Topic: Medals
Regulations Regarding Presentation of South Africa Medals
St. John Daily Sun, 13 September 1901
Ottawa, Sept. 13.—Ever since the publication of regulations respecting the presentation of the South African Medals, there has been dissatisfaction among the Ottawa men, who are entitled to this recognition. Many of the men are not now members of the militia, but a considerable number are still enrolled in the Ottawa regiments. A meeting was held last evening, at which both classes were represented, about 40 being present. It was then decided to disregard the regulations and parade to receive medals wearing khaki uniform. Their decision soon reached the ear of the military authorities, as a result which the following order was promulgated today:
"Some misapprehension appears to exist as regards the instructions for the dress of those persons who are to receive South African medals from H.R.H. the Duke of Cornwall and York during his tour in Canada. Officers, non-commissioned officers and men serving in units of the active militia must attend in the prescribed uniform of the militia corps to which they belong, in accordance with Canadian regulations. To do otherwise would be an act of gross disrespect to His Royal Highness, of which no Canadian soldier should be guilty. Individuals who have been discharged from any of the special service corps, and who are not now enrolled in Canadian unit, are simply civilian, and as such are not in any way under the orders of the militia department."
The effect of this order is that any man entitled to a medal, not a member of the militia, can appear in any garb he pleases, but as for those belonging to any existing corps, he will have to appear in the uniform of such corps or run a chance of being court martialled.
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