Billy McWatters: Stewart Donaldson - The Victoria Cross

Thu, Feb 15th 2018 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Weekly meeting with guest speaker


At last week's meeting, Hawick Rotarians welcomed Stewart Donaldson who gave a deeply researched and fascinating talk on the history of the Victoria Cross medal. He started by emphasising that the VC could never be considered to be 'won' because of the circumstances. It is awarded 'For Valour', gallant behaviour by ordinary soldiers of whatever rank 'in the presence of the enemy'. The story began during the Crimean War when war reporter William Howard Russell realised that there was no award for ranks below the highest level of officers. He met much opposition from such officers but the cause was adopted by Prince Albert and the first investiture was held in June 1857. The medals are fashioned from bronze from cannons captured at Sebastopol. Since then there have been 1355 individual recipients, with three of those being double recipients! There have been 173 Scots holders of the VC, including William Clamp and John Brunton Daykins of Hawick. Holders receive an annual pension nowadays of £10,000.

One fascinating item was that where a company of soldiers might be considered equally worthy of being awarded a VC, a ballot may be held to identify individual recipients. Many facts such as this were shared with members, and questions answered, before President Scott Elliot gave Stewart a well-deserved vote of thanks.

Earlier, a group of members took part in their Indoor Bowling Competition at the Leisure Centre where Scott Elliot and David Oliver completed a hard-fought path to the final to take the Rocky Richmond Trophy.

'What We Do' Main Pages:

Some info on the entertaining activities we get up to!

more  

This Committee focuses on international aid and projects

more  

A summary of Hawick Rotary's work with the community during 2020, despite the problems of Coronavirus and Lockdowns

more  
2019-20 President Linden Warburton and Treasurer Scott Elliot (centre) meet with Polysport representatives Libby Kennedy (right) and Greg Cuthbert (left)

Hawick Rotary Club has been able to obtain funding for the restoration of the village's Polysport facility after it was inundated by floodwater

more  

Our Vocational & Community Committee concentrates on supporting local community groups and on youth activities, often in collaboration with Hawick High School and with Primary Schools in the town.

more  

Enquiries regarding membership are always welcomed and should be e-mailed to secretary@hawickrotary.com

more