Watnall Hall's last owner, Colonel Sir Lancelot Rolleston, unveiled many a Nottinghamshire memorial in his time including this rather fine red granite obelisk overlooking The Forest.
It commemorates local soldiers killed in South Africa during the 2nd Boer War (1899-1902). It was originally located just above Old Market Square where the statue of Brian Clough now stands but was moved to make way for the new trolley bus terminus in 1927.
It was first unveiled in 1903 to great public acclaim with a grand military parade through the streets of Nottingham followed by a civic reception and ceremony by Sir Lancelot's boss General Methuen. Sir Lancelot was there that day too, still recovering from his war wounds, in the parade commanding the South Notts Hussars Imperial Yeomanry.
The local newspapers reported the day's events in great detail. This is from the Nottingham Evening Post from March 26th 1903..
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NOTTS. WAR MEMORIAL
LORD METHUEN'S VISIT TO NOTTINGHAM.
UNVEILING CEREMONY.
AN IMPRESSIVE SCENE.
With befitting ceremonial the memorial which has been erected in Nottingham to the officers and men of local regiments who fell during the South African campaign, was unveiled today by Lord Methuen, in the presence of a dense crowd of spectators, representative of the city and county. Upon a conspicuous site in the centre of the town, beyond the apex formed by the triangular block of buildings which abut King and Queen-streets a granite obelisk of striking proportions has been erected, with panels embodying an appropriate inscription, and the names of those who lost their lives in the country's cause. The list includes three officers, eight non-commissioned officers, and 31 men of the 4th Battalion Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment, Sherwood Foresters Militia: one officer, two non-commissioned officers, and 17 men of the South Notts. Hussars Imperial Yeomanry; two men of the 1st Battalion Robin Hood Rifles; and one officer, three non-commissioned officers, and 11 troopers of the Sherwood Rangers Imperial Yeomanry: whilst one or two others are given by reason of their family associations with Notts,, although the deceased were not directly identified with local regiments. It was at a meeting of the City Council which was held in October that a communication was read from Mr. T. I. Birkin, suggesting the idea of the memorial which he offered to provide.
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| 1903 - the original unveiling ceremony |
"Those who fortunately returned in safety have," he wrote. "received and will continue to receive the congratulations and approbation of their fellow-countrymen. It is due to those who were left behind, after having well and nobly performed their duty, and who are now sleeping their last long sleep, that they should never be forgotten." The offer was accepted, with the hearty thanks of the Municipality, and the memorial which was dis-closed to view to-day forms a notable addition to the public monuments of the town. The obelisk has been designed and erected by Messrs. McDonald and Co., of Aberdeen. Of classic form, it is hewn out of Aberdeen granite, the polished portion showing a red colour and the dull grey. The total height of the monument is 25 feet, the obelisk itself being 14 feet high, standing on a panelled pedestal of 8 feet, the base, which is protected at each corner by being formed by miniature two steps. guard posts, The pedestal averages three feet square, and the obelisk tapers from 25 inches to 15 inches. Under the direction of Mr. K. Evans, architect, the foundations for the memorial were prepared. The central panel bears the following inscription:-
To the Memory of Officers and Men
of the City and County of Nottingham, who voluntarily and patriotically gave their services to the country during the and who lost their lives while nobly performing their duty. The names of all are recorded hereon, with the Regiments to which they were attached.
South African War, 1899-1902
For Queen. King, and Country.
Unveiled 25th March, 1903, by
General Lord Methuen, K.C.B, KCVO, С.Св.
C.B. CMG.
Presented to the City of Nottingham by Thomas Isaac Birkin, J.P., DJ..
On the first panel are the names of the Royal Sherwood. Foresters Militia, as follow:-Captain E. B. Bailey. Lieutenants R. H. Hall and J. B. Horiey. Sergeant-Major J. P. Halliday. Colour-Sergeant H. Hirons, Sergeants J. Alvey, C. Peck, and W. H. Perkins. Corporal W. Weatherley, Lance Corporals A. H. Rude and F. Stapleton. Privates F. Basterfield, W. Bingham, J. Church, H. Couror, J. Drury. W Eaton, G. Edwards, R. Glossopp, H. Gough. H. Grmittch, W. Hawson, J. Hayes, A Howarth, J. Kidger. J. Martin. J. McDermot, A. Mitchell. W. Nestling. W. Peatfield, J. Percival. W. Pomfret, J. Pym. J. Riley. T. Rumley, G. Smith, E. C. Smith, W. Taft, H. Thacher. W. Thomas. S. Ward, and B. Wheat, The second panel bears the following names: Scuth Notts. Imperial Yeomanry: Lieut. A. M. Knowles, Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant A. Thurman, Cor-poral W. Brewill, Privates A. Blackwell, R. Boote. II. H. Burton, J. W. Costes, J. W. Cunnington, J. F. Devonshire, P. W. England. J. Footit, A. P. Howard. F. C. Kelly, H. Learman. W. Leng, T. A. Oxley, J. Taylor, J. W. Whittle, G. FL. Williams, and T. S. Wootton. Robin Hood Rifles: Privates J. Lewis and W. Richards. 3rd Battalion Sherwood Foresters Militia: Hon. Lient-Colonel A. L. Salmond. 4th Regiment Imperial Yeomanry: Lieut. A. Pratt Barlow. Upon the third panel are inscribed the following: Sherwood Rangers perial Yeomanry: Lieut. A. C. Williams, Sergt. A. F. Tomlinson, Corporal G. Duckmanton. . Lance-Cor-poral G. W. Webb, Troopers F. Beil, R. W. Bond, J. H. Bowness, E. A. Clarke, J. Hall, F. Kempster, F Kirk. F. E. Lowless, E. J. Mackinder. H. Oglesby, and G. Pepper. 4th Notts. Volunteers: Private A. Tattersall. Medical staff: R. T. Fitzhugh, M.B. London.
Lord Methuen arrived in Nottingham at half-past one, and there was a large and enthusiastic crowd outside the Exchange to welcome the distinguished visitor. His lordship drove over from Bestwood in an open carriage, accompanied by his host. Mr. T. I. Birkin, and Colonel L. Rolleston, commanding the South Notts Hussars Imperial Yeomanry, and in a second carriage were Colonel Wilkinson, D.S.O.. commanding the Sherwood Foresters, Colonel L. Birkin, D.S.O., and Mr. G. Fellows. The party was met by an escort of the South Notts, Hussars at Carrington. A torrential shower just before one o'clock threatened to mar the proceedings, but fortunately the clouds quickly dispersed, and the scene on Long-row was an animated one. The appearance of the yeomanry upon rounding the corner of Clumber-street was the signal for a great outburst of cheering, which was maintained till the carriages Lad drawn up to the door of the Exchange and the party had alighted. The Mayor and Sheriff and members of the Corporation met Lord Methuen at the door. and after adjournment was made for luncheon, which was the usual introductions had taken place au served in the Exchange Hall, at the invitation of the Mayor. The company included, in addition to his Worship the Mayor (Councillor A. W. Black), Mr. T. I. Birkin, Lord Henry Bentinck, M.P.. Lord Belper, Viscount Galway. A.D.C.(representing the Sherwood (Sherwood Rangers), Colonel Wilkinson, D.S.O. Colonel Rolleston D.S.O. (representing the South Notts. Hussars Imperial Yeomanry. Lieut-Colonel Hardy (representing the Robin Hood Rifles, in the absence of Colonel Cantreli-Hubbersty) Colonel Mellish (representing the 4th Notts. Volunteers), Lieut.-Colonel Birkin, D.S.O., Bishop Hamilton Baynes, the Sheriff of Nottingham (Councillor J. White, and Mr. R. Millington Knowles, J.P. The proceedings were of a private and informal character, and no toasts were submitted.
In response to a regimental order authorising a experiment-which was a general parade of the Robin Hood Rifles, close upon because the yeoman 200 mustered on the south side of the Great Market he left place shortly e shortly after TWO o'clock, the officers and non-commissioned officers present including Lieut.-Col. A. W. Brewill, Major J. R. Peter Major Birkin. Captain P. M. Payne, Captain G. A. Wigley, Captain H. M. Whitehead. Captain B. E. Baily. Captain and Adjutant G. N. Colville, D.S.O.. Captain and Adjutant H. W. Poyntz, Captain and Quartermaster A. Poole. Lieutenant N. Wood-ward. Lieutenant O. W. Hind, Lieutenant J. R. Hardstaff. Lieutenant C. F. Atkinson, Surgeon-Lientenant J. B. Roberts, Sergeant Major G. Hodgkinson. Sergeant Major J. Harris, and Sergeant-Instructors E. Skinner, A. Tobbel, and M. Watts. The men formed up and marched into King-street. where they were told off to keep the enclosure clear. Outside the Exchange entrance contingent of the Church Lads Brigade, Brigade, under the command of Major T. A. the Clinch, and numbering 150, were stationed, other officers present being Captains Childs Clarke. Dent. Cox. Greenshields, and Lieutenants Mann and Richards. To the rear a detachment of the Boys Brigade, in charge of Captain R. H. Swain, and consisting of five members from each company, were drawn up. and subsequently proceeded to King-street.
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| Lord Methuen's picture dominates the 3 column article. |
Immediately upon leaving the hall, Lord Methuen made a brief inspection of the Church Lads' Brigade. The members were put through a few of the movements of battalion drill, and, addressing a few observations subsequently the gallant general alluded to the fact that he was a member of the governing body of the brigade and took a very keen interest to in the objects of the organisation. He had recently been to several places throughout the country in support of what he considered to be one of the finest movements of the day. Hearty cheers were given by the lads for Lord Methuen, who then moved off in the direction of the monument, the Nottingham City Police Band, placed at the corner of the Exchange, playing a martial air.
THE UNVEILING CEREMONY.
It was fortunate that the rain held off during the actual performance of the ceremony, although the occupancy of positions in the square formed by the junction of King-street and Queen-street was attended by great discomfort, the high wind taking up the sand and gravel with which the pavement had been strewn and whipping the faces of the spectators severely. By the time the hour of two had arrived crowds began to assemble in the vicinity, and lined the converging thoroughfares to beyond the Exchange doors on Smithy-row, while every point of vantage on the flanking building taken up by interested spectators. No barricades were erected, the police, with the Robin Hood battalions drawn up on each side, keeping the square clear, but in consequence of the difficulties under which speakers were bound to labour, the cordon was drawn in as the ceremony was entered upon, at the expressed wish of Lord Methnen. Behind the monument a cadet corps of boys from the Nottingham High School, 50 strong, under Captain Yates, was drawn ap as a guard of honour, and the whole of parade the forces on general salute as, shortly after three o'clock, the procession from the gave Exchange entered the square. Lord Methuen was attended by his Worship the Mayor, and the mace bearers, Mr. T. I. Birkin, Bishop Hamilton Baynes, and the Rev. A. W. Hopkinson, together with the officers and gentlemen present at the luncheon, while amongst those who had access to the square were the Kev. E. M. Evans (Ilkeston) chaplain to the Sherwood Foresters, Ald. Sir John Turney. Ald. J. T. MeCraith. Mr. R. Fitzhugh. Mr. G. Fellows, J.P.. Mr. E. N. Elborne, J.P., Mr. F. Ball, Mr. P. Birkin, and Mr. A. Heymann, &c. In opening the ceremony Bishop Baynes recited the Lord's Prayer and read a collect in which was included the following passage: And we thank Thee for all Thy servants departed this life in Thy faith and fear, for their steadfastness even unto death, for their love of country and devotion to duty, for their loyal lives and heroic deaths; and we beseech Thee to give us grace so to follow their good examples that we may be partakers of Thy heavenly kingdom."
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| The Exchange stood where the Council House now stands and was the location for the civic dinner and speeches |
Mr. Birkin, the donor of the obelisk, then introduced the object of the ceremony by save were highly honoured by the presence of Lieutenant-General Lord Methuen. one of his Majesties most distinguished generals who had kindly consented to unveil the memorial. and who, when he was asked to undertake the task, with that modesty and self-effacement which were his characteristics, said he had declined and avoided all possible public functions, but having regard to the splendid services rendered by the Sherwood Rangers, and the South Notts. Hussars who formed part of his command during the South African War he felt compelled to make an exception to his rule. He thus showed his great appreciation of the con-duet and good soldierly qualities and effective services rendered by those two regiments. The commanding officers of the other volunteer regiments represented on the memorial had also given unqualified for the way in which they performed their duties, No general ever had greater sympathy with or took greater interest in those under his command than Lord Methuen, and no one more worthily earned and received the gratitude, yea, affection, of both officers and men. His coming to Nottingham to pay his tribute of respect to those who fell, showed the depth of feeling entertained for them. Sir John Turney, as chairman and the General Purposes Committee, to whom the Corporation allotted the duty of selecting a site for the memorial, had considerately and wisely selected that one.
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| Colonel Rolleston |
Mr. Mavor. It gives me very great pleasure, and I consider it an honour to have been asked to come here to-day to unveil the monument which has been so generously given by Mr. Birkin (bear, hear)-in memory of these men who belong to this town and county, and who have fallen for their country in the late war in South Africa. (Cheers.) I am the more glad to do so, because a very large number of the men who came from this county and town served under me during one year and a quarter of the war. (Cheers.) My thoughts now are with the yeomanry who served under me. (Cheers.) They had a unique experience, because for the first time in the history of this country, the county squire and the county yeoman served side by side, and I consider that the experiment-which was a bold one-gained success, because the yeoman he left the good knew his officer before county: man 211 he knew him the country. 10 and he knew that he would be able to follow him with confidence as an officer. (Hear, hear.) I trust that the time may not be far distant when we shall that our county regiments and our county militias far more offered by gentlemen from the county. I consider that if the county gentlemen send their sons unto the county militias and the county regiments to which they belong, they will be cementing far more than at present the regiments of their counties, and they will greatly assist recruiting. (Hear, hear.) My thoughts are also with the fine body of men that left your county-I arm talking of your militia-(cheers) a body of men with fine traditions, a regiment that has contributed as much as any regiment in England to sending recruits into the line, and a regiment that, though it did its best, suffered terribly in the war, and and i condole with those who were with it. This monument is one that not only makes us think of those who gave their lives for their country it makes us also think of those who are their friends and relations. This monument also tells you who are living that you have also to think of your country as well as those men did who are deadur country You may depend upon it that if you wish to void the miseries and the sorrows of war, you can in no way achieve that object so well as being prepared for it-(hear, hear) and a man rightly said not long ago "He who truly keeps awake is the man who is carefully prepared." Cheers.) I thank you again for having asked me to come here, and I trust that Notting-ham and the county may in any future time when England is in danger not only come forward in the defence of their country, but that those who are left behind as civilians will, in the future, help. as you did in the last war, the wives and the children of those fighting for them. (Cheers.) I cannot exaggerate the feeling of thankfulness and gratitude to all of you in England that was felt, by not only the regulars, but by the yeomanry for the way that you provided for their wants abroad, and for the care and the generosity that you showed for these that they had left behind them in England. (Cheers.)
Lord Methuen spoke in a loud voce, and his words could be distinctly beard for some distance.
The gallant general then proceeded to unveil the memorial, the base of which was swathed with white material, and surmounted by tour Union Jacks. When the names on the panels became visible the covering was torn away, the crowd cheered vigorously. The Mayor said that he had to thank Lord Methuen on behalf of the citizens of Nottingham for his kindness in honouring ng them with his presence, and for the service he had rendered in un-veiling the monument so kindly and generously given by Mr. T. L. Birkin in memory of the sons of the city and the county who lost their lives in the service of their country in the late war in South Africa. (Cheers.) They were grateful to Mr. Birkin for his generous gift, and he had the privilege of speaking in the name of the citizens of Nottingham when he expressed thanks to Mr. Birkin and thanks to Lord Methuen. He had very great pleasure, and very much gratitude, in receiving that noble monument at their hands. (Cheers.)
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| The memorial stood at the original King Street location until 1927 when it was moved to The Forest to make way for the new trolley bus terminus |
Lord Belper said he felt it a very great privilege to be allowed that day to take part in those proceedings, and to say a few words on behalf of the county upon that interesting occasion, when the beautiful monument which had been so generously erected by Mr. Birkin, carrying out in such a liberal manner the feelings of the county and the city of Nottingham, was to be unveiled. The feeling that there should be some memorial to place on record their sense of the distinguished services which the county regiments rendered in taking their lives in their hands, and, if called upon. laying down their lives for their country. had been very strong. They all deplored their loss friends, neighbours, and relatives of many who stood around that place but they knew their lives were not sacrificed in vain. Their self-sacrifice would be remembered hereafter, and that memorial would be an incentive to our children and to our children's children to bear their part in the service of the State. and if called upon in their turn to lay down their lives to preserve that Empire which had been won by those who came before them. He would like to say one more word He could TICT forges that he had during the best years of his life been in the service of one of the regiments whose honourable names were placed upon the memorial. and it was a matter of supreme pride to him and to others in his position that when the disasters which took place during the war came, and when those dark days were upon us, they felt that their comrades were doing real and valuable service for the old country at the front. and that they were bearing themselves bravely. alluded 112 terims deeply grateful 10 Lord Methuen had for winch the manner they were in which the reserve forces of this county fulfilled their duties at the front. He (Lord Belper) felt that there was no one from whom such words could be more appreciated than from Lord Methuen, under whom the men had served in the war, and he would like to express on behalf of the county their gratitude to him for coming there to unveil that monument and to say the words which he had done with regard to those who fought under him and of whom he had experience in the war, and he could assure his lordship that they thoroughly appreciated the trouble he had taken in setting aside his leisure to take part in these proceedings. (Cheers)
Colonel Wilkinson said it was a very proud privilege to be there represent the militia of this ountered throughout the the and sustained such great losses. It brought back moments of great sorrow to him when he looked upon the names before him on the monument. But it was a real pleasure to be able to be there and thank Mr. Birkin from the bottom of his heart on behalf of the regiment. (Cheers).
Viscount Galway said that on behalf of the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry, he begged in the first place to thank Mr. Birkin, and then to express his grateful thanks to Lord Methuen for the be respecting kind words which he had used respecting the could assure Lord Methuen that those words were very much appreciated and vained. Those men who had fought under his leadership had not forgotten the unvarying kindness to them, and as commanding one of the oldest yeomanry regiments in England. he might that man of the greatest etmeation to them who stood by that force in the bad old days when TO deery the civilians, but in 12 yeomanry, was DOE military cireles the fashion only among and even at the War Office itself, to know that when the crisis came the response was immediate, and those who went out faithfully did their duty. (Cheers.) He felt very strongly that every man was found in some way or another to contribute to the defence of his country at home, and certainly we in Nottingham shire could say we were not backward in that respect. (Cheers.) The names written there in the first in-stance gave rise to sympathetic thoughts for the relatives and friends leis behind, but they felt that those names would now be handed down as a great example for future generations, and still more, it would be felt that those who did lay down their lives for their King and country did it with a great sense of duty, and that their services would be of lasting value to the country and the empire. The Colonel Rolleston, after thanking Mr. Birkin. said that although it was not his duty to praise his own men he world say that where any leader would have goue the men he took to Africa would have followed. (Cheers.) Those who fell died the death which best befitted an Englishman. He did not forget that there were other citizens of Nottingham who took a part not less valuable in the war, and among these he would mention Dr. Fitzhugh, who went out to Africa and gave his life as bravely as did any other man. The services of the volunteers of all kinds would never be forgotten. (Cheers) Colonel Hardy said that he had to say that Colonel Hubbersty, of the Robin Hoods, was able to be present, and had therefore asked him to come there and say how much Mr. Birkin's patriotic action was appreciated. It was a proud day for the Robin Hoods when they were allowed to volunteer for the front, and it was prouder still when they were fighting shoulder to shoulder with the Sherwood Foresters and sustaining the motto of the regiment "Evocatus Paratus"- "Ready when wanted".
Colonel Mellish said he was very pleased to have an opportunity of joining in those proceedings on behalf of the 4th Notts. Volunteers. Nottingham now found a large share of the men of the Sherwood Foresters, and they were all exceedingly glad to know that the title of the regiment had been altered "Notts, Derbyshire." (C wished to be lottociated in the supression of thanks ted Methuen and Mr. Birkin.
The National Anthem was then played by the band of the Robin Hood Rifles, and the ceremony was brought to a conclusion.
LORD METHUEN'S DEPARTURE.
On the conclusion of the ceremony. the party adjourned to the Exchange, and Lord Methuen bade farewell to the Mayor and others who had taken part in the proceedings. He then drove with his host, accompanied by the yeomanry escort, to the Victoria Station Hotel, where he exchanged his military uniform for civilian dress. It had been arranged that Lord Methuen should travel to London by the 5.14 Great Northern train, but, the ceremony being over rather earlier than had been anticipated, his lordship availed himself of the 4.3 Great Central express. It was his intention to proceed immediately from London to Corsham Court, Wilts, his country residence. His lordship off by Mr. T. L. Birkin and Sir John Turney.
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