Boer War
Lytham, 1901
HOME AGAIN !
OUR VOLUNTEERS'
RETURN.
ROYAL WELCOME.
TOUCHING SCENES.
HEARTY GREETINGS.
SPLENDID TRIBUTES.
After sixteen months' absence from home the Lytham Active Service
Volunteers returned to their homes on Monday night from South
Africa, and the townspeople rose to the occasion right nobly. The
"Avondale Castle," by which they travelled, reached Southampton
early on Sunday morning, and, in company with other parts of the
regiment, the men came up to Preston on Sunday afternoon. Four young
men from Lytham went to meet them, and the pleasure was mutual.
A
procession was formed to the Preston Barracks and the reception of
the men was exceedingly enthusiastic, the streets being lined for
two miles. Details of various kinds had to be gone through on
Monday, and at length the Lytham men entered upon the last stage of
their long homeward journey by the 6-13 p.m. train, arriving at
Lytham at 6-33. The news meanwhile had been circulated throughout
the town during the weekend, and on Monday morning the town quickly
assumed a festive character. Printed greetings, of a hearty nature
were issued from the "Times" Office and they certainly added to the
effectiveness of the welcome.
“Welcome
home to our Lytham Lads" was shown by the "Times'! Office ; J.
Fell, Church-road ; Sefton's, Church- road ; Hall and Bowling,
Clifton-street ; W. Turner, tailor, Clifton-street ; T. H. Wood,
Clifton-street Donald Topping, Station-road ; A. Salkeld,
Clifton-street " " Miss Moore, County' and Commercial Hotel ; H.
Rymer, Clifton-street.'; " Well done our boys " by J. Pendlebury,
Clifton., street ; H. Mogridge, Clifton-street. "Welcome home to-
our Lytham lads" and "We are proud of you " was exhibited
at Pearson’s, confectioners, Clifton square ; and the Railway Hotel,
Station-road. The last-named motto was shown at the Misses Swann's,
Clifton-street. The Talbot Hotel displayed "Your jolly good
health boys" and “We are proud of you," whilst Mr.
Currin's motto was "Bravo, Volunteers! Welcome home again."
A
liberal and artistic display of bunting was also shown,
Clifton-street being festooned with bannerettes. The prettiest
display, however, was; made in Station Road by Mr. A. E. Wilson,
whose son was one of the returning volunteers. Flag staffs had been
erected in the small plantation adjoining the railway bridge, and
from these were suspended several streamers, a “Welcome "
banner being the centrepiece. The display was greatly admired. Small
flags had been placed on the facade of the old station, and even
from the top of the town's gasometer two little flags fluttered in
the breeze. The hotels, the Institute, and the Pier Co. also flew
their standards, as did many of the tradesmen. A very pretty effect
was that secured by Mrs. Downs in Market Square, green leaves being
tastefully utilized. But the, honours of the day in this matter went
to the station staff.
All
through the present campaign they have taken a loyal part in
celebrating various events, but they eclipsed themselves on Monday.
Mr. Draper had sent a couple of flags to Preston for the decoration
of the engine which brought the men to Lytham, and as the train
steamed into Lytham station the noise of the fog signals was even
greater than when the men had their send-off. The railway platform
and entrance had also been liberally festooned, banners and
bannerettes having been kindly lent by Mr. Bannister, of St.
Anne's, and Mr. Harrison, of the Lytham Pier.
It
must have thrilled the hearts of the heroes to Bee such a tribute
from the station staff, and they deserve credit for their labours.
Councillor E. B. Lightwood and other members of the Council Lad
assembled on the platform, and as the men stepped out to the strains
of "Home sweet home," from the Volunteer Band, they were welcomed
home by Mr. Lightwood. Arrangements to photograph the group had been
made at the top end of the platform, but the exuberance parents and
friends made it a difficult task. Sergeant Wilcock and his augmented
staff, Lieut. Dandy, and Sergt.-Inst. Howard lent their assistance
however, and at length Mr Hedges got the group into shape, as many
of the parents as possible being included. With their instantaneous
photographic apparatus, Hedges & Sons took a series of shots and
some splendid photographs were secured. These are now being sold by
this enterprising firm at a reasonable cost, and with the companion
picture taken at the men’s departure to South Africa, form a pretty
memento which everybody should secure.
Immediately this work was finished the men were hailed into
procession, with the police force, the Volunteer Band coming next
playing "Soldiers of the Queen'," "When Johnny comes marching home
again," &c. The heroes followed the band on foot. Then came the
Volunteer Company, with Lieut. Dandy in command, the lifeboatmen
under Coxswain Clarkson, representative townsmen, including Revs.
Canon Hawkins, B. G. Clauss, and T. H. Wright, Councillor Lightwood,
Mr. Myers (clerk Couns. Ainscough, Holden, Webb, Stother, Slater,
and Mogridge, Mr. R. Ashworth, Mr. G. Holding, postmaster, Price
(surveyor), Mr. Evan Holding (collector), Mr. Topping (nuisance
inspector), Mr. W. A. White, Mr. W. Henderson (treasurer), Mr. R. P.
Pearson, Mr. R. Crozier, and others; the relatives of the soldiers
bringing up the rear in a waggonette.
Straight to church was the order, but the crowd was so great that
the processionists were often mixed up with the enthusiastic
sightseers. Again and again cheers broke out, a regular outburst
occurring at the gates of St. Cuthbert's. The service lasted about
an hour, and upon the procession being re-formed, the soldiers were
provided with a char-a-bane kindly lent by Mr. R. Ashworth, The
route taken was by Lowther Terrace on to the front to 'St. Peter's
Place, up Ctifton-street to the County aid Commercial Hotel, where
the feast generously provided by Councillor E. W. Mellor, J.P.,
Chairman of the Council was waiting. From first to last the
reception was most hearty and one which is calculated to remain in
the memory of the cured ones for all time.
IN THE PARISH CHURCH.
APPROPRIATE ADDRESS BY THE REV. CANON HAWKINS.
KEY-NOTE-THANKFULNESS
OFFERTORY FOR THE MEN
At
the thanksgiving service in the Parish Church, there was a crowded
congregation, and hundreds were unable to get into the edifice. The
centre of the church was reserved, the heroes occupying the front
seats, with their relatives, the members of the volunteer force, and
townsmen who had joined the procession, at the rear. .The seats in
the chancel were occupied by the members and officials of the
Council, amongst whom sat the Rev. T. H. Wright. The clergy taking
part in the service were Revs Canon Hawkins, J. Gilbertson (St.
John's), W. R. Gough, R. Halstead (St. John's), and B. G. Clauss.
The service opened with the hymn "All people that on earth do
dwell," to the "Old Hundred" tune, followed by the lesson read by
the Rev. J. Gilbertson, the prayers being said by the Revs. B. G.
Clauss and W. R. Gough.
Canon Hawkins gave the address. He said that the occasion reminded
him of the words in the scripture which were said by one of the
Apostles, "Lord it is good for us to be here," and if he needed any
scriptural words he should choose those nine simple words. He
fancied every one of them would echo the words of the Apostle. It
was good for them to come together in a service like that in which
they were then joining, to offer up thanksgiving, and to give the
returning men a welcome home. He called first upon those whom it was
their delight to honour ; those who were " come back from active
service to think that "it was good to be here" to thank God for his
mercies. In many services such as that there was a tone of sadness,
because there were comrades left behind " in those distant lands.
They all
DEPLORED THE WAR.
They
knew and were sure that it was in the cause of justice ; yet they
deplored it, and prayed that it might soon come to an end. They
knew what
? in
suffering, and pain, and life; many had been left behind on the
battlefield and in the hospitals, or died just within sight of their
native shores. But they thanked God that day that the eight Lytham
men had returned as sound in limb as they were in heart on the day
they went out. They thanked God for His many mercies in that church
of His hallowed by so many associations, the national consecrated
Church of Christ, and no doubt the congregation were thankful to be
able to join in the thanksgiving. They felt it a mercy to themselves
that those they sent out, with such high hopes, had been led by
God's mercy to return safely. The second note in that service was
the welcome home. They did indeed feel that that was
THE RIGHT PLACE
in
which to wish them God-speed and welcome. They were grateful to the
volunteers for their self-sacrifice, and they desired to say so in
the house of God. Many envied them the call to go to the service of
their God and their country, and to do what they could as citizens
and members of an empire, and their thanks were due to the men for
the fortitude they had shown. They had read to bear. Referring to
the duties they had done the Canon said it was a harder thing to
watch than to bear the heat of conflict. Many would have read the
poem of Rudyard Kipling, in which after sketching the glory of the
South African sunset he described the parting of an armoured train
from the sentinels on watch. These men were left, he said, "not
combatants, details only, guarding the line," but their service was
nevertheless valuable. The Canon announced that a collection would
be made for the purpose of giving to the eight men some memento to
show that they (the townspeople) were mindful of what they had done
for their country and their cause. Addressing the men, the Vicar
said they had returned to witness
MANY CHANGES.
not
only in their homes, but in their country. First and foremost: they
went out as "Soldiers of the Queen." and they returned as “Soldiers
of the King," whom he knew they would again be willing to serve if
called upon. They must remember that though they were dismissed from
active service they were still soldiers of the King of Kings. In the
war against sin, the world, and the devil there was no discharge.
None of them had forgotten the warning of Lord Roberts that they
must not be tempters of their brethren when the soldiers returned.
Let them be as loyal as Christian soldiers as they had proved
themselves abroad.
The
service concluded with the singing of the National Anthem, Mr.
Broughton, the organ' playing "The war march of the priests" as
worshippers left the church.
The
offertory amounted to £14.10s.
THE FEAST.
Councillor Mellor not only invited the soldiers to supper but very
considerately allowed them to bring a male relative as well.
Unfortunately, Mr Mellor was on the continent, and Mr. Lightwood was
his deputy. There were also present Councillors Holden, Cockshutt,
Webb, Ainsoough, Mogridge, Rev. Canon Hawkins and Rev. W. Gough, Mr.
Price, Mr. George Holding, Evan Holding, Lieut. Dandy, Mr. W.
Henderson and others. The Misses Moore had provided a sumptuous
supper consisting of soup, beef, jam pudding and pastry, cheese,
jellies, &c. ; all kinds of drinks, tobacco, and cigars being also
provided.
After the meal was over, the Chairman explained that it was not
desirable to keep the men together there for long, as there were
other claims on them. (Hear, hear.) He then proposed " The King," in
a few words.
In
proposing the toast of the evening, "The Active Service Volunteers,"
Mr. Lightwood said they had already been very enthusiastic in what
he might call the ecclesiastical welcome to their returned
volunteers, and the welcome that they now offered, that he offered
in the name of their host, Mr. Edward Mellor, was the civic welcome.
He need scarcely say that the heart of Lytham was moved from one end
to the other, from top to bottom. (Hear, hear.) Old and young alike
had vied that day in showing their unbounded joy that these men had
returned to their homes in health and safety. (Applause.) They were
inclined in Lytham partly to take credit for the very delightful
appearance which these men presented on their return. They sent them
away in very good health. They had long been exposed to the breezes
of Lytham, and they sent them away with a good stock of sound
health, and he thought the fact that they had not only returned with
immunity from shot and shell, but also in such splendid health, was
thoroughly owing to the grand climate which they rejoiced in, in
their own homes. (Applause.) They had all rejoiced that the soldiers
and volunteers of our beloved land had not only acquitted themselves
well, but had kept up the reputation of the English name in South
Africa. (Hear, hear.) They were glad to think that these men came
once more to fill their homes with joy and happiness. (Hear, hear.)
He had no doubt that their experience in the foreign land would make
them better citizens and members of a great Empire now that they had
returned to what he supposed would he civic occupation. In the name
r of the town, he bade them a very hearty welcome, and wished them
great success in any employment to which they might put their hands.
(Applause.) The toast was drunk with musical honours.
Private Barton was called upon to respond, and like many more
fighting men declared that he would sooner be working digging
trenches, or making barbed wire fences, than making a speech. He
thought they would go out again, if they were asked. (Applause.)
They had done their duty, every man of them. (Hear, hear.) They had
seen a good deal and gone through it, and had roughed it and had got
over it, and come back in good health. He thanked the Lytham people
for the way they were being treated. It was so good he didn't know
what to say.
Private Cartmell said the welcome was good enough to send them off
again tomorrow. (Laughter.) They had learnt one or two things- how
to cook, and how to cook when they had no stuff to cook, and how to
light a fire without wood. That was the best feed they had had since
they left. (Laughter and applause.) The Chairman then read a
telegram from Mr. Mellor, as follows " — " Please express warm
welcome from me to the returned volunteers, and regret at
absence.—Mellor, Hamburg." (Loud applause.) Lieut. Dandy in
proposing the toast of "The Host," said Barton's remarks did away
with the remarks that had been made about the men being badly paid.
Canon Hawkins proposed “The Chairman," and the proceedings then
closed, the time being about ten o'clock.
THE VOLUNTEER BALL
ADDRESSES BY LIEUT. DANDY AND
COUNCILLOR HOLDEN.
At the Baths Assembly Rooms on
Wednesday evening, the Lytham men who have returned from South
Africa were entertained to tea, along with their friends and the
members of the Lytham Volunteer Battalion. An excellent tea was
served by Pearson and Sons, which was thoroughly enjoyed.
Lieut. Dandy afterwards
addressed the men. He said how pleased they were to welcome home the
men who had been to South Africa. (Hear, hear.) They went away safe
and sound, and after an absence of sixteen months they had all
returned in first-class condition. There was an old saying that the
sun never set over the British Empire, and they might add to that
that the sun never set over the volunteers. At an early date the men
would, no doubt, give them their experiences, which would prove
interesting. He was at a function the other evening, when two of the
men remarked that what they had done they would be only too glad to
do again. Referring to the local Volunteers Lieut. Dandy said the
present strength of the company was 104, and for the second time
they had won the battalion cup, whilst out of the thirty-six prizes
offered by the battalion the Lytham Company won nineteen. That was
very good indeed, considering the Lytham Company only numbered 104,
out of 1,400 competing. It was a grand testimonial to their
instructor. (Hear, hear, and applause.) The company now possessed
four cups—two given by Mr. Gardiner, one by Mr. Beesley, one by Mr.
Windebank—in addition to a number of medals. In conclusion he might
add that that was the last Occasion on which they would have
Sergeant Howard with them as their instructor, but they hoped that
he would, .along with Mrs. Howard, continue to be present at that
function. (Applause.)
Councillor Holden said that what they had been participating in that
week might be regarded as forming an important epoch in the annals
of Lytham. Some eighteen months ago they were saddened by the
earlier results of the campaign. The troops had reverses, which
happily were only temporary, but they had involved serious loss of
life. After criticizing the remarks which appeared in the foreign
press, Councillor Holden said they bore them feeling sure that they
had men who were capable of upholding the glorious traditions of the
British Army, and were further satisfied that if occasion arose they
had the volunteers to call upon. They also felt that the volunteer
element would prove an important factor in the campaign. They knew
that the occasion did arise, and gallant little Lytham contributed
its portion towards the volunteer element. They had men who formed
part of the volunteer forces in Lytham who volunteered to go 6,000
miles away from "kith and kin" and to fight the battles of their
country. They could all imagine what they must have endured out in
South Africa. They were thankful that they had returned sound and
well, and he could assure them that the action they had taken in the
South African campaign, and the willingness they had manifested in
coming forward in defence of their, country, proved that they were
loyal and dutiful citizens. (Hear, hear.) Some token or tablet
erected in a conspicuous part of the town would not be out of place,
so that the action of these men-might be indelibly written on their
minds. (Applause.) "
The company then adjourned to
the Pier Pavilion, where dancing was indulged in until three o'clock
yesterday morning, the Volunteer Band supplying the music.
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