Dromore soldier presented with the Military Medal
ON Friday, December 7, 1917 an "interesting function" was held in Warrenpoint town hall, reported the News Letter.
A number of men of the Royal Irish Rifles, "with band" and a detachment of the Northumberland Fusiliers travelled by the 5.15pm train from Newry and had then proceeded to the Shelbourne Cafe where they were received by a local committee which was head by Mr William Johnston, Mr Alex Fisher, Mr J Edgar Connor, JP, and the local Protestant clergymen.
In the Shelbourne Cafe the troops, "numbering 200" were entertained to tea, and they afterwards marched to the town hall which had been specially decorated with flags and bunting.
Special seats were reserved near the platform for the relatives of the men who were to receive a Certificate of Honour. Meanwhile, the platform itself was occupied by officers of Royal Irish Rifles and the various speakers.
The proceedings that evening were opened with the singing of the National Anthem. Mr William Johnston and his daughter then played a selection of "American airs" after which Lieutenant Colonel Mansergh, Warrenpoint, extended a hearty welcome to the military and said how proud he was of them and the rest of the British Army.
Miss Barre then sang Keep The Home Fires Burning which was "heartily" applauded by all those attending.
Lieutenant Colonel McFerran, of the Royal Irish Rifles, told the audience that Brigadier-General Hacket Pain, CB, was unable to attend that evening's presentation owing to the state of his health and has asked Lieut-Col McFerran to stand in for him in his absence.
Then, "amid a scene of much enthusiasm", he then pinned the Military Medal on to Co Sgt Major Boyd's tunic before continuing to distribute some 131 Certificates of Honour.
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Monday 13 February 2012
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