Lot Essay
Trooper William Murray served in the 88th (Montgomeryshire) Company, 9th Battalion Imperial Yeomanry from February 1901 to September 1902. The Montgomeryshire Yeomanry (88th and 89th Companies) were raised and equipped by Sir W. Watkin Wynn, Bart., C.B., and formed a part of Lord Methuen's force for the last year of the War. Methuen held the Welsh Yeomanry in high regard and attached them to the Bechuanaland Rifles with the title of 'First Divisional Scouting Corps'
Accompanying copies of the Wallasey and Wirral Chronicle provide excellent detail on the return of the Yeomen and describe the popular feeling and civic approval which existed for the civilian volunteers. The Chronicle's report starts:
'Amidst scenes of almost the wildest enthusiasm Wallasey on Saturday [30.8.1902] evening welcomed back her warrior sons'.
They were met by large crowds, a reception committee of worthies, the local brass band and a sea of Union Jacks. At the Drill Hall there was a reception followed by speeches led by Councillor Lee 'welcoming home their lads from the front', much punctuated by cheers and applause.
A week after their return a dinner was held in the Concert Hall, Liscard. Letters from Lords Kitchener and Methuen were read out, the last attracting tumultuous applause:
'The two Squadrons of Welsh Yeomanry performed fine service under me, and suffered heavily at Rhenosterfontein. They formed part of my Divisional Scouting Corps, so were at the front always'.
There were more speeches and toasts, music and renditions of the popular ballads. The local Member of Parliament presented the cigarette cases which the reception committee had had made. 56 such cases were given to the returning Wallasey Yeomen, the majority of whom had served in the Montgomeryshire and the Cheshire (21st and 22nd Companies) Imperial Yeomanry.
Accompanying copies of the Wallasey and Wirral Chronicle provide excellent detail on the return of the Yeomen and describe the popular feeling and civic approval which existed for the civilian volunteers. The Chronicle's report starts:
'Amidst scenes of almost the wildest enthusiasm Wallasey on Saturday [30.8.1902] evening welcomed back her warrior sons'.
They were met by large crowds, a reception committee of worthies, the local brass band and a sea of Union Jacks. At the Drill Hall there was a reception followed by speeches led by Councillor Lee 'welcoming home their lads from the front', much punctuated by cheers and applause.
A week after their return a dinner was held in the Concert Hall, Liscard. Letters from Lords Kitchener and Methuen were read out, the last attracting tumultuous applause:
'The two Squadrons of Welsh Yeomanry performed fine service under me, and suffered heavily at Rhenosterfontein. They formed part of my Divisional Scouting Corps, so were at the front always'.
There were more speeches and toasts, music and renditions of the popular ballads. The local Member of Parliament presented the cigarette cases which the reception committee had had made. 56 such cases were given to the returning Wallasey Yeomen, the majority of whom had served in the Montgomeryshire and the Cheshire (21st and 22nd Companies) Imperial Yeomanry.