Description
Queen’s South Africa, 5 bars, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, SA 1901, SA 1902, 9364 Private George Elsworth, Lancashire Fusiliers.
Officially impressed: “9364 Pte G. Elsworth. Lanc: Fus:”
Confirmed on the medal roll.
Todmorden News 11th May 1951 recalls in their “50 Years Ago” section:
“Lancashire Fusiliers – Private George Elsworth, one of the 2nd Volunteer Service Company, Lancashire Fusiliers, now in South Africa, announced their arrival at Cape Town on April 4th, after a splendid voyage, adding that they have to embark again and go up to Durban. He says that Todmorden Lads are all in good health except Veevers, who has been very ill since leaving Madeira.”
After returning back home to Todmorden the volunteers such as Elsworth were honoured with various meals etc.
The award of this actual medal by the Mayoress was recalled in the Todmorden Advertiser on 15th August 1902, 10,000 were present in the largest gathering in Todmorden history to present to the 6 Volunteers including Elsworth who served their country in South Africa:
“At the Holme Field, a large enclosure had been staked off and a platform erected for the accommodation of the Town Council, the Musical Society’s chorus and orchestra, the Volunteers and Yeomanry, the Cyclists, and others.
…The gathering was one of the largest ever witnesses in Todmorden, and was estimated to number about 10,000.
In the absence of the Mayor (who was in London attending the Coronation of King Edward), the war medals to the returned Volunteers, and the prizes won in the Cyclists competitions were presented by the Mayoress, who was wearing he new Chain of Office.
…The Mayoress presented War Medal to the following active service volunteers:- Sergeant John Mason, Corporal Smith, PRIVATE ELSWORTH, Private Marland, Private Veevers, and a long service medal to Sergeant Sam Green, and in each case the Mayoress pinned the medal on the breast of the recipient amid loud cheers…”
George Elsworth, born in Todmorden Lancs (or Yorkshire as on the border), joined the Lancashire Fusiliers during the War aged 22 and 8 months old on 8th Feb 1901 for a 1 year contract.
He had already seen service with the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers.
He was posted to the 2nd Battalion on 16th March 1901 and saw active service with them in the Boer War, earning this medal returning home to discharge afterwards.
Served:
Home, 8th Feb 1901 – 15th March 1901
South Africa (Boer War), 16th March 1901 – 15th May 1902
Home, 13th May 1902 – 14th May 1902
After leaving the Army he later moved to Oldham and by 1911 was married to Annie, working as a Publican (Pub Landlord) there, his wife assisting him running the Pub and his mother lived there
After WW1, in 1921, he was a Hotel Manger in Bolton, Lancs for Magie Marshall & Co at the Lark Hill Hotel in Bolton.
Hotel can be seen here:
https://lostpubsofbolton.blogspot.com/2014/10/lark-hill-hotel-227-st-georges-road.html
