Ryde Social Heritage Group research the social history of the citizens of Ryde, Isle of Wight. Documenting their lives, businesses and burial transcriptions.
RYDE SOCIAL HERITAGE GROUP
Based at Ryde Cemetery Heritage & Learning Centre. Preserving, documenting and promoting the social history of Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
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Meritorious Service Award 1911

First King George V version

MR JAMES CONWAY

In a special report in the Isle of Wight Observer of 13 May 1911, it states:  Mr. James Conway, of 44 Newport Street, Ryde, formerly of the 91st Highland Regiment, for many years Colour Sergeant-Instructor of the Ryde detachment I.W. Rifles, who has been blind since 1897, has been informed by the War Office that the King has been graciously pleased to confer on him the medal for meritorious service with an annuity of £6.  The medal will probably be publicly presented by the Mayor of Ryde some time in June.

Presentation to an Old Soldier Monday 3rd July 1911
At the conclusion of the Borough Bench, a very pleasing ceremony took place when the Mayor (Mr. M. Maybrick) presented to Mr. James Conway, of 44 Newport Street, formerly of the 91st Regiment (1st Batt. Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders), with a silver medal for long and meritorious service.  “The rare old warrior,” a familiar figure in the town, was assisted to the foot of the steps by two constables.

The Mayor, in making the presentation said that the ceremony was postponed on Coronation Day because the medal had not then arrived.  The Mayor believed that it was a valuable addition to the recipient’s other medals, and it was evident that it was well deserved. A memorandum arriving with the medal stated that His Majesty the King was very pleased to approve of the grant to the old veteran, of an annuity of £5 together with the medal.  The Mayor, pinning the medal on the veteran’s breast, said that it was with great pleasure that he did so and hoped he would be spared many years to wear it.

Mr. Conway thanked the Mayor and said that he commenced his service in February 1854 and completed them in January 1890 making a total of 36 years service.

Veteran’s Reward 9 October 1911
A very interesting little ceremony took place at Ryde Borough Police Court on Monday morning, when Colour-Sergeant-Instructor Conway attended at the Court for the purpose of hearing an announcement from the Mayor, relating to the Meritorious Service Medal presented to Sergeant Conway some time since.  The Mayor informed Sergeant Conway that a letter had been received from the War Office containing the information that he, Sergeant Conway, was to receive an annuity with the medal of £10 per annum in lieu of the £5 as previously announced, and he now had the greatest pleasure in congratulating him on the increase in his income.

Note:
The Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) is a British medal that was instituted on 19 December 1845 for the British Army, to recognise long and meritorious service by warrant officers and non-commissioned officers of the rank of sergeant and above, who are of irreproachable character with at least 20 years of service.  A small number of early awards were bestowed for gallantry. Recipients were granted an annuity the amount of which was based on rank.

Source: IW Observer
Image: Wikipedia
Article: Ann Barrett