still at the fore wherever the British flag flew – (applause). It was that which incited men and filled their breasts with pride to go forth to fight for King and country. Often they knew, unfortunately, that they never returned, and therefore, it must be a great gratification to meet one who had come back in honour, and safety and with his health – (applause). With all who had gone and all who had returned the idea was the same, for
The path of duty has been the way to glory”.
They must have patience and trust that the war would come to an end before long. But the call to them was still the same, although the first enthusiasm was gone, and whether at home or at the front, helping or encouraging those who had to fight, or paying taxes, the fight must be to a finish and there must be nothing left undone – (applause). It gave him great pleasure to present the very handsome jewel to Bro. PUGSLEY with the inscription shewing that it was presented to him by the brothers of Berry Castle Lodge on his safe return from South Africa. In giving it to him, they congratulated him on what he had gone through, on having done his duty and upheld the honour of the flag and country – (applause). He believed there was no man who had served through the war, and done his duty, but was a better man for the experience – (applause). The manner in which the rank and file had done their duty in the war had raised them to a higher pitch in the esteem of their countrymen. Some people used to think the red coat was something to look down on and sneer at, but at the Church Congress at Brighton one of the leading men said that the common soldier had set an example not only in bravery and courage but in kindly Christian acts and sympathy that would put to shame some who wore the black coat – (applause). The war had shown the soldier in his true light, and would lead all to honour and welcome him more than in the past – (applause). Instead of sneering at the soldier, he felt almost inclined to take off his hat to the man who had come back from the front, and it would not be too high a compliment – (applause). He was pleased to hand the jewel to Bro. PUGSLEY, congratulating him on his safe return, and wishing him a long and happy life – (cheers).
After the company had sung “For he’s a jolly good fellow”, Bro. PUGSLEY thanked all for attending to do honour to him. Of course, he had come back like many others from South Africa, expecting the country’s recognition, which would come, and he looked for no further reward for his services. As a regular soldier when called upon he went, and while in South Africa he did all that he was called on to do. They were pretty well acquainted with his experiences there, for he kept them well informed – (applause). It was a matter of regret that the war still continued, although it was supposed to be at an end some eighteen months ago. In that time a lot of work had been done that people at home did not realise, as they did not know the country and its difficulties, and the resources of the Boers. He had been out with a column that had brought in 10,000 sheep and 5,000 bullocks and horses off small farms, and on going there again a short time after, they found still more, that had to be brought in a little at a time. Under Lord Roberts’ proclamation they could not interfere with a farm where the farmer was at home, and had a pass, but the time came when that had to be stopped, and they were obliged to take everything, and strip the veldt of cattle, and anything that would assist the Boers to carry on the war. When that would be finished no one could say, but from the number of men opposed to them, he was of opinion that the Boers must have been reinforced since Pretoria was taken. If they considered the number of men captured they could form a better idea of those opposed to them – far above the estimate of people who should have known. It was impossible to realise the difficulties with which the officers and troops had to contend. The war was the first in which both armies had used smokeless powder and repeating rifles. In the old days there was so much smoke, and it was possible to estimate the number opposing, but in this war half a dozen men behind a ridge could keep a column at bay, long enough for their column to get away. The troops always had everything that could be got, when it was obtainable. There were plenty of times when they were on half rations, but then they had to do the best they could. The soldiers had always been willing, and had shared their tobacco with prisoners of war on the field – (applause). On many occasions they had brought refugees into camps, and had to go on short rations themselves in consequence. Yet there was no grumbling, and everyone took things as they came, and did the best they could. If they took care of themselves, they could assist in keeping themselves in good health – (hear, hear). Before he had been long on the way, he went into a Boer farm, and there he took an oilcloth from a table. In this he kept his underclothes wrapped, and he was thus able to keep them dry, and have a change when he wanted it. Others who had not such an advantage, when soaking wet had nothing dry to put on. He believed that the collection was in aid of the wives and families of those who had gone. It was a deserving cause, and he hoped everyone present would do his best for it – (applause).