On This Day, 6 November 1916

Coventry Evening Telegraphy

Monday 6 November 1916

Lord French in the Midlands

INSPECTION OF UNITS OF THE VOLUNTEER FORCE

In the course of his visit to the Midlands on Sunday to inspect units of the Volunteer Force, Viscount French arrived at Birmingham in the afternoon, accompanied by Colonel Sir Douglas Dawson, Lieutenant-Colonel Viscount Hood, and Lord Rankesborough. He was met by the Lord Mayor (Alderman Neville Chamberlain), the Deputy Mayor (Sir William Bowater), and others. A large crowd gathered at the entrance to the station and gave the Field-Marshal a hearty reception. The party proceeded to Calthorpe Park, Edgbaston, where over three thousand men from the five battalions of the Warwickshire Volunteer Regiment were on parade. In view of the unpleasant weather the number of men who turned out was extremely gratifying, whilst the keen interest which was taken in the ceremony by the public was shown by the very large number present. Lord French at once proceeded to inspect the troops, being accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire (the Earl of Craven), the Deputy Lieutenant (Lord Leigh), Major-General Grove, Colonel Hart, C.B., and Colonel Lewis, who was in command of the Volunteers.
At the conclusion of the inspection a couple of medals which had been won in the present campaign were presented by Lord French – the D.C.M to Sergeant A. Corbett, South Wales Borderers who resides at Gladstone Road, Sparkbrook, and the Military Medal to Lee.-Corpl. Hogan, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who lives at Vaughton Street.
Colonel Hart introduced the men. Corbett, he said, although slightly wounded in the head, displayed great courage and ability in commanding and organising his platoon after his platoon officer had been killed. Hogan had been discharged from the army as medically unfit after serving for twelve years and 290 days, and taking part in the present campaign from Mons to the Somme.
The medals were presented by Lord French amidst cheers.