Tribute Medal For Returning Prisoners Of War 1914 - 1918
Item reference number: 83
Prisoner Of War
Newport Is Proud Of You.
1914 1918
From the private collection of Anthony Halse.
Report from the WESTERN MAIL. Friday 17th January, 1919:
MONMOUTHSHIRE HEROES
REPATRIATED PRISONERS GIVEN A FITTING WELCOME
Newport Prisoners of War Reception Committee on Thursday gave a full day's treat to about 350 repatriated prisoners of war who formerly had been resident in the town and vicinity. The recipients were largely officers and men of the 1st Battalion of the Monmouthshire Regiment who were taken prisoners after a debacle on May 8, 1915. At noon the mayor (Mr. H. C. Parfitt), who was chairman of the committee, and the mayoress (Mrs. Parfitt) received the returned heroes at the Town-hall. where the mayoress pinned on the breast of each a gold medal attached to a riband of black and amber (the colours of the Newport Athletic Club). The mayor presided at a luncheon. supported by. amongst others, Mrs. C. E. Bailey, C. B.E., Mr. Lewis Haslam. M.P. and Mr. William Brace. M.P. Mr. Lyndon Moore proposed the toast of "The Returned Prisoners," which was responded to by Capt. Dawson and Sergt.-major Powell. In proposing the toast of "The Lady Workers of the Monmouthshire Regiment Prisoners of War Committee." Capt. Mostyn Llewellin said if it had not been for the kindness of the people at home in minding comforts 50 per cent. of the prisoners would not have survived. The toast was coupled with the name of Mrs. C. H. Bailey, Mrs. Muller, and Mrs. Earle Marsh, the two last-named responding. Mr. Lewis Haslam, M.P., appealed for patience on the question of demobilisation till peace was settled. A musical and variety entertainment and tea followed. Councillor Fred Jones was hon. treasurer of the special reception fund, and Messrs. C. T. Clissitt and G. E. Dibdin hon. secretaries.
Lieut. F. C. Strong, Monmouthshire Regiment, has been released from captivity in Germany, and is officially reported to have arrived in England.
